The Rangers complete their three-game homestand with a contest against the Coyotes. It's the second time the two teams are meeting in slightly less than two weeks with New York having defeated Arizona 5-1 on February 14. In case you needed to get another look at Antoine Vermette before the deadline, here is your chance.
The Rangers welcome back Rick Nash, who missed Tuesday's game with neck spasms. All the concern that the injury was more than it really was or reported is now out to bed, as it just was a case she Nash slept wrong, resulting in neck spasms. On other injury news, Jesper Fast skated today in a contact practice jersey, meaning he is inching closer and closer to returning. If he doesn't play Saturday against Philly, Monday against Nashville seems like a pretty good bet.
With Nash back, the lineups and line combinations remain as they were before he missed Tuesday's contest. Cam Talbot, fresh off his shutout of the Flames is back between the pipes. I am a bit surprised Mackenzie Skapski isn't in tonight, as it would have been a good chance to keep him fresh and give Talbot a rest before the Rangers embark on a heavier and more difficult part of their schedule. The only question is who is the sixth d-man. That decision may be made easier as rumors are that Marc Staal is dealing with the flu and may not play. If so, Matt Hunwick and John Moore will be in, with Hunwick likely on the second pairing.
Rick Nash, Derick Brassard, Mats Zuccarello Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan, Marty St. Louis Carl Hagelin, Kevin Hayes, JT Miller Tanner Glass, Dominic Moore, Lee Stempniak
Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi Marc Staal and Kevin Klein Matt Hunwick and Dan Boyle
Trades continues to come in. Today, it Jaromir Jagr heading down south - cue the jokes as to that's where all old people go to retire - to play for the Panthers. He gets to face the Bruins three times before the end of the year. How much irony would it be if he is the reason why Florida gets in and Boston misses the post season? There had been some rumors that the Rangers might be interested, but that seemed to be pure speculation not based on any real facts.
I made my views on the deadline clear in my blog yesterday. In case it's not, here they are. I wanted Daniel Winnik. With him gone, I almost prefer no move to ones being bandied about. Do not trade Zuccarello and do not overpay to get Bozak, especially if a first rounder is the ask. His salary for this year and the next two will crimp the team's ability to sign their own free agents or ads anyone. Do not overpay for Vermette. If price is reasonable with cap relief, sure, but to give up a major haul to get him seems foolish. Kick the tires on Patrick Weircoch and Jeff Petry but not at cost of John Moore etc.