Metro Division showdown sees the New York Rangers take on the Pittsburgh Penguins
By Conor Power
Your New York Rangers are having a great time right now. With a playoff spot clinched, wins in five straight, and a lead in the overall league standings, the Rangers have enjoyed success this season. They will be looking to continue building on it tonight when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pittsburgh has fallen from its once-great heights of back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, but they can still upset teams, so the Rangers cannot take their opponents lightly today.
After Jacob Trouba joined Ryan Lindgren back in the Rangers lineup, the Blueshirts have returned to something near their best as we approach the end of the season. In the playoffs, the Rangers will need everyone on their back end healthy and playing well, as we've seen some defensive frailties from the Original Six franchise in recent years. Tonight's game could be good practice for the Rangers ahead of the more meaningful games later this month.
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After Alexis Lafreniere tallied his first career hat trick and Jonathan Quick became the winningest US-born netminder in NHL history, the Rangers will be looking to continue to build on that feel-good factor against the Penguins. As Artemi Panarin continues to make his case for league MVP, there are many potential storylines to watch tonight. New York will be looking to fine-tune a few things before the playoffs to ensure they are confident in winning the Stanley Cup.
Projected Lineups
Pittsburgh Penguins
Drew O'Connor - Sidney Crosby - Bryan Rust
Michael Bunting - Evgeni Malkin - Rickard Rakell
Reilly Smith - Lars Eller - Caltteri Puustinen
Jeff Carter - Samuel Poulin - Jesse Puljujarvi
Pierre-Olivier Joseph - Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson - Erik Karlsson
John Ludvig - Jack St. Ivany
Tristan Jarry
Alex Nedeljkovic
New York Rangers
Chris Kreider - Mika Zibanejad - Jack Roslovic
Artemi Panarin - Vincent Trocheck - Alexis Lafreniere
Jonny Brodzinski - Alex Wennberg - Kaapo Kakko
Will Cuylle - Barclay Goodrow - Jimmy Vesey
Ryan Lindgren - Adam Fox
K'Andre Miller - Jacob Trouba
Zac Jones - Braden Schneider
Igor Shesterkin
Jonathan Quick
Puck Drop
Tonight's game will begin at 7 p.m. with a puck drop from Madison Square Garden. The Rangers will look to continue cementing their lead at the top of the NHL standings. They will have won six in a row if they can take the two points. Wins will be a significant part of the job as the Rangers look to wrap up the Metropolitan Division title. Even if it isn't convincing, get it done and rest up when the Rangers have everything sealed.