Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images

Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images

The New York Rangers are in Pittsburgh for the first time since Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semis last year, and just four days after blowing out the Pens 5-0 at MSG. The Rangers have won four straight against the Pittsburgh Penguins, dating back to the playoffs last year, and have allowed just three goals in those four games. But, the Rangers blew a golden opportunity to build on that shutout against Colorado on Thursday. So, it’s tough to know what to expect from this team tonight.

Suit’s System Preview: The Penguins are playing a slightly different system under Mike Johnston than it did under Bylsma. Johnston has Pittsburgh running a stacked 1-2-2 forecheck, which is what AV runs. Everyone attacks and breaks-out in packs. Short, quick passes and attacking the blueline with speed is preferred over dump and chase hockey and home run passes. Pretty much everyone is playing this way now.

Not much has changed in the DZ. They still run a basic zone defense, a 1-3-1 power play and a hybrid penalty kill depending on puck location. It’s a copy cat league kids.

There are no changes to the lineup from the past two games, which means Anthony Duclair is still a healthy scratch for some inexplicable reason.

Rangers lineup:

Rick Nash-Derick Brassard-Martin St. Louis
Chris Kreider-Derek Stepan-Mats Zuccarello
Carl Hagelin-Kevin Hayes-Lee Stempniak
Tanner Glass-Dominic Moore-Jesper Fast

Marc Staal-Dan Boyle
John Moore-Dan Girardi
Matt Hunwick-Kevin Klein

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

Scratches/Injuries: Ryan McDonagh (shoulder), Anthony Duclair (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.

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