Probable Rangers lines for tonight’s preseason game

Per Vince Mercogliano, the Rangers lines for tonight’s preseason game have been released.

Artemiy Panarin-Ryan Strome-Kaapo Kakko
Sammy Blais-Kevin Rooney-Ryan Reaves
Brennan Othmann-Greg McKegg-Johnny Brodzinski
Tim Gettiner-Justin Richards-Lauri Pajuniemi

K’Andre Miller-Jacob Trouba
Zac Jones-Braden Schneider
Libor Hajek-Anthony Bitetto

Igor Shesterkin
Tyler Wall

From these, I see the projected second and fourth lines on opening night, plus the projected second pair for the Rangers and top pair for the Wolf Pack. Naturally, eyes will be on those lines and pairs, as they might have impact this season for the Rangers.

Something interesting to me is that Pajuniemi is on a line with Gettinger and Richards. This might actually be the top line for the Wolf Pack to open the season, or at least the second line. Pajuniemi making the Rangers to start the season was always a stretch, but it does look like he will be getting big minutes in Hartford. With a strong game or two, he might force the Rangers into difficult decisions.