The Rangers aim to extend their win streak to five and exact revenge for a 2-1 loss on March 17 when they face the Islanders at home tonight. After a brutal start to the season, the Islanders have rallied to get TO the fringes of playoff contention, though the likelihood of that happening is still remote. The Isles now sit 15 points shy of Washington, who they face three more times, with New York having three contests in hand and 16 in total, making each game of primary importance. Following tonight's match up, the Blueshirts, who are a point ahead of Pittsburgh with a game in hand, welcome in the Flyers to MSG on Sunday night.
A look at the standings:
#NYR got no help tonight but still own their own destiny pic.twitter.com/xzzn2CXRf5
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 1, 2022
A few pieces of lineup news today: - Igor Shesterkin will be back between the pipes - no surprise, as this was expected when Alexandar Georgiev got the nod Wednesday night. With 14 games to go and two back-to-backs remaining, it will be interesting to see how coach Gerrad Gallant and goaltending coach Benoit Allaire manage Igor's workload..
- Ryan Strome skated before practice today, but is questionable again tonight. Kakko Kappo and Kevin Rooney are out the next two games, but might be back next week. The fun part will be where each person slots in the lineup and who comes out.
My view: Kakko should go on the third line with Filip Chytil and Alexis Lafreniere if Frank Vatrano is still rolling. I get the view that you don't lose your place for an injury, but that is not always the case or applicable when you miss as much time as Kakko has. Placing him there would create an offensive third line with a combination of skills, though it would lose the defensive ballast of having Barclay Goodrow. In addition, such a change would mean Goodrow ends up on the fourth line, meaning that Chytil or Laf have to win key draws. As such, late in games, look for Goodrow to be on the ice when that line is on.
Rooney likely will be a part-time player. If Goodrow slides down a line, then Greg McKegg is definitely out with Kakko returning, same with Jonny Brodzinski. When Rooney dresses, Gallant has to then decide if Ryan Reaves or Dryden Hunt sit when Rooney is active because Tyler Motte is pretty much a staple at this point. If the penalty kill is still struggling, dress Rooney and use him in that role, making the fourth line Motte-Rooney-Goodrow.
GG said Strome skated on his own before the team this morning. Wouldn't rule him out for tonight. Also, Kakko and Rooney are no for tonight and Sunday, but maybe after that we might see them.
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinSNewsday) April 1, 2022
- Gallant hinted their might be lineup changes, but hard to tell if he was serious or if it was an April Fools' joke. Wonder if Brodzinski is back in for McKegg or Justin Braun is active after sitting the past few games. Can't see any other modifications occurring.
- Rangers sign Bobby Trivigno. New York had been linked to the University of Massachusetts forward for weeks, as had been reported by Mollie Walker. The relationship between the two parties stretches back for several years, but he had three other suitors. As of earlier this week, the Rangers, Islanders, Panthers and Predators were the reported finalists with Trivigno making the decision to bypass Florida, who were the other finalist, and ink with the Blueshirts today.
Trivigno could report to Hartford and see a handful of games prior to the end of the season. View him as a lottery card signing. If he can be an energy third line forward who chips in offensively and brings a physical presence nightly, it's a win-win. To expect more is foolish.
A New York native The #NYR family.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 1, 2022
Welcome, Bobby Trivigno!
UMass Amherst free agent Bobby Trivigno, expected to sign with the Rangers (per @coreypronman), is a 5’8 wrecking ball with a relentless motor and the hands to score from unexpected positions. pic.twitter.com/y8Ds4VRnmH
— Adam Herman (@AdamZHerman) April 1, 2022