Eric Staal and Marc Staal are brothers. I hope you knew that. Because if you didn’t, then you will tonight. I’m setting the over/under of “brothers” references tonight at 100,000,000,000. I still take the over. Don’t play the drinking game tonight. Please. Don’t. We like you guys. We want you to be around.
As for the game, the Jackets are not good. They can’t score and hemorrhage goals. This is a good matchup for the Rangers to extend their winning streak and get the right process back on track. I don’t think I’m alone when I say that the last two games, although wins, were ugly. They need to start getting things right, and hopefully the older Staal will help that.
Jackets Systems
John Tortorella is an aggressive coach, but this is the first time I’m watching him since he took over in Columbus. It’s safe to assume he still runs a 2-1-2 forecheck, aggressively pursuing the puck carrier. It’s also safe to assume he runs a low zone collapse in the defensive zone, conceding shots to the outside while clogging the middle and blocking shots. On the powerplay, it’s likely an umbrella, with a hybrid penalty kill. These are all assumptions for now.
Jackets Lines
Boone Jenner-Brandon Dubinksy-Cam Atkinson
Scott Hartnell-Alex Wennberg-Brandon Saad
Matt Calvert-William Karlsson-Nick Foligno
David Clarkson-Gregory Campbell-Jared Boll
Ryan Murray-Seth Jones
Cody Goloubef-David Savard
Fedor Tyutin-Dalton Prout
PP1: Atkinson-Jenner-Wennberg-Hartnell-Murray
PP2: Foligno-Dubinsky-Saad-Jones-Savard
PK: Karlsson, Calvert, Dubinsky, Atkinson, Wennberg, Foligno, Savard, Jones, Murray, Tyutin, Goloubef
Joonas Korpisalo gets the start.
Rangers Lines
Chris Kreider–Derek Stepan–Viktor Stalberg
JT Miller–Derick Brassard–Mats Zuccarello
Oscar Lindberg–Eric Staal–Kevin Hayes
Tanner Glass–Dominic Moore–Dylan McIlrath
Ryan McDonagh–Dan Girardi
Marc Staal–Kevin Klein
Keith Yandle–Dan Boyle
PP1: Yandle-Klein-Miller-Hayes-Fast
PP2: Zucc-Boyle-Kreider-Stepan-Brassard
PK: Stepan, Moore, Lindberg, Fast, Boyle, Staal, Yandle, Girardi
Antti Raanta gets the start.
Scratches/Injuries: Rick Nash (leg), Jesper Fast (flu)
Crazy Prediction: The Rangers “accidentally” take Nichuskin back with them to NY, leaving Staal behind.
Be sure to check out our ticket link if you’re looking for tickets to the game. Game time is 4pm on MSG. All gifs will be on nyrgifs.com.
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