After a couple days between games, the Rangers are back at it on Garden ice to host the Winnipeg Jets. With six games remaining before playoffs, the Rangers are just two points behind the Hurricanes with a game in hand, giving them the potential to sneak into first place if they have a strong final two weeks. While you have to think the Rangers wouldn't mind having the advantage of first place, they are not going to compromise the energy of their top players to get there. Especially with Kaapo Kakko going back on IR after falling awkwardly in Saturday afternoon's game against Detroit.
Head coach Gerard Gallant has already began monitoring some of his players ice time, giving Alexis Lafreniere the night off the other day. It would make sense if he continued to do this with other core players. However, now that the Rangers have a chance at first place, expect Gallant to put his best group forward. The Rangers are currently on a word that shall not be said streak, as Georgiev and Shesterkin haven't allowed a goal in the last two games. Both of which, the Rangers won by a score of 4-0 as they are currently 7-2-1 in their last ten.
As for the Jets, the playoffs this season are a bit of a pipe dream as they are currently ten points out of a spot. Their chances aren't looking great as they are 4-5-1 in their last ten, most recently coming off back to back loses with the Lightning and Panthers by a combined score of 13-5. Tonight will be the first time Andrew Copp takes on his former team after being traded to the Rangers at the deadline. On the Rangers end, expect them to roll with the following:
Kreider - Zibanejad - Vatrano
Panarin - Strome - Copp
Lafreniere - Chytil - Goodrow
Hunt - Rooney - Reaves
Lindgren - Fox
Miller - Trouba
Nemeth - Schneider
Expect Shesterkin to get the nod in net tonight as he will look to keep the streak going for the Rangers. It'll be interesting to see if and how Gallant monitors his teams ice time as the Rangers should be able to take care of business with Winnipeg, assuming they continue to play how they have against Philadelphia and Detroit.
Chris Feldman
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