Pre-Game Show: Are the Rangers in the Cup Favorite Tier? Trouble in Winnipeg? Plus Hurricanes and More

Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos look around the NHL and beyond in The Hockey News Pre-Game Show on the Game+ Network.

Today's guest is Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News' Carolina Hurricanes site to discuss the team's trade deadline plans, success as of late, goaltending situation and more. Plus, the Rangers are on a tear with rising fan favorite Matt Rempe; are they a Cup contender with Boston, Colorado, Florida and others? And while the Winnipeg Jets expressed concern over attendance, Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta expressed interest in an NHL team.

All that and much more, so let's get started. Find the show on TV with the Game+ Network on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. ET.

Segment 1: New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings

- The New York Rangers won nine straight games and stomped the New Jersey Devils. Are they Stanley Cup favorites at this point?

- Matt Rempe is becoming a folk hero. What could his future look like?

- The Los Angeles Kings seem to have righted the ship. Is it time to fear them again?

Segment 2: Winnipeg Jets, Houston

- Winnipeg Jets co-owner Mark Chipman says the Jets must sell more tickets to be sustainable.

- Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta says he's talked to the NHL about a second team in Texas.

- Could there be two expansion NHL teams, or could there be a relocation from Arizona or Winnipeg in the years ahead?

Segment 3: Ryan Henkel on the Carolina Hurricanes

- The Hurricanes have won eight of their last 10 games. Are they the well-oiled machine they were predicted to be before the season, or is there still work to do?

- What will be their goalie tandem for the playoffs?

- Should the Hurricanes be active at the NHL trade deadline?

Segment 4: Faith-o-meter on several playoff contenders

- On a scale of one to 10, how much faith is there on playoff bubble teams, such as the New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, Seattle Kraken, Detroit Red Wings and Calgary Flames, to make the playoffs?

Segment 5: Rapid Fire

- Will John Tavares ever be a top-two center for the Maple Leafs again?

- What have been the weirdest conditions on a traded pick? One in the Emil Bemstrom trade from Columbus to Pittsburgh is a contender.

- Should Penguins coach Mole Sullivan be on the hot seat?

- What does Sidney Crosby's next contract look like, and if he doesn't stay in Pittsburgh, where could he sign?

- Which NHL team has the best "core four" players?

Check out The Hockey News Pre-Game Show on the Game+ Network at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Here's where to watch:

- Rogers: Channel 499

- Bell: Channel 1425 HD, 430 SD

- Telus Alberta and B.C.: Channel 924

- Videotron: Channel 778

- Cogeco: Channel 482 HD, 430 SD

- SaskTel: Channel 427 HD, 127 SD

Subscribe to the audio version (The Hockey News Podcast) on your preferred platform.