The Rangers return home to face the Kings tonight. Los Angeles is last in the Western Conference and just one point above Ottawa for fewest points in the league. New York faces Boston at MSG on Wednesday and takes on Carolina at MSG on Friday during which the 1993-94 Stanley Cup winning squad will be feted.
Earlier today, the Rangers sent out the following tweet: #NYR Coach Quinn says (Tony) DeAngelo is in and (Cody) McLeod is out. 7 D and 11 forwards vs. LA. Henrik gets the start in net.
I wouldn't say any of us are materially surprised at this, but blaming Cody McLeod for what ails the offense seems short-sighted. You may not like him as a player and want to get ADA back in the lineup, but McLeod is far from the material issue on this team. He had a poor game Saturday, so not a shock he was scratch. We shall see if the 11/7 format works, as it didn't when deployed earlier this season.
Look for DeAngelo, scratched the last two games, to see time on the fourth line at wing, as opposed to Brendan Smith. who saw time at that spot the last time this alignment was used. Though that is not set in stone. DeAngelo could end up with Marc Staal with Neal Pionk as the rover, removing him from his pairing with Staal, or possibly paired with Kevin Shattenkirk if Smith ends up back at forward again. In addition, if a d-man struggles, ADA could slide back to that spot and New York can just roll three lines as they did Saturday night, when the top line saw extensive action and carried play.
Kreider-Zibanejad-Zuccarello Buchnevich-Hayes-Fast Chytil-Strome-Namestnikov xx-Nieves-Vesey
Skjei-McQuaid Staal-Pionk Smith-Shattenkirk
With 21 days left to the trade deadline, clearly the focus will remain on Mats Zuccarello, Kevin Hayes and Adam McQuaid. Keep an eye on the scouts at each game, especially as the deadline approaches. Rumors will be hot and heavy now, so don't get duped by a non-verified twitter account for one of those who normally break that news. The goal is to get better for the future, so even though New York is still technically in the playoff hunt, that's really in name only, since worrying about this year at the expense of the future is penny wise, pound foolish. I am a bit surprised that Ville Meskanen wasn't promoted, but with seventh healthy d-man, I guess this is how Quinn is finding a way to play all.