The Rangers are now 0-2-1 since their winning streak ended over the long weekend, and have a need to right the ship. Not helping is the Patrick Kane trade distraction, which is hard to ignore. Still, the Rangers need to be professionals about it and go about their business. Trade distractions happen, and they need to focus more on winning with an 11F/7D lineup over the next four games.
For the first time in a long time, the Washington Capitals are sellers at the trade deadline. They simply could not get things going this year, and injuries certainly played a role. The Caps are out of it, and while not necessarily tanking, they are certainly waving the white flag on this season. In theory, this is a good landing spot for the Rangers, specifically Igor Shesterkin, to right the ship.
Naturally though, the Rangers are going up against a former 1st round pick that didn’t pan out in Dylan McIlrath. The cynic in me says he’s going to score today. Also, it’s hard to ignore the Tom Wilson effect, even if the Caps aren’t contenders.
Caps Lines
Alex Ovechkin-Evgeny Kuznetsov-Tom Wilson
Marcus Johansson-Nick Backstrom-Connor Sheary
Sonny Milano-Dylan Strome-TJ Oshie
Lars Eller-Nic Down-Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Erik Gustafsson-Trevor van Riemsdyk
Martin Fehervary-Nick Jensen
Matt Irwin-Dylan McIlrath
Darcy Kuemper gets the start.
Rangers Lines
Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Jimmy Vesey
Artemi Panarin-Vincent Trocheck-Vladimir Tarasenko
Alexis Lafreniere-Filip Chytil-Kaapo Kakko
Tyler Motte-Barclay Goodrow-Ben Harpur
Ryan Lindgren-Adam Fox
K’Andre Miller-Jacob Trouba
Niko Mikkola-Braden Schneider
Igor Shesterkin gets the start.
Injuries: Jake Leschyshyn / Vitali Kravtsov (roster management reasons)
Crazy Prediction: A win?
Game time is 1pm.
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