After a much needed holiday break, the Rangers are back in action tonight against the Washington Capitals. The Caps are back to full health, and while the Rangers always play them tough, aren’t going to be a push over. This is a high powered offense with decent defense and solid goaltending. In theory, they are a Cup contender.
The Rangers are without Jesper Fast and have put the lines through a blender after playing miserable hockey before the break. This is a team that has not only been getting outshot badly, but has looked awful in the process. The first step is to get back to not getting out shot by 50. Baby steps.
Caps Systems
Under Barry Trotz the Caps run a 1-1-3 lock or a 1-2-2 forecheck, which they use aggressively or conservatively depending on the game situation (e.g., puck location, the score, etc.). In the defensive zone, Trotz runs your standard zone defense. On special teams, the Caps employ a 1-3-1 power play, and a diamond/box hybrid penalty kill depending on puck location and opposition setup.
For more on these systems, check out our Hockey Systems page.
Caps Lines
Alex Ovechkin-Nicklas Backstrom-Tom Wilson
Jacob Vrana-Evgeny Kuznetsov-TJ Oshie
Brett Connolly-Lars Eller-Andre Burakovsky
Devante Smith-Pelley-Jay Beagle-Alex Chiasson
Christian Djoos-John Carlson
Dmitry Orlov-Matt Niskanen
Brooks-Madison Bowey
PP1: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Kuznetsov-Oshie-Carlson
PP2: Burakovsky-Eller-Connolly-Orlov-Niskanen
Braden Holtby gets the start.
Rangers Lines
Rick Nash-Mika Zibanejad-Mats Zuccarello
Chris Kreider-David Desharnais-Jimmy Vesey
Michael Grabner-Kevin Hayes-JT Miller
Paul Carey-Boo Nieves-Pavel Buchnevich
Ryan McDonagh–Nick Holden
Brady Skjei–Kevin Shattenkirk
Marc Staal–Brendan Smith
PP1: Kreider-Zuccarello-Zibanejad-Buchnevich-Shattenkirk
PP2: Nash-Miller-Vesey-Hayes-McDonagh
Ondrej Pavelec gets the start.
Scratches/Injuries: Steven Kampfer (healthy), Jesper Fast (quad)
Crazy Prediction: The Rangers don’t get outshot by 50.
Game time is 8pm. Be sure to follow on Twitter for gifs, and on our Snapchat for in-game.
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