Game Preview: New York Rangers look to get back on track in Pittsburgh
By Chris Hanold
About the Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers are two teams that share a lot in common with each other this season. Pittsburgh is another team that is getting off to a slow start, and are predicted to finish low in the East standings this year; they also have a slew of new faces joining their roster as well, and are working toward building their chemistry. While most of the Rangers’ newest players are Blueshirts prospects that we’ve been looking forward to seeing for years, New York was stagnant during the off-season when it came to the trade market.
The Penguins on the other hand, were one of the most active teams in the league. Through trades and free agency, Pittsburgh has seen five fresh faces join the roster with five players going elsewhere.
With all of these new names though, you can never underestimate a Sidney Crosby led team. The Penguins currently hold a 2-2-0 record and sit in fourth place in the East. Pittsburgh was embarrassed by the Philadelphia Flyers in the first two games of the season, being outscored 11-5.
Pittsburgh currently rides a two-game winning streak, as they defeated the Washington Capitals in two straight overtime games heading into Friday night’s game against New York.
It is also worth noting that Pittsburgh’s backup goaltender, Casey DeSmith, has gotten the start between the pipes in two straight games, after Tristan Jarry was shelled against Philadelphia. Jarry is listed as the probably starter for tonight’s game.
Pittsburgh will be without defensemen Marcus Pettersson and Jusso Rikkola, injured Tuesday night. Pettersson is considered week-to-week and Rikkola will be out long term. Defenseman Mike Matheson was placed on injured reserve on Sunday, so the Penguins will be extremely thin at the blue line.
The Penguins recalled defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph from their taxi squad and he will make his NHL debut tonight.
Sidney Crosby leads the Penguins in scoring with five points on three goals and two assists. Jake Guentzel is second with four points on one goal and three assists.
Additions for the Penguins:
- F Kasperi Kapanen – Acquired via trade with Toronto
- D Mike Matheson – Acquired via trade with Florida
- F Colton Sceviour – Acquired via trade with Florida
- F Mark Jankowski – Signed one-year, $700,000 contract with Pittsburgh
- D Cody Ceci – Signed one-year, $1.25 million with Pittsburgh
Subtractions for the Penguins:
- G Matt Murray – Traded to the Ottawa Senators
- F Patric Hornqvist – Traded to the Florida Panthers
- F Dominik Simon – Signed one-year, $700,000 contract with the Calgary Flames
- D Jack Johnson – Bought out by Pittsburgh, signed one-year, $1.15 million contract with the New York Rangers
- D Justin Schultz – Signed one-year, $8 million contract with the Washington Capitals