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Game 41: NYR-BOS, Rangers Look to Get Back on Track |
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The Rangers head up to Boston to kick off a stretch of three road games in four days. After playing the Bruins, New York will be in Columbus on Friday followed by another divisional game at Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon. The NHL did the Blueshirts little favor with this scheduling, especially if Derek Stepan's injured hand/wrist/elbow (you chose) keeps him out of all three contests.
Thursday's game would be difficult enough, but without the 1 or 1a center, it takes on another layer of complexity. With Stepan out, J.T. Miller moves back to center, replacing Stepan between Chris Kreider and Martin St. Louis. Dominic Moore shifts up a line to play with Carl Hagelin and Lee Stempniak while Kevin Hayes is between Jesper Fast and Tanner Glass, who gets back in the lineup after serving as a healthy scratch for six straight contests. Personally, I would have left Hayes and Moore on their respective lines, but that's a minor quibble.
Of course, beyond Stepan sitting, the big story is the return of Glass. Much has rightly been made as to how he is not a great fit in the lineup and the overpayment - in years and dollars - to Glass. In addition, many believe that there are several players in Hartford who could fit his spot adroitly with little if any fall-off and in fact, provide a lot more to the lineup. All that is likely true but until AV and then Glen Sather see it that way, we are stuck with him. Of course, this calls into the lack of depth, which became even further highlighted by the loss of both Matthew Lombardi and Ryan Malone, of which one was expected to be close to a regular in the lineup. With both failing to earn a spot, fortunately Miller, Fast and Hayes earned roles or the Rangers would have been in even dire straits.
When Stepan returns, the desperate need for a forward dies down a bit, but we have all seen how the team center ice position is a nightmare between the dots. Obtaining a pivot man, who can play on the second or more so, third line, enabling Hayes to move to wing would cure several ills. Antoine Vermette, whose five-year expires after the season, would be a clear fit. Other names mentioned, and rumors seem to indicate this might be a deal that occurs, is the acquisition of Chris Stewart, though I would wary of overpaying for someone who blows hot and cold, with the latter evident of his play lately.
Boston has been bolstered by David Pastrnak, who rejoined the team after the WJC, providing a spark to both Milan Lucic and David Krejci. While the Bruins have struggled at times this year, they have righted the ship recently, which includes the play off Tuukka Rask between the pipes. That hot play has Boston tied for seventh in the conference with the Rangers, though they have played four more games.
Should be a good one tonight…
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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