The Rangers won their second in a row, 2-1 over the Predators on Saturday. Filip Chytil tallied a marker again, giving him a pair in two games since his promotion, while Ryan Strome lit the lamp for the second straight game as well. Alexandar Georgiev, starting for the second straight a game - see a pattern so far? - stopped 32 shots and will start Monday against the Senators.
Game recap:
Lineup Saturday:
Warmup lines are the same as last game:
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinASteph) November 2, 2019
10-16-17
20-72-89
48-21-24
38-28-42
D pairs also the same
25-8
76-77
55-23
Georgiev starting in goal
A few thoughts: 1) Chytil - if he is sent down, Rangers twitter may revolt. He was dominant throughout and could have had a hat trick. Chytil confidence is at an all-time high and he is all but locked in as the second-line center.
2) Strome - taking advantage of his top-line placement. He has now hit the scoresheet in six straight games, scoring four goals and nine points during that stretch. A suggestion last week was to play Strome on the wing when Mika Zibanejad returns. With Chytil as the 2c, that alignment could occur, if coach David Quinn is comfortable with Brett Howden as the 3c and Lias Andersson as the fourth line center.
3) Georgiev - brilliant in the win and deserves a third straight start. Henrik Lundqvist's advanced numbers show that despite his so-so overall production, he has played better than the numbers would indicate, since the D in front of him has been horrific. Lundqvist will start Wednesday. Two great points by Carp as to why Georgiev has had success and posted better numbers than Hank: "Well, they (the defense) play better in front of Georgiev, partly because he helps them play better in front of him. Georgiev (A) can move the puck better and (B) doesn’t freeze pucks and force defensive-zone faceoffs."
Gorgie keeping this game alive!!! #PlayLikeANewYorker pic.twitter.com/GeixaKE1nl
— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) November 2, 2019
4) Ryan Lindgren and Andersson - both on the ice late in the game to protect the lead. Love what I have seen from Lindgren so far and he has meshed really well with Adam Fox. That duo needs to remain together, so it will be interesting to see how Marc Staal - scratched the last two games - gets back in the lineup, as Libor Hajek has looked good as the well and the defense overall has been solid.
Andersson didn't see much ice time, but he was key late, helping New York kill their two late penalties. He might benefit from AHL playing time, so it's possible that he goes down if Strome is moved to the 3c and Howden, who also aided in the PK effort, to the fourth line.
5) Mika - not practicing with team but skating on his own, which is a positive. New York doesn't need to rush him back. I would sit him Monday and see if he can practice Tuesday and play Wednesday.
Mika Zibanejad skated prior to practice today and is making big strides, per Quinn, who did not rule him out of playing tomorrow, saying he has to consult with the medical staff before giving a definitive answer.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) November 3, 2019