The Rangers are in Tampa tonight to take on the defending Eastern Conference champion Lightning. The Bolts bested the Rangers in seven games last season, sending the Rangers home in crushing fashion. But the Bolts the Rangers are facing today are just a shell of the lineup they dressed in May. They are missing Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson, Cedric Paquette, and Jonathan Drouin. Ryan Callahan is also a game-time decision.
Tonight’s game is another test for the Rangers during their impressive streak. They are seeking their tenth win in a row and seeking at least a point in their 14th straight game (11-0-2). That’s one amazing run the Rangers are on. Racking up this many points early is something we aren’t used to seeing in New York.
Bolts Systems
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. They do this quite often against the Rangers actually. 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.
Bolts Lines
Vladislav Namestnikov-Steven Stamkos-Nikita Kucherov
Alex Killorn-Valtteri Filppula-Ryan Callahan (if he plays)
J.T. Brown-Brian Boyle-Erik Condra
Jonathan Marchessault-Mike Blunden-Matt Taormina
Victor Hedman-Anton Stralman
Matt Carle-Jason Garrison
Braydon Coburn-Andrej Sustr
PP1: Stamkos-Kucherov-Namestnikov-Marchessault-Stralman
PP2: Filppula-Boyle-Killorn-Garrison-Hedman
PK: Boyle, Condra, Callahan, Filppula, Killorn, Hedman, Stralman, Coburn, Sustr, Carle
Ben Bishop gets the start.
Rangers Lines
Rick Nash–Derick Brassard–Mats Zuccarello
Chris Kreider–Derek Stepan–J.T. Miller
Oscar Lindberg–Kevin Hayes–Viktor Stalberg
Jarret Stoll–Dominic Moore–Jesper Fast
Ryan McDonagh–Dan Girardi
Marc Staal–Kevin Klein
Keith Yandle-Dan Boyle
PP1: Nash-Stepan-Zuccarello, Brassard-McDonagh
PP2: Kreider-Hayes-Lindberg, Yandle-Klein
PK: Stepan, Nash, Stoll, Lindberg, Moore, Girardi, McDonagh, Staal, Klein
Henrik Lundqvist is in net.
Scratches/Injuries: Emerson Etem (healthy), Dylan McIlrath (healthy)
Crazy Prediction: The fourth line contributes all the offense.
Be sure to check out our ticket link if you’re looking for tickets to the game. Game time is 7:30pm on MSG. All gifs will be on nyrgifs.com.
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