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Rangers face Jets as Wheeler returns to Winnipeg |
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The Rangers look to complete their first ever 5-0 road trip tonight in Winnipeg. It’s a homecoming for Blake Wheeler, who spent the majority of his career with the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets and was the team’s captain until last season. Following tonight’s contest, the Blueshirts return home for a contest Thursday against Carolina, which kicks off a stretch of four of five games at MSG, including four in a row.
Lines:
Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko
Panarin-Chytil-Lafrenière
Cuylle-Trocheck-Wheeler
Goodrow-Bonino-Vesey
Miller-Trouba
Lindgren-Fox
Gustafsson-Schneider
Shesterkin
Quick
Wheeler should get a nice welcome from the Jets faithful. While his tenure didn’t end well, as his contract was bought out, he established a standard in Winnipeg for others to follow. Coach Peter Laviolette should start Wheeler tonight and inserted him on PP2 in place of Will Cuylle. It’s not clear if that is a one-time charge just for tonight or a move going forward as well.
A nice look at what Wheeler brought to Winnipeg and his thoughts on being back here. Would love to see him get a goal tonight, which would be his first as a Ranger. He struggled the first 5-6 games, but has been better the last few, though not at the level hoped for when he signed.
New York didn’t play a great game Saturday, relying on special teams for the win. If the goal is to be consistent and better night in and night out, building success upon success beyond just the wins, then we hopefully will see a stronger effort 5x5 tonight. It will be an emotional night at the Canada Life Center on both sides. Find a way to get a win and go home with a clean road trip is the goal.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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