The New York Rangers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning, 7-3, on Wednesday. During the game, Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan made an interesting move.
He moved Gabe Perreault out of the top line, placing Will Cuylle next to Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller. Cuylle ended the game with two goals, proving that Sullivan made the right call.
Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper lined up Nikita Kucherov, Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point for that matchup. Sullivan made the decision not to expose Perreault, a rookie with little experience, against an elite line and opted for a more physical and mature winger who could handle board battles, forecheck and backcheck.
Sullivan confirmed that his decision was based on the feel of the game. “Some of it was just based on the feel of the game, but some of it was just from a matchup strategy standpoint,” he said, via New York Post’s Mollie Walker.
Facing the line chosen by Tampa Bay required transition coverage and discipline without the puck. The coach of the Blueshirts interpreted that Cuylle fits better in that role.
Perreault is a creative player, but he still does not have the defensive skills for that level. Cuylle offers better puck protection, wall play and defensive tracking.
Sullivan protected Perreault’s confidence and prioritized, at the same time, the immediate performance of the team, maintaining the functional chemistry of Zibanejad and Miller in a tough context. The result was the two goals from Cuylle.
Sullivan seems to have adopted a pragmatic development philosophy, giving his rookies favorable roles. He surely will gradually increase the difficulty as they progress.
“This is the game that will define our season. We know the Chiefs are the gold standard in the AFC, but we’re ready to show we belong at that level.”
— Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts Running Back
The Indianapolis Colts are making their presence felt in the 2025 season, sitting atop the AFC with a stellar 8-2 record, but their toughest test is yet to come. After a much-needed bye week, the Colts are gearing up for a monumental matchup against the reigning AFC champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in Week 12. The stakes are higher than ever, and this game has quickly become one of the most anticipated of the week.
The Colts’ clash with the Chiefs is being treated as a marquee game, and CBS has pulled out all the stops by assigning its top broadcast team—Jim Nantz and Tony Romo—to call the action. The network’s decision to give this game its A-team, despite the 1 p.m. start time, speaks volumes about how significant this matchup is. With the Chiefs and Colts among the top Super Bowl contenders, this is more than just a regular season game—it’s a must-watch event.
Nantz and Romo, well-versed in calling high-stakes Chiefs games, will bring their expert commentary to this exciting showdown, adding even more anticipation to what is sure to be an electric game. For Colts fans, it’s a chance to prove that their team is not just a playoff contender but a serious Super Bowl threat.
For Indianapolis, Week 12 could be a defining moment in their 2025 season. Coming off a dominant start to the year, they now face the Chiefs, one of the most dominant teams in the NFL. This game will test their ability to compete with the league’s elite. If the Colts can secure a win on the road in Kansas City, it would solidify their status as a legitimate contender in the AFC.
“This is the game that will define our season,” said Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. “We know the Chiefs are the gold standard in the AFC, but we’re ready to show we belong at that level.”
With a roster packed with talent, including MVP-caliber quarterback Josh Allen and a defense that’s quietly become one of the league’s toughest, the Colts are more than capable of taking down the Chiefs. However, they will need to play their best football to overcome Mahomes and company, who have dominated the AFC for years.
With a stacked Week 12 schedule, including high-profile primetime games like the Texans vs. Bills on Thursday Night Football and the Rams vs. Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football, this Colts vs. Chiefs game is still drawing the most attention. Despite the jam-packed slate, the Colts have earned their spot as one of the top games of the week, and they’re ready to rise to the occasion.
Indy’s push for the playoffs—and perhaps a Super Bowl appearance—starts with this pivotal matchup. It’s not just about winning; it’s about showing the league that the Colts are more than just a team to watch—they are a force to be reckoned with. This is their chance to prove it, and the world will be watching.
As Jonathan Taylor put it, “We’re ready to show we belong at that level.” The Colts have the talent, the drive, and the hunger to make this game count. Now it’s time to deliver.
Don’t miss the action—this game could change the trajectory of the entire NFL season.