Remember this? (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Tonight marks the return of two former Rangers and fan favorites: Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov. Both were sent to Columbus after the 2012 playoff run for Rick Nash, and one (Dubinsky) has been very vocal about wanting to stick it to the Rangers tonight. Tonight is also the first time Nash will face his former team. Marian Gaborik (sent to Columbus seven months later for Derick Brassard, John Moore, and Derek Dorsett) is injured, and will not be playing tonight. There’s good drama off the ice, but on the ice is what matters.
Under Todd Richards, the Blue Jackets run a 2-1-2 forecheck, but with less active defensemen. In the DZ, CBJ uses a low zone collapse, taking out shooting lanes and blocking shots. On special teams, they run a 1-3-1 power play, and a box penalty kill.
Rangers Lineup:
Chris Kreider-Derek Stepan-Mats Zuccarello
Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Rick Nash
Benoit Pouliot-Brian Boyle-Derek Dorsett
Taylor Pyatt-Dominic Moore-Arron Asham
Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Anton Stralman
John Moore-Dylan McIlrath
Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.
Scratches: Marc Staal (concussion), Derick Brassard (backside?), Justin Falk (healthy)
Game time is 7pm tonight. Don’t forget to check out our Rangers Tickets link for deals to attend games.
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