New York is back at MSG tonight against the Lightning. To have a chance at winning, the Rangers have to do a much better job at staying out of the box. Tampa had six power play chances the last meeting and New Jersey went 2-for-4 on the man-advantage Thursday and the Lightning is a much threat offensively. Trade deadline is 23 days away, clock is ticking, who won't be here come February 25 is still up in the air.
David Quinn Friday:
After Friday’s #NYR practice, Quinn talks the game plan vs. the Lightning, Claesson’s status, Strome’s chemistry with Chytil and more: pic.twitter.com/H6n7FRGrNZ
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 1, 2019
The good news, as seen below, is that Fredrik Claesson is 7-10 days away from returning. On the downside, the blueline will get more crowded. Will he be here after February 25? Personally, I would like him signed for 2-3 years, since he won't be expensive and is a solid, steady blueliner. But if someone will overpay for him, a deal could occur.
Buchnevich will be on the left side of Hayes and Fast tomorrow, says David Quinn. And Lundqvist in net. Freddie Claesson skated yesterday and today and is probably a week to 10 days away from returning.
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinASteph) February 1, 2019
Lineup tonight. same as Thursday:
Coach Quinn says no changes to the #NYR lineup tonight vs. Tampa.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 2, 2019
Based on the lines at practice Friday, Jimmy Vesey is on the fourth line, partially due to his horrific turnover that led to a goal Thursday, with Pavel Buchnevich, who had a strong game against the Devils moved up. Tony DeAngelo, benched for a maturity issue, will miss his second straight game. Henrik Lundqvist makes his second straight start.
Kreider-Zibanejad-Zuccarello Buchnevich-Hayes-Fast Chytil-Strome-Namestnikov McLeod-Nieves-Vesey
Skjei-McQuaid Staal-Pionk Smith-Shattenkirk
Just catching up on this rumor from yesterday:
Pierre McGuire just told @HunterZThompson @MitchyGallo and @joeyalfieri on @TSN690 that there is heavy chatter around league that #NHLBruins and #NYR are in serious trade talks. Mentioned Kevin Hayes or an unnamed player with term he couldn’t reveal as B’s targets @BruinsCLNS
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) February 1, 2019
I saw the comments regarding Brandon Carlo or Trent Frederic. If I am dealing Hayes, it sure as heck better be for a scorer, or someone who could be a pure scorer. Go after Ryan Donato, more likely Jake DeBrusk in a bigger deal. The blog had mentions of Chris Kreider, if he went to Boston, that return better include Charlie McAvoy, despite the injury history. Frederic reminds of Howden, Carlo is nice and he would be a solid blueliner on the right side, but if Boston offers let's say a 1 and Carlo for Hayes, is that the best deal you could deal, especially if Hayes re-signs with the Bruins.
Jeff Gorton and the scouts look like they hit a home run in the first round last season:
Update on the 2018 #NYR 1st Rounders:
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 2, 2019
Kravtsov – leads KHL players younger than 20 in goals (7), assists (13), & points (20)
Miller – leads NCAA freshmen d-men in A/GP (0.70) & P/GP (0.91)
Lundkvist – leads SHL d-men younger than 19 years old in assists (7) & points (10) pic.twitter.com/9pC1DXd1Ef