The New York Rangers travel to Washington on a back-to-back two games road trip and they’ll have Kris Knoblauch behind the bench for the second straight game. David Quinn and his assistant coaches are all still out due to COVID-19 protocol and Knoblauch and Associate Coach Gord Murphy are on the trip to DC.
Knoblauch spoke after practice on Thursday and said that Alexandar Georgiev will get the start against Washington. He also said that Igor Shesterkin is making progress and is a possibility for the game on Saturday. Chris Kreider missed practice for what was called a “maintenance day.”
Knoblauch said that he is in constant contact with David Quinn and he characterized the practice as a “confident ” one coming off the 9-0 thrashing they gave to the Flyers. As for his own experience, Knoblauch said ” just being behind the bench, being able to call lines, being part of the victory, it’s memorable…of all my coaching memories, this will be one of the most significant ones.”
He did say that though he packed for the road trip, he didn’t bring enough clothes.
The Rangers have played the Capitals only twice this season, the fewest number of games against any other East Division teams. They’ve won them both, outscoring the Caps 8-3. Igor Shesterkin was in net for both of the wins for the Rangers, one at home and one on the road.