The Rangers complete their five-game road trip in Philly tonight. Gerald Gallant is back from his COVID related absence, same with several veterans. As a result, lineup changes are expected based on the morning skate, not of all which I agree.

Based on Saturday's morning skate, it appears that Jonny Brodzinski and Anthony Greco are the odd-men out with Greco heading back to the AHL after playing one game. Brodzinski remains with the team as part of the taxi squad, but that may last only until either Barclay Goodrow or Alexis Lafreniere or both are ready to return. Dryden Hunt is inching closer in his return from his upper body injury, but he is not ready to rejoin the team.

Ryan Reaves and Greg McKegg returned to the team. Reaves joined Kevin Rooney and Greg McKegg on the third line, while Morgan Barron and Tim Gettinger skated with Gauthier on the fourth. While Greco, who showed skating ability and a willingness to shoot and play physically, was replaced by McKegg is beyond me. We know what McKegg is and understand he plays on the penalty kill, but why not see what Greco might bring. The same can be said about Gauthier, as Brodzinski showed chemistry with his Hartford linemates. We know the answer. Easier to go with the veterans unless forced into a change, which is a hallmark of Gallant teams.

Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko 
Panarin-Strome-Chytil 
McKegg-Rooney-Reaves 
Gettinger-Barron-Gauthier 

As noted above, I would have kept either Greco or Brodzinski in the lineup. The third line is really the fourth line, so I am looking at it that way.. That said, feel free to shake you head along with me.

Lindgren-Fox 
Miller-Trouba 
Nemeth-Schneider 

Wonder if Miller-Trouba gets split up, as they are bleeding shots. This has been the case for a while, though Gallant and the coaching staff have been reluctant to mix things up. If Schneider shows he is capable of moving up, might we see a change (though that might be a future trade to acquire another LHD)?

Shesterkin

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