Blue Line Station
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No deadline moves, Jones signs as NYR start a 4-game series in N.J.

By Steve Paulus

Mar 4, 2021; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) makes a save on a shot by New Jersey Devils center Janne Kuokkanen (59) during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2021; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) makes a save on a shot by New Jersey Devils center Janne Kuokkanen (59) during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafreniere (13) skates with the puck Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafreniere (13) skates with the puck Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

About the Rangers

As the team heads into this four game series with the Devils, they are four points behind the Bruins who have two games in hand.  Boston was spanked 8-1 by the Capitals on Sunday and they play the first of six games they have left with the Sabres.  The Rangers need Buffalo to win some of these games against Boston if they are to have any hope of making the playoffs.

Igor Shesterkin will be in net again for the Rangers, coming off his overtime loss to the Islanders.


Both Chris Kreider and Artemi Panarin didn’t take part in practice on Monday, both taking “maintenance” days.  Panarin was seen with a heating pad on his back during Sunday’s game.  It raises a question about Panarin’s physical condition. He was scoreless on Sunday, but did get two assists in Friday’s win.

There didn’t seem to be any injury issues with Chris Kreider in Sunday’s game.  He made two mistakes in the first period on Sunday that helped lead to two Islander goals and found himself demoted to the fourth line, swapping places with Vitali Kravtsov.   Kreider is not having much success at even strength with only one goal in his last 15 games and only one assist in his last eight games. Even his power play production has slowed down with three power play goals and six PP points in his last 15 games

The Rangers don’t have a great record after losses. In 20 games following losses in regulation or overtime they have a  record of 11-7-2.  Though the NHL says the Rangers are three games over .500 with a record of 19-16-6, the fact is they have lost 22 games compared to the 19 games they have won.

Projected lineup

20 Kreider– 93 Zibanejad – 89 Buchnevich
10 Panarin – 16 Strome – 43 Blackwell
13 Lafrenière – 72 Chytil- 24 Kakko
21 Howden – 17 Rooney  – 72 Kravtsov

55 Lindgren – 23 Fox
79 Miller – 8 Trouba
25 Hajek – 42 Smith

31 Shesterkin
40 Georgiev

This season

January 19 – Devils 4, Rangers 3  (at MSG)
February 16 – Devils 5, Rangers 2 (at MSG)
March 4 – Rangers 6, Devils 1 (at Newark)
March 6 – Rangers 6,  Devils 3 (at Newark)

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