After three days off, the Rangers begin their second of four straight sets of back-to-back games. Tonight it’s at MSG against the Florida Panthers, who the Rangers beat handily early last week. The Cats are well out of the playoff picture at this point, but that doesn’t mean they are a push over. After all, the game is at MSG, which has been a house of horrors this year for the Rangers.
For the Blueshirts, the focus needs to be on proper process. It’s tough when the team is just starting to get healthy and still missing two or three starters. Regardless, the Rangers have been getting relatively sloppy, especially when it comes to zone exits/entries. Controlling the puck out of your own zone and into the opposition’s zone should be top priority. It’s critical for the playoffs.
Panthers Systems
Tom Rowe is the new guy in Florida after Gerard Gallant was unceremoniously dumped at the curb. I have no insight into his systems, as this is his first NHL gig. More to come.
Disclaimer: This post was written well in advance of the game. Lines may be off.
Panthers Lines (presumed)
Jonathan Huberdeau-Alex Barkov-Jaromir Jagr
Jussi Jokinen-Nick Bjugstad-Reilly Smith
Thomas Vanek-Vincent Trochek-Jonathan Marchessault
Shawn Thornton-Derek MacKenzie-Colton Sceviour
Keith Yandle-Aaron Ekblad
Mark Pysyk-Alex Petrovic
Michael Matheson-Jason Demers
PP1: Jagr-Marchessault-Barkov-Huberdeau-Yandle
PP2: Smith-Trochek-Jokinen-Vanek-Ekblad
James Reimer gets the start
Rangers Lines (presumed)
JT Miller–Mika Zibanejad–Rick Nash
Chris Kreider–Derek Stepan–Mats Zuccarello
Michael Grabner–Kevin Hayes–Jesper Fast
Tanner Glass–Oscar Lindberg–Jimmy Vesey
Ryan McDonagh–Brendan Smith
Marc Staal–Nick Holden
Brady Skjei–Steven Kampfer
PP1: Zibanejad-Buchnevich-Vesey-Miller-McDonagh
PP2: Stepan-Hayes-Kreider-Zuccarello-Holden
Antti Raanta gets the start.
Injuries/Scratches: Kevin Klein (back), Dan Girardi (ankle), Adam Clendening (healthy), Matt Puempel (healthy), Brandon Pirri (healthy), Henrik Lundqvist (lower body), Pavel Buchnevich (healthy)
Crazy Prediction: A game where Raanta doesn’t need to stand on his head.
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