Rangers host Oilers in their first game after Thanksgiving

With their stomachs full of turkey, the New York Rangers get back to the NHL season with a game against the Edmonton Oilers. Unlike their last four games which had been west coast trips, this is a game against a Western Conference opponent at Madison Square Garden. For the Rangers, this is a tricky opponent. With the Oilers capable of great offensive outbursts, this is a game the Blueshirts are going to need to watch their step for.

With all hands on deck for the Rangers, there is no one that shouldn’t be available for Gallant and his squad tonight. It does seem like it will be an unchanged lineup from the loss to the Anaheim Ducks but that isn’t yet certain. For the Rangers, this is a game against a struggling opponent that they will be looking to win. Edmonton is a very beatable team and if the Rangers show up, they can take two points tonight.

This is the weekend matinee for New York on a Saturday. They will be looking to try and establish themselves as a genuine playoff contender. With the Rangers’ struggles earlier in the year, this is a game that could provide some very difficult obstacles to overcome. Connor McDavid seems to enter a highlight reel every time he takes the ice against the Rangers so the Blueshirts cannot afford to let him dictate the game.

It looks like New York will give the net back to Igor Shesterkin tonight. With the Russian shot-stopper being the only one to have won a game for the Blueshirts this season, he is more than pulling his weight. Shesterkin is 10-2-3 on the year with a shutout. He will be seeking both his and the team’s 11th win of the year.

New York Rangers

Artemi Panarin – Mika Zibanejad – Chris Kreider
Jimmy Vesey – Vincent Trocheck – Barclay Goodrow
Alexis Lafreniere – Filip Chytil – Kaapo Kakko
Sammy Blais – Ryan Carpenter – Julien Gauthier

Ryan Lindgren – Adam Fox
K’Andre Miller – Jacob Trouba
Zac Jones – Braden Schneider

Igor Shesterkin
Jaroslav Halak

Edmonton Oilers

Warren Foegele – Connor McDavid – Zach Hyman
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Leon Draisaitl – Jesse Puljujarvi
Mattias Janmark – Ryan McLeod – Klim Kostin
Dylan Holloway – Derek Ryan

Darnell Nurse – Cody Ceci
Brett Kulak – Evan Bouchard
Tyson Barrie – Ryan Murray
Philip Broberg

Jack Campbell
Stuart Skinner

Puck drop time and where to watch

This is a matinee and it will start at 1 PM Eastern time. Be aware if you are wanting to watch this game. Matinee games can be difficult to try and keep up with when the season is going on. Sam and Joe will have the Rangers coverage on MSG. Sportsnet will have the Oiler feed. This game will also be on NHL Network if you cannot find it elsewhere. This is a big game for the Rangers.