Photo: AP
The Rangers are 6-2-1 in their last nine games. Dallas has lost four in a row. The Rangers need a win to keep pace with the teams ahead of them in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Stars need a win just to stay relevant in their chase for the playoffs in the Western Conference. Suffice it to say, both teams come into the matchup needing a win. The difference is that the Rangers are hot and the Stars are not. But Dallas is a very good and very talented team. This is no gimme for the Rangers.
Lindy Ruff is in Dallas now, and he has the Stars playing an overload 1-2-2 forecheck and a 2-1-2 forecheck depending on the score. In the defensive zone, Dallas tends to overload. The Stars also run a 1-3-1 powerplay and diamond/box hybrid penalty kill. These are familiar styles of play that the Rangers should be used to at this point.
Rangers Lineup:
Chris Kreider-Derek Stepan-Rick Nash
Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Ryan Callahan
Benoit Pouliot-Derick Brassard-Mats Zuccarello
Brian Boyle-Dominic Moore-Dan Carcillo
Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Marc Staal-Anton Stralman
John Moore-Michael Del Zotto
Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.
Scratches/Injuries: Derek Dorsett (broken leg), Justin Falk (healthy), J.T. Miller (healthy)
Game time is 7pm tonight on NBCSN. Don’t forget to check out our Rangers Tickets link for deals to attend games.
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