Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images

Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images

Following a frustrating loss against Washington, the Rangers shook things up in their lineup. In need of grit, the team recalled Arron Asham. Alain Vigneault also (finally) benched both Benoit Pouliot and Taylor Pyatt in favor of Asham, Derek Dorsett (returning from injury), and Dominic Moore (returning after being scratched). A spark is needed, but inserting three bottom-line players isn’t going to be the difference maker. The stars need to start producing.

Nashville, under Barry Trotz, plays a 1-1-3 lock and a 1-2-2, forechecks that can be used aggressively or conservatively depending on score, puck location, etc. In the defensive zone, the Preds are mostly conservative, playing a low zone collapse/box+1. They also run an umbrella/ 1-3-1 power play, and they run it very well (21.6% success). On the PK they run a diamond/box hybrid penalty kill depending on puck location and opposition setup.

Rangers Lineup:

Chris Kreider-Derek Stepan-MZA
Carl Hagelin-Derick Brassard-Rick Nash
Brad Richards-Brian Boyle-Ryan Callahan
Derek Dorsett-Dominic Moore-Arron Asham

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Anton Stralman
John Moore-Justin Falk

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

Scratches: Marc Staal (concussion), Taylor Pyatt (healthy), Benoit Pouliot (healthy)

Game time is 7:30pm tonight on NBCSN. Don’t forget to check out our Rangers Tickets link for deals to attend games.

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