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It’s almost fitting this game takes place on April Fools’ Day. What is sure to be a media circus today with a lot of foolish questions and baiting for jabs, hopefully the Rangers can see past the narrative and just go about their business to get the two points.
Under Tortorella, the Canucks play an aggressive 2-1-2 forecheck and aim to keep the opposition pinned below the dots, similar to how the Rangers used to play. Although it hasn’t translated into a playoff spot, the Canucks have improved their Fenwick%, which is 9th in the league (up from 12th last year). So this team shouldn’t be taken lightly.
In the defensive zone, the Canucks play a zone defense and try to defend you in layers depending on puck location. On special teams, Gully has them playing a 1-3-1 power play. Sully is in charge of the PK and has them rotating between a box and a diamond formation depending on puck location.
This will be another good test for the Blueshirts as several potential playoff matchups employ a similar style of play (e.g., Penguins, Bruins, etc.).
Rangers Lineup:
Offense
Carl Hagelin–Derek Stepan–Rick Nash
Brad Richards–Dominic Moore–Martin St. Louis
Benoit Pouliot–Derick Brassard–Mats Zuccarello
Dan Carcillo–Brian Boyle–Derek Dorsett
Defense
Ryan McDonagh–Dan Girardi
Marc Staal–Anton Stralman
Raphael Diaz–Kevin Klein
Hank gets the start.
Scratches/Injuries: Chris Kreider (hand), John Moore (concussion symptoms), Ryan Haggerty (healthy), J.T. Miller (healthy), Justin Falk (healthy)
Game time is 10pm on MSG. Don’t forget to check out our Rangers Tickets link for deals to attend games.
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