Tonight, the New York Rangers are back on the road in our nation's capital. The opponent: the Washington Capitals, who the Blueshirts defeated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season.
New York made its playoff series against Washington look easy - the Rangers swept the Capitals 4-0 with only one game having a one-goal deficit. This year, Washington is a different team with some new players, such as forward Pierre Luc Dubois, defenseman Jacob Chyrcrun and goaltender Logan Thompson. They have the look of a potential playoff team.
Here's three Rangers to watch as they face a familiar Metropolitan Division foe.
1. Will Cuylle
On Saturday night against the Anaheim Ducks, Cuylle was one of the most noticeable players on the ice. He tallied one of New York's two goals - Ryan Lindgren the other - and could have had two if not for an offsides call.
This has come up in multiple previews, but the Blueshirts' third line of Cuylle, Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko has been one of the best in the NHL so far this season. They have not been on the ice for a 5v5 goal against and have produced some of the top offensive production in the league.
Cuylle had 21 points in 81 games last regular season, and this year is off to a much better start; he has seven points in eight games. He's a key bottom-six foward for the Rangers and should be for years to come.
2. Igor Shesterkin
After getting the night off against Anaheim, Shesterkin should be back in net tonight against the Capitals. In his last outing, the 28-year-old let up three goals against the Florida Panthers.
While a small sample size this year, Shesterkin has made a clear difference in the games he's played in. Whenever he's let up two goals or less, New York has won. Whenever he's let up three or more - only against Florida and Utah - the Rangers have lost.
This trend might not continue, but as everyone knows now, when you have one of the best goaltenders in hockey he can win you a game on any given night.
3. Vincent Trocheck
His linemates Alexis Lafreniere and Artemi Panarin have gotten a lot of attention this season, and deservedly so - Panarin has started the season on a eight-game point streak and Lafreniere just inked a seven-year extension that will keep him in New York for years to come.
Trocheck has also kept up his strong play, and as of now is the best center on the Rangers. Though, he's gone scoreless in three straight games; he still has seven points in eight games.
With the way the Panarin-Trocheck-Lafreniere line produces, expect Trocheck to get on the scoresheet again soon.