Game Preview: New York Rangers look to avenge shootout loss
New York Rangers need to learn how to win
Coach Quinn noted that the team needs to learn how to play situational hockey.
"“It’s part of our learning curve. We have to understand situational hockey. You’re up 3-1 and a lot of good things are happening. We just – we didn’t really understand the moment. With 6 min to go, we’re still doing things like without 3-1 and it came back to bite us.” – David Quinn"
Playing with a lead, especially late in the game is something that teams need to develop confidence in. For years, dating back to the days of John Tortorella the Rangers were a strong third period team. The current team has only has Chris Kreider remaining from that era and will have to grow into becoming that type of team again.
DQ says Brendan Smith will replace Jack Johnson in tonight's game. Also, Igor in goal and Blackwell replaces Lemieux on the 4th line. #NYR
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) January 24, 2021
To help accomplish this, the Rangers are making a few line-up tweaks. Colin Blackwell will make his New York Rangers debut, subbing in for Brendan Lemieux and Brendan Smith will replace Jack Johnson. This will be the first time either Johnson or Lemieux have been scratched on the season. When asked about the changes, Coach Quinn had the following to say.
Was Smith for Johnson more about Smith playing well or not liking Johnson's play?
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) January 24, 2021
"A little bit of both," DQ said.
He said it felt like the right move and they'll continue to evaluate all spots based on merit. #NYR
Lemieux is fine to play (meaning no injury), DQ said, "we just want to get other people in." He said he thinks he can play better and he didn't like the penalty Lemieux took the other night. #NYR
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) January 24, 2021
It will be interesting to see how the ice time is distributed as ice time has become a contentious issue amongst Rangers fans in the early parts of the season. Lemieux has been receiving roughly seven minutes at even strength per game, but Kevin Rooney in his two games has averaged just above five minutes at even strength, though that was partly due to an injury sustained in the first game.
The Rangers are currently led by Artemi Panarin with five points in the four games played. Adam Fox and Pavel Buchnevich have added four points each to the mix, as has a pleasantly surprising Phillip Di Giuseppe. Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko had their most complete game on Friday and will look to be a continued offensive force.
Igor Shesterkin will get the nod in net for his second straight start.