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Game 71: NYR-PIT, Brassard in as member of Penguins |
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The Rangers look for two victories in a row taking on the Penguins at home Wednesday. Pittsburgh acquired ex-Ranger, Derick Brassard just before the deadline, slotting him onto the third line, behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, further evidencing the upper-tier talent on the team. With Matt Murray still recovering from a concussion, Casey DeSmith starts between the pipes, as the Penguins try and earn the top seed from the Metro Division.
The Rangers announced today that Tony DeAngelo will miss 3-4 with the sprained ankle he suffered the injury during the second period of Monday night’s 6-3 win over the Hurricanes.
When the injury happened, which occurred when ADA fell awkwardly into the boards, we all figured that it could be an extended absence. Sprains and ligament damage are many times worse than a break, because a break usually heals cleanly while a sprain or ligament damage can linger and the discomfort can come back in the future. A 3-4 week absence sidelines DeAngelo the remainder of the regular season, keeping him out of the last 12 games and costing the blueliner opportunities for future development and to show he is a clear component of the future.
The absence of Kevin Shattenkirk due to injury, demotion of Brendan Smith after he passed through waivers and trade of Ryan McDonagh all allowed ADA to see more time. After a rough initial stretch, especially earlier in the season when he was demoted, DeAngelo had finally started to display his skills, which include his upper-level skating and passing ability, while remediating some of his defensive deficiencies. These next 12 games would have allowed ADA to continue that growth and refine his game, performing at a higher level. That opportunity is now lost, which could adversely impact his status and also mildly impact his future development. Because, right now, New York is in an evaluation mode, meaning that if a mistake costs the team a game, that’s not the end of the world and can be used as a teaching moment. For ADA, the injury removes 12 more games of that chance and ability to impress the coaching staff while further trying to prove his inclusion if the Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta deal was warranted. To fill his spot, Ryan Sproul was promoted and he is now skating with Brady Skjei, affording him major minutes.
No other changes in the lineup from Tuesday. David Desharnais, kidney stones and all, remain in over Peter Holland. Alexandar Georgiev, who made 41 saves in the win Monday, takes a step up in class facing the Penguins. Zib, Nam and Hayes versus Sid, Malkin and Brassy, who isn’t friends with Zucc tonight.
Kreider - Zibanejad - Fast
Vesey - Namestnikov - Buchnevich
Spooner - Hayes - Zuccarello
McLeod - Desharnais - Carey
Staal - Pionk
Skjei - Sproul
Gilmour - O’Gara
Georgiev
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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