The Rangers are back at tonight, upstate at the Key Bank Center against the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo, who was on an 18 game losing streak, finally found a win last night against Philadelphia by a score of 6-1. One of those goals coming from former New York Rangers frequent call up, Steven Fogarty. Glad to see him finally getting his first NHL goal. Nevertheless, Rangers fans can breathe easy as we don't have to worry about Buffalo's first win in 18 games coming against us. However there will be no breathing easy for the Rangers going into this game as this is an important stretch of games and potentially their last opportunity to get something going this season.
Coming off a big win against Washington, look for this Rangers team to want to take control early. They played an overall good game on Tuesday but did not get off to the start they wanted to, allowing Washington to score two early goals in the first. The Rangers are going to want to avoid this against this newly turned over leaf of a team as they are going to be itching for more wins, hoping to build something of their own.
Igor Sheshterkin will return to the net tonight, making his second consecutive start. No surprise there as the coaching staff has made it clear that they are looking to rely on him as well as get him going again. You can make the case that they shouldn't overuse him as he is still somewhat fresh off injury but as long as he feels good and plays good, there's no question about it. This team is desperate for a lengthy win streak and this is the chance. Time is rapidly running out on this season and I don't care whether or not this team is supposed to make the playoffs, if you're not pushing for a playoff push from this team, then your essentially not developing a winning culture with this bunch which frankly defeats the purpose of what we've done to build this team. The goal wasn't to rebuild for the sake of winning one cup, it was for the sake of winning multiple and if this group is going to do that, competing for it starts now.
As far as the line up goes, expect the same:
Kreider - Zibanejad - Buchnevich
Panarin - Strome - Kakko
Lafreniere - Chytil - Gauthier
Di Giuseppe - Rooney - Blackwell
Lindgren - Fox
Miller - Trouba
Hajek - Smith
David Quinn had some interesting things to say about Vitaly Kravtsov, who is actively participating more and more following yesterday's practice. He mentioned how again, they don't want to rush him into things and that he also realizes that Kravtsov isn't a fourth line player. The reason for Quinn saying this most likely having to do with the fact that if Kravtsov is to jump in this line up, he would more likely than not replace Di Giuseppe which would result in him being on the fourth line. Kravtsov also spent a decent amount of time at practice yesterday with Artemi Panarin. You have to wonder if Quinn is essentially waiting for an opportunity to put him on that second line wing spot or if he's genuinely just trying to ride his hot hand and wait for the opportunity to present itself to get Vitaly in there. The other somewhat obvious option would be to move Gauthier down a line and put Kravtsov with Chytil and Lafreniere.
Nevertheless, the Kravtsov decision's will remain interesting but don't expect him tonight. Quinn will ride this team who produced a big win in hopes of keeping the W's coming. Expect the young Rangers to play strong and hopefully get this thing going.
Chris Feldman
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