The Rangers clinched a playoff spot, and while you may think it’s smooth sailing from here, they still have some work to do. Second place in the Metro Division is within reach, as the Blueshirts have a chance to get within two points before a showdown with the Devils on Thursday. They also need to figure out what lines they want to run at even strength, and also need to learn how to play hockey in the first period.
The Blue Jackets aren’t in full tank mode, but they are certainly letting players rest injuries for the rest of the season. Patrik Laine is done for the year, and it looks like Elvis Merzlikins is as well. That said, they still have fire power on their top line, and given how the Rangers have started games recently, they can jump out to an early lead.
This has the makings of a trap game, but the Rangers have too much fire power, right?
Blue Jackets Lines
Johnny Gaudreau-Boone Jenner-Kirill Marchenko
Kent Johnson-Jack Roslovic-Lane Pederson
Eric Robinson-Sean Kuraly-Trey Fix-Wolansky
Liam Foudy-Hunter McKown-Emil Bemstrom
Jake Christianson-Adam Boqvist
Tim Berni-Andrew Peeke
Gavin Bayreuther-Billy Sweezey
Michael Hutchinson gets the start.
Rangers Lines
Chris Kreider-Vincent Trocheck-Patrick Kane
Artemi Panarin-Mika Zibanejad-Vladimir Tarasenko
Alexis Lafreniere-Filip Chytil-Kaapo Kakko
Tyler Motte-Barclay Goodrow-Jimmy Vesey
Niko Mikkola-Adam Fox
K’Andre Miller-Jacob Trouba
Ben Harpur-Braden Schneider
Igor Shesterkin gets the start.
Injuries: Ryan Lindgren (shoulder)
Crazy Prediction: Rangers play good team defense.
Game time is 7pm.
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