It's a snowy Sunday in the tri state area as the New York Rangers host the Seattle Kraken for the first time ever on this matinee matchup. The Rangers came out on top the last time they played the Kraken but are currently on a two game losing streak, something that hasn't happened all that often this season. With only two games remaining before a two weak break, the Rangers are likely considering this a must win game and will play with some fire after the disappointing end to Lundqvist night on Friday. For the Kraken, they're 4-6 in their last ten however, are coming off a huge win against Pittsburgh on Thursday night.
As the newest team in the league, the Kraken have certainly struggled as they rank in the leagues bottom five. They don't score many goals and have an even harder time keeping them out of their own net. Their special teams aren't strong and they struggle with face-offs. They do however have some hidden gems on their team that can certainly surprise. On top of that, they are more than capable of playing with some fire and are by no means a team the Rangers can take lightly, especially given the result of the last two games.
The Ranges will remain without the services of Kaapo Kakko and Adam Fox. There hasn't been any updates on Filip Chytil other than he wasn't ruled out until closer to game time on Friday therefore there could be a chance he's ready to go for tonight. With those three guys out, the Rangers have finally given their former first overall pick a chance at redemption on the top line, pushing Kreider to the right side. Lafreniere has definitely looked better in the last couple games than he did when he wasn't doing much other than taking dumb penalties, you have to hope he's one goal away from regaining his confidence and stepping up for this team. Of course with the Rangers luck, that'll probably happen on Tuesday against Florida when they won't play again for 14 days.
With Lafreniere on the top line and a vacancy with Strome and Panarin, Barclay Goodrow has filled that slot very well as he has been rather productive as of late. With goals in his last three games, expect Goodrow to stay on that line and hopefully keep the streak going, providing a spark for this team that can certainly use it. Barring a Filip Chytil return, expect the line's to likely stay the same as they were on Friday:
Lafreniere - Zibanejad - Kreider
Panarin - Strome - Goodrow
Hunt - Rooney - Reaves
McKegg - Brodzinski - Gauthier
Lindgren - Schneider
Miller - Trouba
Hajek - Jones
Some potential adjustments that could or should me made would be bringing Nils Lundkvist back into the mix, pairing him with Jones which would allow him to play his natural side. Zac Jones played very well in his first game back after being assigned to the active roster. You can tell he's playing with a real "I don't want to get sent down, I belong here" attitude. Unfortunately for Nils, the Rangers seem to strongly believe that Libor Hajek belongs here come hell or high water.
Speaking of younger players who should be in the mix but aren't, Morgan Barron was assigned to the taxi squad when the Rangers called up Jones, Brodzinski and Tim Gettinger. The Rangers could opt to move McKegg to center if they want to get Gettinger back in the mix, but frankly, it just doesn't make sense as to why Barron isn't getting a consistent look with this team, especially given the fact that they're down a young center in Filip Chytil. We know how badly this team struggles at face-offs and Morgan Barron believe it or not is probably our best at winning draws.
In goal, it's safe to assume that Igor Shesterkin will take both of these remaining games. The Rangers needs this win today and he gives them the best chance to do so. They will also need him against the Florida Panthers who know how to score goals as good as just about any team in this league. Realistically, the Rangers should win at least one of these games before heading off into break. If they can win both of them, that's great. We're approaching a crucial point of the season where when we return, thoughts of the trade deadline and playoffs are more and more active through the minds of Rangers management. Look for the Rangers to play with more urgency this afternoon and expect a big game from Ryan Strome.
Chris Feldman
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