Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America

Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America

The Rangers are in Calgary tonight to take on the Flames and potentially expand their winning streak to four in a row, including a three game sweep against the Western Canadian teams. After a hot start, with equally hot goaltending from Jonas Hiller, the Flames have crashed back down to Earth, losers of six in a row. That said, the Flames possess one of the best top defensive pairings in hockey with Mark Giordano and T.J. Brodie, and have solid young talent. They lack depth, and should continue to slide out of the playoff hunt. Of course, this means trap game for the Rangers.

Bob Hartley has the Flames running a 1-2-2 forecheck that can be used aggressively or conservatively depending on the game situation (time left in period, score, puck location, etc.).  In the DZ, Calgary uses a low zone collapse, taking out shooting lanes and keeping things in tight. On special teams, they run a 1-3-1 and a diamond penalty kill.

Makes you wonder: Considering the Rangers have gotten Dan Bylsma and Dallas Eakins fired, if Calgary loses, does Hartley get fired?

Rangers lineup:

Rick NashDerek StepanMats Zuccarello
Chris KreiderJ.T. MillerMartin St. Louis
Carl HagelinKevin HayesLee Stempniak
Tanner GlassDominic MooreJesper Fast

Ryan McDonaghDan Girardi
Marc StaalDan Boyle
John MooreKevin Klein

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

Scratches/Injuries: Derick Brassard (mumps), Matt Hunwick (healthy)

As always, be sure to check out our ticket link if you’re looking for tickets to a game.

Game time is 9pm on MSG+.

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