Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

After last night’s debacle in Pittsburgh, the Rangers are in Toronto trying to salvage the second half of the season. Playing .500 hockey will not suffice if this team has playoff aspirations, so this is a team that needs to get their act in gear yesterday. Toronto is a team that finds ways to get points despite being one of the worst puck possession teams in the league. This is a beatable team, but the Rangers need to beat them in regulation to gain any ground on them in the “wildcard” spots.

On the ice, the Leafs mostly rotate between an aggressive 1-2-2 forecheck  and a passive 1-2-2. However, they’ll also mix in a 2-1-2 forecheck on occassion depending on game situation. In the defensive zone, the Leafs generally play a collapsing box, which will leave the point men open for opportunities. Their powerplay (umbrella) is fairly standard. On the kill, the Leafs will rotate between PK strategies depending on opposition setup.

Rangers Lineup:

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

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

Cam Talbot gets the start.

Scratches/Injuries: Derek Dorsett (broken leg), Michael Del Zotto (healthy), Justin Falk (healthy)

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

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