The Rangers complete their pre-All Star break tonight against the Panthers. New York enters the game off another uneven effort but a 3-2 win over Seattle. Florida dropped an eight-spot on Columbus last night, led by Mason Marchment-Anton Lundell-Sam Reinhart, which are likely not the names most opponents have worried about game to game.
The lineup is still in flux. Filip Chytil practiced yesterday, slotting back into the middle of the third line with Alexis Lafreniere on his left and Julien Gauthier on his right. If he does play, it will be his first action after being sidelined for the Rangers' previous four outings due to his lower-body issue. Chytil is slated to dress as a center, though as we have discussed, his best future spot may be on the wing.
With Lafreniere demoted from the top line, Barclay Goodrow took his place on the wing next to Mika Zibanejad and opposite Chris Kreider. Goodrow has lined up here previously, and with Kaapo Kakko sidelined, the Rangers have tried multiple options. Today, the wheel has apparently spun back to Goodrow.
Dryden Hunt has joined the second unit with Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome in the middle. Hunt was less than impressive the other night, so this placement might be temporary. If a change is made, Kevin Rooney could be moved up from the fourth line, which likely will consist of Ryan Reaves and Greg McKegg
The Rangers recalled Morgan Barron to the active roster. Forwards Tim Gettinger and Lauri Pajuniemi and defensemen Jarred Tinordi and Tarmo Reunanen have been assigned to @WolfPackAHL. New York is playing the taxi squad and press box shuffle. Maybe Barron dresses tonight, though that is unlikely and he probably heads back to Hartford after the game.
Florida may be the best team in the league, mixing top-tier offense with a solid defense and strong goaltending. The Rangers split the first two contests against the Panthers, each by 4-3 scores, so this is by no means a mismatch. But, Florida is another top contest. New York has the edge on special teams, which given what we have seen to date with this team 5x5, needs to be the difference maker.
I will be at the game tonight if anyone is around and wants to say hello.