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Game 59: NYR-CHI, Clock ticking to deadline, what will New York do?

February 19, 2020, 4:43 PM ET [226 Comments]
Jan Levine
New York Rangers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Rangers play their first of three games before the trade deadline tonight in Chicago. New York is on the road tonight and Friday in Carolina before facing San Jose at home Saturday. These three games may play a big role in the direction the team takes. If they go 3-0, the Blueshirts could hold onto their RFAs, while if they go 0-3, it could be sell, Mortimer., sell. Right now, nothing is off the table, including a possible Chris Kreider extension. But with five days to go before the deadline, time is really getting small to reach an accord.

Game preview:


Tonight’s lineup is up in the air. Kreider or Jesper Fast could be scratched for precautionary reasons, aka bubble wrap, to protect him from a possible injury if a deal is imminent or close. The same can be for Ryan Strome and maybe one or two others. Julien Gauthier, acquired yesterday for Joey Keane, might dress and be in the lineup tonight. What we do is that Igor Shesterkin, over his ankle injury, will be back between the pipes after being sidelined for three games.

Igor in net:


Right now, I am going to let everyone else speculate on trades. The one “solid” piece of info comes from Larry Brooks, who said that no team has inquired on Henrik Lundqvist and the likelihood is that all three goalies will be on the team post-deadline. Granted, something could change quickly and Alexandar Georgiev is more likely than Lundqvist to be dealt, but as of now February 19, looks like status quo will remain status quo for the netminders. Kreider to Colorado or Boston makes a ton of sense for all parties. The Islanders rumor is interesting but unlikely. If Lundqvist does go, after the season, when the actual salary is $4.5 million, regardless of cap hit, is more realistic and possible. So many names mentioned, including Fast and Strome, but the organization is looking to get back to the winning culture we saw from 2011-2017, which must be part of the backdrop for any trade discussions. We all love prospects, and some pan out, so the view may be the more the merrier, since that increases the chances of success. But having players that have had success and part of the locker room fabric shouldn’t be forgotten and overlooked.

Mustang Harry Event, Zib signing 2/23:


On Sunday, Mika Zibanejad is doing a signing event at Mustang Harry, see details below. You wonder what the mood will be like if the Rangers look all three games prior to the meet and greet.

For more info or to purchase tickets, visit nyrfans.com/signings/ or email [email protected]

Tiered ticket packages range from $59-$199 based on player(s) and include:
Package 1: Player Meet & Greet and signed puck and case or 8x10 photo ($59-$119)
Package 2: Player Meet & Greet and signed professional large 16x20 player action shot photo or official NY Rangers mini helmet ($99)
Package 3 (VIP Package): Player Meet & Greet with front of line privileges, upstairs private seating, signed 16x20 player action shot photo* ($99 - $199; limited to first 80 fans)

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