It’s Rangers game day, potentially the biggest one of their year, as they’re back at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh for game four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. After a disappointing finish to game three, the Rangers are back in crunch mode as they either tie up the series or risk facing elimination following tonight’s efforts. The Rangers have had the tendency of being a bounce back team this year and there are fewer goalies who follow up losses as good as Igor Shesterkin does. Gallant has had the right mentality with this team, focusing on their own game, doing his best to keep a calm mentality with his group. The Rangers have to keep their composure and stick to their game plan to have success against this Penguins team.
On the Penguins front, there was only one player that skated yesterday and that was Rickard Rakell. The rest of the team was given the day off, including Tristan Jarry who according to Penguins beat writer Matt Vensel, “would be surprised if we saw Jarry before [a potential] game six.” We’ll know more regarding lineups after both teams morning skates today but I wouldn’t count on Rakell getting back in there and if you had to guess, a game time decision is probably a good label to give Brian Dumoulin for tonight. As long as the Penguins feel they have a good grasp on the series, it doesn’t make much sense to rush guys back from injury, especially Tristan Jarry as Louis Domingue is evidently holding down the fort well enough to give his team a chance to win, especially during the third period of game three.
For the Rangers, they too had a day off yesterday but will skate this morning to prepare for tonight’s outing. The morning skate will likely determine whether or not Ryan Lindgren is an option as Gallant said “we’ll have to wait and see if he skates” before determining whether he can go or not. Gallant also confirmed that Tyler Motte did not take the trip to Pittsburgh but he is skating on his own, presumably back in New York. With Lindgren’s status still up in the air, you have to wonder if Gallant is considering other options on the back end as Patrik Nemeth has been at the forefront of the Rangers struggles, a minus four with several penalties through three games. Not for nothing, but a Zac Jones - Adam Fox pairing would be something to see but is Gallant that much of a gambler? Wouldn’t be surprised if he continues to give Nemeth the veteran benefit of the doubt even if it’s not the best option.
That being said, expect much of the same for the lines:
Kreider - Zibanejad - Vatrano
Panarin - Strome - Copp
Lafreniere - Chytil - Kakko
Hunt - Rooney - Reaves
Miller - Trouba
Braun - Fox
Nemeth* - Schneider
*IF Lindgren can go, expect him to replace Nemeth bumping Braun down to the third pair.
While Zibanejad currently leads the team in assists, the Rangers need a little bit more out of him, especially tonight. When in doubt, you always look to your leaders and top players and Mika is certainly one of them. He had a couple good chances during the third period of game four but he has to find a way to finish and get his name in the goal column. The Rangers have to play like they did in the second period of game three for 60 minutes tonight. Every shot on net is a good shot, get traffic in front as much as possible and play smart defensively. They have to know by now that the refs are going to call every little thing they see and have to play the game knowing that. Can’t give Pittsburgh any more chances than they already get especially with their power play heating up like it did in the first period of game three.
On the flip side, the Rangers need their power play to get back on track tonight as that is when the team gets their best chances. Have to give credit where credit is due, Louis Domingue has stepped up for the Pens and was a huge factor in shutting down the Rangers power play on Saturday. However, at the end of the day, guys like Zibanejad, Panarin, Fox, Kreider and Strome have to be able to beat Domingue, the skill levels just don’t match up and the team is relying on them to put the puck in the net during those opportunities. Expect the Rangers to play with some fire tonight and look for a huge night from Igor Shesterkin after being pulled in game three. A quick start to shut the Penguins crowd up will be huge for the Rangers. If there was ever a game to start the fourth line, I wouldn’t hate tonight being that game.
Chris Feldman
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