The Rangers are in Calgary tonight to take on the Flames and potentially expand their winning streak to four in a row, including a three game sweep against the Western Canadian teams. After a hot start, with equally hot goaltending from Jonas Hiller, the Flames have crashed back down to Earth, losers of six in a row. That said, the Flames possess one of the best top defensive pairings in hockey with Mark Giordano and T.J. Brodie, and have solid young talent. They lack depth, and should continue to slide out of the playoff hunt. Of course, this means trap game for the Rangers.
Bob Hartley has the Flames running a 1-2-2 forecheck that can be used aggressively or conservatively depending on the game situation (time left in period, score, puck location, etc.). In the DZ, Calgary uses a low zone collapse, taking out shooting lanes and keeping things in tight. On special teams, they run a 1-3-1 and a diamond penalty kill.
Makes you wonder: Considering the Rangers have gotten Dan Bylsma and Dallas Eakins fired, if Calgary loses, does Hartley get fired?
Rangers lineup:
Rick Nash–Derek Stepan–Mats Zuccarello
Chris Kreider–J.T. Miller–Martin St. Louis
Carl Hagelin–Kevin Hayes–Lee Stempniak
Tanner Glass–Dominic Moore–Jesper Fast
Ryan McDonagh–Dan Girardi
Marc Staal–Dan Boyle
John Moore–Kevin Klein
Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.
Scratches/Injuries: Derick Brassard (mumps), Matt Hunwick (healthy)
As always, be sure to check out our ticket link if you’re looking for tickets to a game.
Game time is 9pm on MSG+.
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