The Rangers begin Game 1 of meaningless hockey, as they travel to Tampa with zero playoff implications. They are locked into the #3 seed and a likely date with the NJ Devils in the first round. The only thing they have left is some potential home ice over some Atlantic opponents should things play out that way. Aside from that, it’s about figuring out the lines and powerplays, along with actually showing up for first periods.
Tampa has seemingly flipped the switch as well as they gear up for the playoffs. They aren’t nearly as deep offensively as they’ve been in the past, but they are still a well coached team with strong depth and a great goaltender. This may not be a playoff game and it may not even have the feel of a playoff game, but it is still a game against a tough opponent.
The Rangers are going 11F/7D tonight, with Patrick Kane out and Ben Harpur in.
Yes, that means Ryan Lindgren is returning.
Tampa Lines
Steven Stamkos-Brayden Point-Nikita Kucherov
Ross Colton-Nick Paul-Brandon Hagel
Alex Killorn-Anthony Cirelli-Pat Maroon
Tanner Jeannot-Pierre Edouard-Bellemare-Corey Perry
Victor Hedman-Nick Perbix
Ian Cole-Erik Cernak
Mikhail Sergachev-Darren Raddysh
Andre Vasilevskiy gets the start.
Rangers Lines
Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad
Artemi Panarin-Vincent Trocheck-Vladimir Tarasenko
Alexis Lafreniere-Filip Chytil-Kaapo Kakko
Tyler Motte-Barclay Goodrow-Jimmy Vesey
Ryan Lindgren-Adam Fox
K’Andre Miller-Jacob Trouba
Niko Mikkola-Braden Schneider
Ben Harpur
Igor Shesterkin gets the start.
Injuries: Patrick Kane (Lower body)
Crazy Prediction: Lindgren scores in his return.
Game time is 7:30pm.
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