Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images

Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images

Ryan Callahan returns from his third injury (wrist, thumb, knee) this season as the Rangers are in Pittsburgh taking on the Metropolitan Division leading Penguins. The Rangers are 5-2-1 in their last 8 games, while the Penguins went 11-3 in December. One of those wins was in the shootout over the Rangers, so suffice it to say the Penguins are white-hot right now. This will not be an easy matchup, even with a fully healthy squad.

Dan Bylsma has the Penguins running an aggressive 2-1-2 forecheck in the offensive zone and encourages puck pursuit in most situations.  In the DZ, Pittsburgh uses a low zone defense, taking out lanes and protecting the slot. The Pens are ranked 5th in the league in blocked shots and still average over 3 goals a game.

On special teams, they run a 1-3-1 power play which is ranked first in the league, clicking at an incredible 25.5% rate. They employ a diamond force penalty kill, which they’re ranked 2nd in the league behind the Canucks.

Rangers Lineup:

Chris Kreider-Derek Stepan-Rick Nash
Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Mats Zuccarello
Benoit Pouliot-Derick Brassard-Ryan Callahan
Brian Boyle-Dominic Moore-Derek Dorsett

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Marc Staal-Anton Stralman
John Moore-Connor Allen

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

Scratches: Michael Del Zotto (healthy), Justin Falk (healthy), J.T. Miller (healthy)

Game time is 7pm tonight on MSG2. Don’t forget to check out our Rangers Tickets link for deals to attend games.

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