Three New York Rangers to Watch Against the Winnipeg Jets
The New York Rangers have their biggest test of the young NHL season tonight - the Blueshirts face off against the best team in the NHL up to this point, the Winnipeg Jets.
Through 15 games, Winnipeg is 14-1-0 and is coming into this game on a six-game winning streak. The Jets lead the league in goals per game, goals against per game, power play percentage and are tied for first in shutouts.
New York will have its hands full as the NHL's best team comes into the World's Most Famous Arena tonight. Here's three Rangers to watch during tonight's game:
1. Igor Shesterkin
Winnipeg is first in the NHL with 4.47 goals for per game, and last time out tallied four goals against one of the NHL's best goaltenders in Jake Oettinger. Shesterkin was the first goalie off the ice in morning skate, signaling he will get the start tonight.
Shesterkin had his worst game of the season last time out - he gave up five goals on 12 shots last Thursday in a 6-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Now, he is looking to rebound against the league's best.
He's still one of the best goaltenders in the NHL and when he's playing well, the Rangers can beat anyone. That remains true tonight.
2. Alexis Lafreniere
Lafreniere has 11 points through 13 games, though he has not scored a goal since November 1 against the Ottawa Senators. New York needs all the scoring power it can get against Connor Hellebuyck - who is 11-1 with a .935 save percentage - tonight.
This starts with the Rangers' stars, and Lafreniere is one that might go a little more under the radar. Paired with Artemi Panarin, the line needs to produce tonight.
3. The Rangers Defense
It's hard to put one name down here, and while this will be rare, an entire position group is highlighted.
Let's state the obvious - the Rangers have not played well defensively in recent games. While New York gave up zero goals last time out, that was more because of the goaltending heroics of Jonathan Quick, who had 37 saves.
Winnipeg is a completely different test. It's up to New York to flip the script on its recent defensive play and re-assert itself as one of the league's best.