With the potential to punch their ticket to the playoffs, the Rangers host the Ottawa Senators in game 73 of 82 this season. The Rangers had the opportunity to secure their spot last night had the Islanders lost, however they'll now have the ability to do it on their own. This will be their third meeting with the Ottawa Senators this year, first time playing them on home ice. The Rangers won in both of their prior meetings, each by one goal. After another year of selling at the deadline and continuing a rebuild, the Senators are pretty much just counting down the days to pack it all in and try again next year.
The Send are 5-4-1 in their last ten which honestly isn't bad at all. They were on a bit of a run prior to Thursday night's loss against Nashville where they won three games in a row so as always, they're a team the Rangers can't sleep on even if they have a significant advantage. While Josh Norris, who leads the Senators in goals will certainly be a name to keep an eye on, the guys the Rangers might really want to look out for is Mathieu Joseph. Joseph, who was acquired from Tampa as part of the Nick Paul trade has been a huge addition to Ottawa, currently with ten points in his last five games.
While the Rangers may finally see the return of Kaapo Kakko tonight they will unfortunately be without the services of Tyler Motte for the foreseeable future with an upper-body injury (not head related). This comes as a huge loss for the Rangers as Motte has been nothing but great on that fourth line since coming to New York, being a work horse on the forecheck and a reliable penalty killer. As if that wasn't enough, Filip Chytil seems to have tweaked something as he is listed day-to-day with a lower body injury. While Gallant is optimistic Chytil won't miss too much time, there definitely seems to be some concern with Motte being long term.
As for what the Rangers lineup could look like tonight, Kaapo Kakko and Kevin Rooney were both full participants in yesterday's practice and all signs point to them making their return to action. With that in mind, based off line rushes at yesterday's skate, expect the following:
Kreider - Zibanejad - Vatrano
Panarin - Strome - Copp
Lafreniere - Goodrow - Kakko
Hunt - Rooney - Reaves
Lindgren - Fox
Miller - Trouba
Braun/Nemeth - Schneider
While losing Chytil and Motte are not ideal in the slightest, I am very interested to see that Lafreniere, Goodrow and Kakko line together. You have to hope that Kakko has a smooth return and doesn't take too long to get going as he has certainly be missed as. While Motte will be missed as well, it is convenient for Gallant and the Rangers coaching staff to get Kevin Rooney back who plays a similar role to fill that void in the meantime.
Expect Igor Shesterkin to stay in net as he will be riding hot following his shutout win against the Penguins on Thursday. The Rangers have a couple days before they play again when they host the Hurricanes in the front half of a back to back on Tuesday. Shesterkin will likely get both starts with Georgiev playing Wednesday in Philly. While the Rangers shouldn't be too worried about rushing to punch that playoff ticket you have to think they'll come out with some fire, especially after the intense third period with Pittsburgh in their last game.
Chris Feldman
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