The Rangers are back at it for a historic night, as they will take on their rivals in their brand new, UBS Arena. An arena that people have just been raving about in its early life, the Rangers will look to build off their win against Buffalo and should have a pretty good chance to do so against a struggling, short handed Isles team. Now don't get me wrong, I can't imagine it's been easy to start the season off with thirteen road games in a row, not once playing in front of your home crowd. On top of that now, several Islanders players have been placed in COVID protocol, leaving the team incredibly shorthanded going into tonight's battle.
The Islanders are 5-8-2 to start the season, currently riding a six game losing streak. The Rangers have to go into this game with confidence, not cockiness. The Blueshirts have yet to have a really offensive showing this season and are certainly due for a stat night type of game. Mika Zibanejad, who has now gone several games without a goal more so than most. Things are starting to click for this Rangers team. Their middle six forward group has been most impressive as of late and have generated lots of chemistry together. Unfortunately, leaving some uncertainty on the "top" line.
Times like these you really miss Pavel Buchnevich. For the record, I don't necessarily regret the trade as I really do think Sammy Blais is a key piece to this team that is unfortunately out on a long term injury. However, you have to think we could've acquired him for like a second round pick or something. If this team still had Buch on that top line with Mika and Kreider, I would dare say our forward group is perfect. Alas, the Rangers will have to rely on Dryden Hunt to fill those skates. While that may seem like a tall ask, Hunt looked really good when he got promoted to that top line Sunday night.
That being said, expect the following lines for tonight:
Kreider - Zibanejad - Hunt
Panarin - Strome - Kakko
Lafreniere - Chytil - Gauthier
Rooney - Goodrow - Reaves
Lindgren - Fox
Miller - Trouba
Nemeth - Lundkvist
Regardless of why Gallant opted to get Tinordi in the line up, it's hard to see him returning to it after that awful turnover against Buffalo. According to practice lines, it appears Lundkvist will be back in action. I mentioned earlier how the Rangers have the opportunity for a stat night tonight and that's especially possible for the third line. Chytil, Laf, and Gauthier have arguably been the teams best line in the last couple games, finding chemistry together and playing all around great hockey. Filip Chytil said he spent his time on IR analyzing how he can improve his defensive game and it's certainly showed in his all around center game.
Expect Shesterkin to play tonight and Friday, as the overall confidence in Alexandar Georgiev is a bit shaky at this point. This next stretch of games will certainly begin to paint the picture of what the Rangers organization needs to do to prepare for the back half of the season. At this rate, things are looking very good and this team has a lot of promise this season. However, there's no question they're going to have to make a couple moves if they want to be series contenders. Expect an exciting game between two of the leagues biggest rivals tonight. Don't take the Islanders lightly, but play confidently.
Chris Feldman
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