The Rangers try to end their two-game losing streak tonight at home against the Senators. After going 9-1-1, New York dropped 4-0 and 5-3 decisions to Philadelphia and Washington on Friday and Saturday. Flaws and weaknesses were on display in each contest, against the Flyers for much of the game while the second period versus the Capitals was New York’s downfall.
Mats Zuccarello, who returned for Friday’s game only to be scratched Saturday, will be out again. His groin injury hasn’t responded as expected and the Rangers should just be safe and place him on injured reserve. Tim Gettinger, called up Friday, played Saturday and was sent down after the game only to be called back up yesterday, will be back in the lineup for Zuccarello.
The forward lines are up in the air, but here’s what we could see, depending on any changes. I will post an update prior to game time if the combinations are altered. After a pair of loss, we could see some modifications.
Vladislav Namestnikov, Mika Zibanejad, Jesper Fast Chris Kreider, Kevin Hayes, Filip Chytil Jimmy Vesey, Brett Howden, Ryan Strome Tim Gettinger, Lias Andersson, Steven Fogarty On defense, Fredrik Claesson, who was on ice for three Capitals’ goals, is the healthy scratch, replaced by Tony DeAngelo, who was scratched Saturday after a rough game versus the Flyers. Just think, when Adam McQuaid returns from his injury, we get to figure out which two blueliners sit. At some point, you have to figure a trade will occur, but who gets dealt and for what is difficult to project or answer.
Brady Skjei-Tony DeAngelo Marc Staal-Neal Pionk Brendan Smith-Kevin Shattenkirk
Tonight is Hockey Fights Cancer night at MSG. Philly did a tremendous job raising awareness at Friday’s game. I expect nothing less than that tonight at MSG and the warm-up jerseys being worn tonight are beautiful.
Get your Limited Edition #NYRHFC jersey, made exclusively by the #NYR equipment team starting at 5:30 at the MSG Team Store in Chase Square. pic.twitter.com/jcdcaXTSjV
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 26, 2018