The New York Rangers are in a bit of a slump right now. Losers of four straight, they welcome a St. Louis Blues team to Madison Square Garden that comes to town riding a modest two-game winning streak of their own.
This game comes down to who will snap their streak.
The Blues have several dangerous pieces on their side who can extend New York's misery, but the Blueshirts have players of their own who can counter that. Here is a look at Dylan Garand and the three key Rangers X-factors who can take over this matchup and turn the tide on the team's recent misfortune.
Dylan Garand must weather an emergency workload
The Rangers win or lose this game depending on how Dylan Garand plays. There is not much else to say beyond that.
Garand has shouldered an enormous emergency workload, falling to 4-6-1 on the season with an .896 save percentage and a 2.73 goals-against average across 14 appearances. With Joonas Korpisalo still recovering from a foot infection and James Reimer serving as a backup in name only, Garand remains the go-to guy in the blue paint.
No. 33 is going to have to endure a little more punishment before getting a breather, but the Blues are a beatable team if Garand can hold the fort early and control his rebounds.
Pavel Dorofeyev's top-line finishing touch
Pavel Dorofeyev is heating up. Sitting with three goals and five assists for eight points, the excitement is starting to build as he overcomes a frustratingly snakebitten start to his season.
Dorofeyev was the lone bright spot against Edmonton on Sunday, scoring New York's only goal, but it has felt like No. 16 has performed much better in losses than wins. That trend needs to change tonight.
The Blues have a blossoming up-and-comer of their own in Jimmy Snuggerud, who has rapidly developed into an elite young goal-scorer. Dorofeyev skating on the top line opposite Snuggerud should make for a fantastic individual matchup to watch.
Adam Fox setting the tempo from the blue line
Adam Fox did his best to slow down Connor McDavid and company on Sunday, but the Rangers were ultimately taken down 4-1 by Edmonton. Now, he gets another opportunity to tilt the ice against the Blues.
The superstar defenseman has been a rock on New York's blue line, posting a goal and 16 assists through 15 games. Fox has also enjoyed steady career success against St. Louis, registering two goals and 10 assists for 12 points in 11 career meetings. If Fox can dictate the pace from the back end, New York's transition game will follow.
Alexis Lafrenière rewriting his history against St Louis
After failing to secure a point against Edmonton and seeing his four-game point streak snapped, look for Alexis Lafrenière to get right back on the horse.
No. 13 remains this team’s most dynamic offensive catalyst with nine goals on the season, but unlike Fox, he has not had the same historical success against St. Louis. In 10 career games against the Blues, Lafrenière has scored just twice and added three assists for five points.
With the team desperate for a spark before heading out on a grueling four-game road trip through Western Canada, this is the perfect night for Lafrenière to break out and lead the way.
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