The Rangers, losers of 2019 so far, are back home to take on the surprisingly decent Islanders. The Isles were an afterthought after their offseason, but are in the playoff hunt. Robin Lehner has been playing elite level hockey, which has helped the Isles with last year’s league-worst goals against.
The Isles are not without their issues. They need more scoring depth. Their blue line could use an upgrade. But they play low-event hockey and it seems to be working.
The first time these teams met this year, the Isles won a wild one 7-5. The Blueshirts demolished the Isles 5-0 in their most recent visit. Tonight and Saturday are the last times these teams will play this year.
Isles Lines
Anthony Beauvillier-Matt Barzal-Josh Bailey
Anders Lee-Brock Nelson-Jordan Eberle
Michael Dal Colle-Valtteri Filppula-Leo Komarov
Matt Martin-Casey Cizikas-Cal Clutterbuck
Nick Leddy-Johnny Boychuck
Adam Pelech-Ryan Pulock
Devon Toews-Scott Mayfield
PP1: Lee-Eberle-Nelson-Barzal-Leddy
PP2: Beaulivier-Bailey-Filpulla-Toews-Pulock
Robin Lehner gets the start.
Rangers Lines
Chris Kreider–Mika Zibanejad–Jesper Fast
Mats Zuccarello–Filip Chytil–Ryan Strome
Jimmy Vesey–Brett Howden–Vlad Namestnikov
Cody McLeod–Boo Nieves-Pavel Buchnevich
Brady Skjei–Adam McQuaid
Marc Staal–Neal Pionk
Fredrik Claesson-Kevin Shattenkirk
PP1: Zibanejad-Hayes-Kreider-Zuccarello-Namestnikov
PP2: Howden-Vesey-Buchnevich-Pionk-Shattenkirk
Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.
Scratches/Injuries: Tony DeAngelo (healthy), Brendan Smith (healthy), Kevin Hayes (upper body)
Crazy Prediction: No fights in the stands.
Game time is 7pm.
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