Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images

Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images

The Rangers managed to grab two points in two games with just two of their opening night defensemen on the roster. It may not seem like much, but I’ll take it. With Kevin Klein coming back tonight, the Rangers are now dressing three of those opening night defensemen, so that’s progress. Plus Mats Zuccarello is back, so that’s always nice to see. At 5-4-2 with players returning from injury, the Rangers handled this horrible stretch rather well, and they will look to keep getting points against the always dangerous Red Wings.

Mike Babcock has his boys playing a 2-1-2 forecheck, but mix in a LW lock depending on game situation. In their own zone, Detroit plays a straight up zone defense. On the PP, the Wings employ an umbrella and a 1-3-1 formation, but will use Zetterberg as a rover. He’s all over the zone. On the penalty kill they change up their strategy depending on the opposition’s setup.

Rangers lineup:

Mats Zuccarello-Derick Brassard-Rick Nash
Chris Kreider-Martin St. Louis-Anthony Duclair
Carl Hagelin-Dominic Moore-Lee Stempniak
Tanner Glass-Kevin Hayes-Chris Mueller

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Matt Hunwick-Mike Kostka
Conor Allen-Kevin Klein

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

Scratches/Injuries: Derek Stepan (leg), Dan Boyle (hand), Ryan McDonagh (shoulder), Ryan Malone (healthy), John Moore (suspension)

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.

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