Oh hey, a meaningful game in this rivalry. Novel concept.
The Rangers were pretty bad in the last two games, blowing defensive assignments like they were getting paid to. Now, the Islanders, off to a good start, are in town to renew a rivalry that should see both teams in the playoffs in April. Alain Vigneault has switched up the lines a bit in response to the poor performance, as Mats Zuccarello will return to the lineup and Ryan Malone will make his Rangers debut. J.T. Miller and Jesper Fast will be the healthy scratches.
The Isles run a 1-2-2 forecheck, which they use to counter other teams mistakes. In the defensive zone, the Isles like to pressure the point, playing man-on-man up high. Look for blown coverages as the young Isles team still learns to play without the puck. On special teams, the Isles run an umbrella powerplay and a diamond penalty kill.
Rangers lineup:
Anthony Duclair–Martin St. Louis–Rick Nash
Chris Kreider–Derick Brassard–Lee Stempniak
Carl Hagelin–Kevin Hayes-Mats Zuccarello
Ryan Malone-Dominic Moore-Tanner Glass
Ryan McDonagh–Dan Girardi
Marc Staal-Mike Kostka
John Moore-Kevin Klein
Henrik Lundqvist gets the start
Scratches/Injuries: Derek Stepan (leg), Dan Boyle (hand), Jesper Fast (healthy), J.T. Miller (healthy)
As always, be sure to check out our ticket link if you’re looking for tickets to a game.
Game time is 7pm on MSG.
Share:
More About:Game Thread