The New York Rangers suffered a tough loss on Thursday night against the Calgary Flames, snapping their three game win streak. New York played their worst game of the road trip out west, surrendering a season-high 49 shots on goal in a 3-2 defeat.
Though they were outplayed, the Rangers were still in the game - New York stormed back behind two goals from Alexis Lafreniere and Will Cuylle in 16 seconds to tie it up in the second period. Calgary's Connor Zary scored the game-winning goal in the third.
Tonight, the Blueshirts have a chance to bounce back against the defending Western Conference champions, the Edmonton Oilers. Edmonton lost the Stanley Cup Final in seven games last June, and after a poor start to the season are 10-9-2.
Obviously, the Oilers have the best player in the NHL in Connor McDavid. The three-time Hart, one-time Conn Smythe, four-time Art Ross and four-time Ted Lindsay award winner has 25 points in 18 games this season and once again is among the top scorers in the NHL.
Here's three Rangers to watch tonight:
1. Jacob Trouba
The Rangers face a tough task of stopping an Oilers offense with stars such as McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman. Since Edmonton is the home team, they also get the last change.
Don't be surprised if Oilers' coach Kris Knoblauch tries to put McDavid's line against Trouba and Ryan Lindgren, who have struggled as of late.
2. Alexis Lafreniere
Lafreniere got New York going in Calgary - when the Rangers looked dead in the water, Lafreniere opened up the scoring on a rebound, and 16 seconds later Will Cuylle tied the game.
The line of Lafreniere, Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck was the best for the Rangers on Thursday night, and in his past two games in Edmonton, Lafreniere has scored.
3. Igor Shesterkin/Jonathan Quick
It's yet to be determined who will get the nod for the Rangers tonight, but regardless, they are going to be sprayed with shots. Edmonton has one of the best offenses in the league, and it has for years; that's obviously the case when Connor McDavid is on the team.
Whether it is Quick or Shesterkin, they're going to have to make key saves on high-danger chances. Both have reasonable cases to start - Quick has had two-straight shutouts, and Shesterkin had 46 saves on Thursday night.