Game 18: Callahan, Boyle, Stralman return to MSG

Photo: NHL.com

Tonight’s game against the Tamp Bay Lightning comes with some added drama. Former captain Ryan Callahan, Brian Boyle, and Anton Stralman all make their MSG returns after departing the club last season. Cally left in the MSL trade, and Boyle/Stralman joined him via free agency. Cally played most of his first eight years in New York, and was named captain after Chris Drury was bought out. Boyle (five years) and Stralman (three years) revived their careers on Broadway under John Tortorella. All three were key cogs in making hockey relevant in New York once again.

As for the team itself, Jon Cooper has the Lightning playing a pretty similar system as the Rangers. They run an overload 1-2-2 forecheck, but will mix in a 2-1-2 as well. In the defensive zone, they mix zone and overload coverage depending on puck location. On special teams, they run a 1-3-1 power play and rotate between a diamond and box penalty kill depending on opposition setup.

Rangers lineup:

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