Photo by Graig Abel/NHLI via Getty Images

Photo by Graig Abel/NHLI via Getty Images

The Rangers were shocked this afternoon when news of the Ryan Callahan trade spread. The Ranges landed the better player in the deal in Martin St. Louis, but the shock of a captain-for-captain trade from two teams that are likely headed to the playoffs certainly hit the Rangers hard. Toronto is in town tonight, and they are three points ahead of the Rangers in the wildcard chase (Rangers are in third in the Atlantic though) with a game in hand. A win in regulation moves the Rangers closer to that playoff goal.

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 occasion depending on game situation. In the defensive zone, the Leafs generally play a collapsing box +1, 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 KreiderDerek StepanRick Nash
Carl HagelinBrad Richards-Martin St. Louis
Benoit PouliotDerick Brassard-Derek Dorsett
Dominic Moore-Brian Boyle-Dan Carcillo

Ryan McDonaghDan Girardi
Marc Staal-Kevin Klein
John Moore-Anton Stralman

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start

Scratches/Injuries: Mats Zuccarello (hand), Justin Falk (healthy), Raphael Diaz (healthy/couldn’t get to New York in time)

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

Share: 

More About: