pavel buchnevich rangers canadiens

The centerpiece of the Ryan McDonagh trade, Libor Hajek will make his Rangers and NHL debut tonight against Montreal. Hajek’s recall was very surprising, since he has struggled mightily in Hartford and is not even the best defenseman there. However the Pack are atrocious and it’s a terrible environment, so it’s not the best barometer to use when measuring how Hajek has looked. That’s not to say he will be great, but he may just need a change of coach.

As for the game itself, the Canadiens are in the playoff hunt, but are treading water while those below them in the standings continue to win. The Rangers have another opportunity to play spoiler here, and given how they have played lately, that is a realistic possibility. The Blueshirts have no quit in them. It’s refreshing.

Habs Lines

Tomas Tatar-Phillip Danault-Brendan Gallagher
Jonathan Drouin-Max Domi-Andrew Shaw
Paul Byron-Jesperi Kotkaniemi-Joel Armia
Arturri Lehkonen-Nate Thompson-Dale Weise

Jordie Benn-Shea Weber
Victor Mete-Jeff Petry
Brett Kulak-Christian Folin

PP1: Tatar-Domi-Armia-Shaw-Weber
PP2: Drouin-Kotkaniemi-Gallagher-Danault-Petry

Carey Price gets the start.

Rangers Lines 

Chris KreiderMika ZibanejadJimmy Vesey
Brendan Lemieux–Lias Andersson-Pavel Buchnevich
Vlad Namestnikov–Ryan StromeJesper Fast
Brendan SmithBoo Nieves–Connor Brickley

Brady Skjei–Kevin Shattenkirk
Marc StaalTony DeAngelo
Libor Hajek-Neal Pionk

PP1: Zibanejad-Kreider-Vesey-Pionk-Shattenkirk
PP2: Strome-Fast-Namestnikov-

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

Scratches/Injuries: Brett Howden (knee), Filip Chytil (healthy), Fredrik Claesson (healthy)

Crazy Prediction: Hajek scores in his first game.

Game time is 7pm.

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