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Rangers look for two in a row Monday against the Sabres

March 22, 2021, 10:01 AM ET [524 Comments]
Jan Levine
New York Rangers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Rangers look to build off their rousing, late-game win Saturday against the Caps when they face the Sabres on Monday. Following today's contest, New York has two days off before they face Philly on the road Thursday and Saturday, followed by the Caps again on Sunday. Igor Shesterkin is close to returning from his groin injury, but I would expect Alexandar Georgiev between the pipes tonight.

Mika Zibanejad had a brilliant goal to earn the Blueshirts the win Saturday. He stalked, hunted and stripped Brendan Dillon, aided by a push to gain the puck. That was just the half of it, as the goal was shortside top-shelf over Ilya Samsonov. Zib looks to be getting back to where he was last year, if that is the case, look out.

Ryan Strome with an unselfish play to give Brett Howden the empty net goal. Howden has struggled to score, as we all know, and while this may just be window dressing, a nice gesture by Strome. Teamwork and chemistry on display here.

The Kid Line of Alexis Lafreniere, Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko has struggled. Part of the reason is that Chytil has not looked like the same player he was earlier in the year before his hand injury, failure to distribute and create for others. His inability to create for others has resulted in a lack of chances for Laf or Kakko, though the latter have not played up to their potential either. I will repeat, patience. All three, but especially Laf and Kakko are in growth and learning mode. While we are all in the instant gratification, immediate success, fantasy league waiver mode if players don't produce, the long game is the key here.

Georgiev and Kinkaid were both solid this week and have been good lately. It's due to their play that my view is Igor should be given a few more days to make sure he is fully ready, even if able to go today. Two extra days would aid in that endeavor, allowing further evidence that the groin is healthy with one more full practice likely in place.

As Rick Carpinello noted, Vitali Kravtsov’s seven-day quarantine upon his arrival from Russia was up on Sunday. With a gameday today, New York will have a light walkthrough. Kravtsov will need a few full practices to be ready, so Thursday or maybe Saturday might be the first time he suits up in a game. Who he plays with is up in the air, but could see Kakko move up and Kravtsov on the third line.

Coach David Quinn will miss the Rangers’ next two games, today and Thursday. Results of COVID-19 testing haven’t been reported or confirmed, but with him missing over a week, along with the coaching staff, a fairly decent chance he had the virus. Though, protocols and exposure concerns may have led to this lengthy absence. Kris Knoblauch will get at least two more games, let's see if he remembers to use Laf more than 7:53 in this contest.
Early notice, due to the way Passover comes out this year, I am out of pocket starting about 6:30 pm Friday to Monday night. The following week, same from Friday about 6:30 to Sunday night. Appreciate you all carrying the blog. 

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