NY Rangers lines tonight: Othmann debuts on 4th line

For the first time this season, we’ve had changes in the expected NY Rangers lines tonight. Usually Peter Laviolette and company have made minimal changes to the lines, preferring to let things cook. Injuries have forced his hand a bit, and this is the first time we’ve seen a “blow up” of lines.

Brennan Othmann, who will make his debut tonight, will start on the fourth line with Nick Bonino and Jonny Brodzinski. This may have been a surprise to some, as many expected him to slide into the 3RW spot (as the most realistic option) right away. Perhaps Othmann on the 4th line will disappoint a few people.

The top six remains unchanged, which was probably Laviolette’s goal in the short term. It looks like the Cuylle-Goodrow-Vesey line will be a shutdown line, while Othmann-Bonino-Brodzinski will be more of a 50/50 zone start line, specific role TBD. We will know more as the game tonight against Chicago progresses.

What we can most certainly ascertain from these lines is the Rangers miss Kaapo Kakko in the middle of their lineup, and he will hopefully return soon. Tyler Pitlick, injured on Tuesday night, has also been a pleasant surprise and will also be missed on the 4th line.