The Rangers kick off their six-game preseason schedule Wednesday against the Devils. The roster is split into an A and B team with the A team - see below - skating vs. New Jersey. Squad B is probable to face the Devils in New Jersey.
Rangers lineup Wednesday vs. the Devils:
Here’s the #NYR team for the first preseason game tomorrow night against the #NJDevils at the Garden. pic.twitter.com/rGlQywVn1S
— Brett Cyrgalis (@BrettCyrgalis) September 17, 2019
While Pavel Buchnevich is penciled in on the first line, tomorrow. Kaapo Kakko will get his chance to skate with Zib and Panarin. In addition, Kravtsov is with Kreider and Lias, giving Andersson a real strong chance to make a good first impression. Trouba paired with Skjei, which is the likely top pairing to stop the season. Fox paired with Hajek in a possible season-preview, depending on what happens with Tony DeAngelo. The backup goalie battle starts in earnest in game 1 of the pre-season, as Georgiev and Shesterkin will be in goal.
Quinn press conference:
“You want to start seeing guys in game situations against different people, and it’ll be fun to kick the season off.…#NYR Coach Quinn on tomorrow’s preseason opener vs. NJ: pic.twitter.com/xz5rIOjLU2
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 17, 2019
Coach David Quinn on why Kakko is on the on top line:
By the way, Quinn said that Buchnevich is still going to be RW on the top line with Panarin and Zibanejad, but he just wanted to see Kakko in a NHL game. #NYR https://t.co/8zVjpBmDRr
— Brett Cyrgalis (@BrettCyrgalis) September 17, 2019
New Jersey lineup:
#NJDevils roster at MSG vs Rangers tomorrow:
— Dan Rice (@DRdiabloTHW) September 17, 2019
G- Schneider, Cormier
D- Carrick, Butcher, Smith, Mueller, Severson, Vatanen, Groleau
F-Hischier, Hayden, Rooney, Baddock, McLeod, Bastian, Seney, Wood, Bratt, Popugaev, Maltsev, Boqvist, Gusev
No Jack Hughes on Wednesday, so we don't get Kakko vs. Hughes but Gusev is in the lineup. No Hall or Subban as well. Likely see at least one maybe all three in Friday's lineup. Team B from today's practice is the likely lineup for Friday:
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinASteph) September 17, 2019
Lemiuex protecting Chytil and Buch. Wonder if Nam-Howden-Strome could be a line during the year; all three can play center or wing, giving the roster some additional flexibility. Morrow on the left side and looking forward to seeing Reunanen. Huska gets game action.