The Rangers meet the Red Wings in the lead up to the Winter Classic. Coming off Wednesday's win over the Capitals, New York looks to build off that performance erasing the stench from the two games prior to the holiday break. Detroit has fallen off and is now 13-16-7, sitting 28th in the league.
The big news yesterday, which we discussed, is the loss Chris Kreider to a blood clot in his right arm, which could sideline the power forward for at least 6-8 weeks and possibly longer. In his place, New York called up Vinni Lettieri, who slides into the lineup tonight. The line shifting, which we saw in practice yesterday, is likely what we will tonight. In addition, Lettieri is skating on the second PP unit along with Ryan McDonagh, Jimmy Vesey, David Desharnais and J.T. Miller with the first unit remaining intact.
With Kreider out, Pavel Buchnevich is skating with Desharnais and Vesey, as he did after Kreider left Wednesday's game. Lettieri is on the fourth line with Paul Carey and Boo Nieves, a trio that should be able to create chances with their size and willingness to use the body on the forecheck. The top line remains Rick Nash-Mika Zibanejad-Mats Zuccarello; a group that was good against the Capitals, and Michael Grabner-Kevin Hayes-J.T. Miller, who were very solid in a shutdown role versus Washington.
Much of the chatter since the announcement of Kreider's diagnosis and expected length of absence surrounded the direction in which New York should go. Does his absence make New York more of a likelihood to sell, rather than scramble just to get in the playoffs? Are the issues we have seen to date able to be remediated or are we looking at fool's gold in terms of the record? Can the defense rebound, especially if the combinations are altered? With Rick Nash and Michael Grabner free agents after the season, does New York cut bait early on to garner a bigger return? Since Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil could be brought back, does that change the viewpoint and focus or are they saved for 2018-19 and beyond, rather than burning a year off the ELC? With 12 games in January and 14 in February, we will likely get our answer shortly before the trade deadline if not before.
I know some have jumped well on the Casey Mittelstadt train and off of Andersson and to a lesser extent, Chytil. Mittelstadt has been phenomenal, showing silky hands and skills beyond his age. If the rumor that New York expected Andersson to compete for a spot and didn't want to draft Mittelstadt because he was several years away is true, then that's a bad job by the scouting group and management. I still think Andersson is one who will be a factor in all three zones; he lacks the offensive upside of Mittelstadt, but will be contribute throughout a game, even if not scoring, At seven, I preferred the bigger offensive upside, but that's what the Rangers got when they landed Chytil, who has shown flashes of what he can be. To term either as "busts" is a misuse of the word. Neither had tremendous games yesterday, but both weren't invisible matched up against each other.
The Winter Classic is Monday. If attending, let me know, could try and meet up before the game. First things first, beat Detroit tonight and then focus on Buffalo and the hoopla with the classic.