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 Kreider–Derick Brassard–Rick Nash
JT Miller–Derek Stepan–Mats Zuccarello
Kevin Hayes–Eric Staal–Jesper Fast
Tanner Glass–Dominic Moore–Viktor Stalberg
Ryan McDonagh–Dan Girardi
Keith Yandle–Kevin Klein
Marc Staal–Dan 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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