The Rangers kickoff their post-All Star Game schedule at MSG with a contest against the Red Wings. The NHL liked this match up so much, they are having the same two teams meet tomorrow night in Detroit. If New York has any thoughts of making the post-season run, sweeping these two games are a must prior to four straight games at home (Dallas, Toronto, Buffalo and Los Angeles).
The lines for tonight are up in the air, as Ryan Strome left yesterday's practice with the flu. Coach David Quinn believes that Strome will be good to go tonight. If so, Strome will be in usual 2c spot. Artemi Panarin is expected back from the upper-body injury that sidelined him the game before as well as the ASG. What the lines look like even if Strome is back is somewhat up in the air. Where does Pavel Buchnevich slot in? Is Kaapo Kakko on the first or the kid line?
The new defense pairs are: Skjei - Fox Lindgren - Trouba Staal - DeAngelo
I thought the Rangers D had been a lot better the last 10-15 games. While Skjei-Trouba hadn't been great, they had been fairly solid and Skjei play was much improved over the beginning of the season. Lindgren gets showcased on the top pair to see if he is up to the task. His lack of foot speed concerns me, especially since Trouba, while a decent skater, isn't a speed burner by any stretch. If Lindgren isn't up to the task, that may indicate New York has to search for a pair mate for Trouba, though we could see ADA switch sides and tried there.
Who is the defensive defenseman between Skjei and Fox? Skjei plays better when he doesn't overthink on the ice. Will the shift to pair with Fox result in Skjei play back more than usual and try and overanalyze situations rather than playing instinctive, which is when he has success? Igor Shesterkin in net tonight, Henrik Lundqvist on Saturday.
Lundqvist talks about always being a Ranger and Eli Manning legacy
…I will always feel like a Ranger. In 10- 15 years when I’m done playing it doesn’t matter.... That will never change no matter what.…
— Jonas Schwartz (@Jonas_SNY) January 30, 2020
Henrik Lundqvist (who showed some emotion) on if he identified w Eli Manning’s career and pride about only playing w 1 team pic.twitter.com/nxk0tzygWi
Lundqvist was very reflective yesterday, as seen below. Those who want him out will believe he is paving the way to waive his NMC or possibly retire after the season. Those who recognize all he has done think that Lundqvist is just providing his usual insights and reading into his remark about always being a Ranger is just a statement of fact. Time will tell.
Per Pierre LeBrun, eight teams in on Kreider:
INSIDER TRADING: #TSNHockey Insiders discuss...
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) January 30, 2020
🏒 Big demand for Chris Kreider and the asking price
🏒 Latest on Leafs & Muzzin
🏒 NHL checking into #Yotes recruiting violations?
🏒 #NHLBruins & Backes
🏒 Gallant’s next step?
WATCH ðŸŒ: https://t.co/KSrQ8RUfP9 #TradeCentre pic.twitter.com/NSxBe02mOn
The next 26 days will be crazy. The initial stretch run that starts tonight will in all probability dictate which direction team management takes, though the long- and not short-term view has to be the focus. .They will have 15 games in February, 13 of which come before the February 24 trade deadline, 15 in March and three in the first four days of April. That’s 34 games in the season’s final 65 days (including five sets of back-to-backs).
Interpret this tweet from Tony DeAngelo as you want:
— Tony DeAngelo (@TonyDee07) January 31, 2020