New York Rangers cross the river into New Jersey to take on the Devils at the Rock
The New York Rangers have won eight straight, yet the lead they hold at the top of the Metropolitan Division remains just four points as the Carolina Hurricanes keep pace with the Blueshirts. The New Jersey Devils will host the Rangers tonight, as both teams are desperate for the two points. New York wants to stay ahead of the Canes, and the Devils need some life to get them back into the playoff picture. This is a desperation game for both sides.
With Artemi Panarin and Jimmy Vesey struggling with a lower-body injury, Brennan Othmann was recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL. He made his debut earlier in the season and can slot in again if the Rangers need him to, given the current state of the injuries the team is dealing with. While he could be a long-term fit next to Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, Othmann isn't the player that should be depended on right now. He's still an incredibly young man.
Igor Shesterkin is set to return to the crease as he looks to be the dominant force he was against the Dallas Stars. Capable of stealing games, Igor is going up New Jersey's third-string goalie to start the season in Nico Daws. This is one of the most significant mismatches on the ice, and the Russian shot-stopper needs to make sure it is felt tonight by not giving up anything weak. They must work hard to solve him, and the Rangers will cruise to victory.
Projected Lineups
New York Rangers
Chris Kreider - Mika Zibanejad - Jimmy Vesey
Artemi Panarin - Vincent Trocheck - Alexis Lafreniere
Will Cuylle - Jonny Brodzinski - Kaapo Kakko
Adam Edstrom - Barclay Goodrow - Matt Rempe
Ryan Lindgren - Adam Fox
K'Andre Miller - Jacob Trouba
Erik Gustafsson - Braden Schneider
Igor Shesterkin
Jonathan Quick
New Jersey Devils
Ondrej Palat - Nico Hischier - Jesper Bratt
Jack Hughes - Erik Haula - Tyler Toffoli
Timo Meier - Curtis Lazar - Dawson Mercer
Alexander Holtz - Tomas Nosek - Nathan Bastian
Luke Hughes - Simon Nemec
Brendan Smith - Kevin Bahl
Jonas Siegenthaller - Colin Miller
Nico Daws
Isaac Poulter
Puck Drop
This is a 7 p.m. Eastern puck drop from the Prudential Center in Newark. The last time the Rangers played this side of the river, they overcame the New York Islanders in the stadium series game played at MetLife stadium. Now, they will be looking to take another victory tonight. It will not be easy, as this will have the feel of a playoff game for the Devils, but that is the task that will be demanded of the Rangers to hit nine straight wins.