The Rangers have one more day off before embarking on three games in four days to end the regular season. New York’s fellow tunnel and PATH rivals did the team no favors in their battle to win the division. New Jersey blew a 2-0 lead late ti the. ‘Canes before losing Saturday while the Islanders fell 5-2 on Sunday, all but giving Carolina the Metro.
The Hurricanes have a four-point lead over the Rangers who have a game in hand. Carolina and New York play Tuesday. If the Rangers win, New York would still be two points behind the ‘Canes with Carolina having one game remaining and New York two. For the Blueshirts to win the eividopn, Carolina would have to lose to New Jersey in regulation with New York defeating Montreal on Wednesday and Washington, who will likely be without Alex Ovechkin, on Friday to earn the top spot in the Metro. A very tall task.
While I was out for the holiday etc., the Rangers defeated the Islanders but somewhat lost the war. Artemi Panarin continued his wizardry with the puck, posting four assists, while Andrew Copp notched a natural hat trick in the first period to key a 6-3 win. But Copp suffered a lower-body injury, forcing him to miss the third period and possibly the remainder of the regular season as well. The same for Filip Chytil, who had soreness after absorbing a cross-check. Coach Gerard Gallant appears optimistic both will be ready for the post season and an outside possibility exists that each could play at some point this week, though that is more remote.
Similar for Kappo Kakko, who is week to week with his injury but skated on his own Friday. With those three players along with Tyler Motte sidelined, the depth acquired at the trade deadline has been thinned with only Frank Vatrano amongst the three forwards acquired remaining in the lineup. Their absences were clearly evident in the loss to Boston on Saturday.
Vatrano, who has brought speed and a willingness to shoot the puck to the top line, has tailed off the past three games as expected. He was playing over his head, so his inability to crack the scoresheet the last few games should not be viewed as a major surprise. The Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Vatrano line has scuffled a bit as well recently, though I don’t expect any changes, especially with Kakko, Chytil and Copp out.
Gallant has to decide rest vs. rust and how important it is to try and earn first place given the current standings. My view is you would like some cohesion in the lineup and success heading into the playoffs. But allowing for some time off would be great, though with playoffs slated to begin May 2, New York would have at least two days off, presuming their first game would be on that Monday. In addition, by virtue of owning home ice at least for the first round of the playoffs, the Rangers get to sleep in their own beds and not travel, allowing for some rest before that first round.
My guess is that we should see the normal lineup tomorrow. If New York defeats Carolina, then expect the same Wednesday. Friday’s roster construction would depend on what happens Wednesday. If the Hurricanes win tomorrow, then call up some of the kids from Hartford and liberally rest the veterans the remainder of the week, especially if Copp, Kakko and Chytil all remain on the sidelines with Motte.
Time remains to discuss playoff matchups. Nothing is settled yet, and as we know, injuries could still occur, impacting those series. The likely scenario still is Rangers-Penguins round one. But New York could end up facing Washington or Boston and a remote possibly, Tampa Bay. As the week progresses, who the Rangers will take on will of course get clearer and locked in. Then we can start the analysis and break down, aided hopefully by the Rangers having a complete roster available.
RIP Flower.