The Rangers look to extend their win streak to three games tonight against the Islanders. Home game, Islanders, St. Patrick’s Day, think the group will be slightly riled up? In addition, we likely get our first look at Frank Vatrano as a Blueshirt tonight, which line he plays on is not yet known.
Vatrano could possibly slot into the second line, replacing Dryden Hunt. But with Hunt notching four points his last four games and looking slightly more comfortable next to Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome, I don’t expect a change tonight. Hunt provides a physical pressure and is a grinder along the boards, giving Panarin room to create. This view is also based on wanting to get Vatrano up to speed with the system, reducing the pressure created by him skating immediately with that duo. Granted, this is until Kakko Kaapo hopefully returns from his wrist injury or another trade is made.
The more likely placement is on the third line next to Filip Chytil. As that trio needs a finisher with speed who is a shoot first player, Vatrano certainly looks to fit best there. Jonny Brodzinski probably remains on that line’s right wing opposite Vatrano driven by his play of late. (Update: Vatrano opened the game on the second line with Hunt on the third line)
Barclay Goodrow then slides down a line to play next to Greg McKegg and Ryan Reaves. This is where the team misses Kevin Rooney, as the energy line would be reunited if he was healthy. Julien Gauthier ends up as the odd man out of the lineup.
In net, after sitting Tuesday, likely will be Igor Shesterkin with Ilya Sorokin between the pipes for the Islanders. One reason why Igor might get another game off is his 1-4-1 record with an .888 save percentage and 3.18 goals-against average in six contests against the Islanders. In addition, Alexandar Georgiev, who played well enough Tuesday, could get the nod due to his strong numbers against the Isles. One more factor might be Gerard Gallant opting to play Igor in both games of the back-to-back against Tampa Bay and Carolina this weekend. Sitting him tonight might then make a semblance of sense.
Tomas Hertl signed an eight-year, $65 million contract to remain a Shark, removing target #1 for New York in my opinion. Philly’s Claude Giroux looks to be a long shot while the Rangers are kicking the tires on Dallas’ Alexander Radulov, who would be an okay addition, but not my top choice. Anaheim's Rickard Rakell might be too expensive given the reported ask of a first rounder and a pair of additional assists, potentially making Arizona's Phil Kessel or Winnipeg's Andrew Copp as the probable trade deadline acquisition. (I know Lawson Crouse is the favorite of others, but I don’t see him coming given the cost to acquire. Same with Chicago’s Patrick Kane). Vatrano was a nice first piece that didn’t cost much, but a top six winger, third line center and a left-handed blueliner remain areas of needs.
A major topic du juror on Twitter today has been the thought of not using the Potvin Sucks chat tonight due to Jean Potvin passing away earlier this week. As someone who thinks the chant should have been retired decades ago, sign me up for this. Will see if the Garden faithful follow through with this, but we all know, even with a moment of silence, someone will start the chant, same as though who feel the need to chant during the National Anthem.