(Jeff McIntosh/AP)

(Jeff McIntosh/AP)

The opening night roster is beginning to take shape for the Rangers, as some line combinations have already started forming. Today, one of those forward lines (Chris Kreider-Brad Richards-Rick Nash) and two defense pairings (Marc Staal-Michael Del Zotto, John Moore-Anton Stralman) take the ice with prospects and veterans looking to play a role for the big club against the Calgary Flames.

Despite what the Flames may have done off the ice, it doesn’t affect their style of play on the ice. The last time the Rangers played Calgary, the Flames used a 1-2-2 hybrid trap that sends one man deep on the forecheck, with two guys at the blue line waiting for turnovers. However the Rangers haven’t played Calgary in two years, and since we don’t watch them that much, we are unsure what exact style they use today. My guess is that they stick with the 1-2-2 forecheck, and use a hybrid overload/collapse in the defensive zone.

Rangers Lineup:

Chris Kreider-Brad Richards-Rick Nash
Marek Hrivik-Brian Boyle-Jesper Fast
Taylor Pyatt-Oscar Lindberg-Danny Kristo
Brandon Mashinter-Darroll Powe-Arron Asham

Marc Staal-Michael Del Zotto
John Moore-Anton Stralman
Justin Falk-Stu Bickel

Henrik Lundqvist
Cam Talbot

Game time is 9pm tonight, as the Rangers will be out west for a few weeks. I’m looking forward to seeing what Lindberg, Fast, Kristo, and Hrivik can bring. Those four appear to be in direct competition to fill spots created by the absence of Ryan Callahan, Derek Stepan, and Carl Hagelin.

Don’t forget to check out New York Rangers Tickets link for deals to attend games.

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