Photo by David Hahn/Icon Sportswire

Photo by David Hahn/Icon Sportswire

This is getting to be ridiculous. Two prior opportunities to clinch a playoff spot against non-playoff teams, and the Rangers came away with exactly zero points. Now they are in Columbus to face old friends on attempt number three to clinch a spot. You can bet your *** that John Tortorella would love to stop the Rangers from clinching on his ice.

There’s not much else to say here. The Rangers are backing into the playoffs in a manner that is inexcusable. It’s beyond coaching –of which we’ve had our issues– at this point. If the team isn’t mentally prepared to play in April, then it’s on the players. Show up today, please.

Blue Jackets Systems

On the forecheck, Torts loves his 2-1-2, north-south aggressive style of play. In the defensive zone, the Jackets play a low zone collapse and try to defend you in layers depending on puck location. On special teams, they play an umbrella/1-3-1 power play and rotate between a box and diamond penalty kill.

Blue Jackets Lines

Brandon Dubinsky-Boone Jenner-Cam Atkinson
Sonny Milano-Alex Wennberg-Brandon Saad
Matt Calvert-William Karlsson-Oliver Bjorkstrand
Nick Foligno-Gregory Campbell-Jared Boll

Ryan Murray-Seth Jones
Dean Kukan-David Savard
Dalton Prout-Cody Goloubef

PP1: Atkinson-Dubinsky-Jenner-Jones-Murray
PP2: Saad-Wennberg-Bjorkstrand-Hartnell-Savard

PK: Dubinsky, Karlsson, Atkinson, Calvert, Campbell, Jones, Murray, Prout, Savard, Goloubef

Joonas Korpisalo gets the start.

Rangers Lines

Chris KreiderDerick BrassardRick Nash
JT MillerDerek StepanMats Zuccarello
Kevin HayesEric StaalJesper Fast
Tanner GlassDominic MooreViktor Stalberg

Ryan McDonaghDan Girardi
Keith YandleKevin Klein
Marc StaalDan Boyle

PP1: Yandle-Klein-Miller-Hayes-Fast
PP2: Zucc-Boyle-Kreider-Stepan-Brassard

PK: Stepan, Moore, Nash, Fast, Glass, McDonagh, Staal, Klein, Girardi

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

Scratches/Injuries: Oscar Lindberg (healthy), Dylan McIlrath (healthy)

Crazy Prediction: Remembering they have a game.

Be sure to check out our ticket link if you’re looking for tickets to the game. Game time is 7pm on MSG. All gifs will be on nyrgifs.com.

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