Three New York Rangers to watch vs the Florida Panthers
The New York Rangers are scorching hot - Peter Laviolette's squad is off to a 5-0-1 start and is one of the highest scoring teams in the NHL. New York has yet to have a game where they scored under four goals.
Their next matchup is personal, as the Rangers welcome the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, into Madison Square Garden. Last year, it was the Panthers who sent the Rangers home after New York's historic season, where it set records in wins and points. Florida defeated the Rangers in six games; the Rangers lost three of those by one goal.
The Rangers and Panthers are two of the favorites in the Eastern Conference and tomorrow is their first heavyweight bout. Here's three Rangers to watch:
1. Kaapo Kakko
Kaapo Kakko was one of the best players on the ice on Tuesday night in Montreal. He had three points, including his first goal of the season, in the victory.
The 23-year-old, paired alongside Filip Chytil and Will Cuylle, has been one of the best in the NHL so far this season, and a lot of it is because of Kakko. If he is able to keep up this play it will be a good sign.
2. Igor Shesterkin
Assuming Igor Shesterkin gets the nod against the defending champions, he'll be a key in this bout. In all of the Rangers' wins, Shesterkin has not let up more than two goals. Tonight, New York faces a Florida team that had one of the top offenses in the league last season.
Shesterkin will be counted on to make big saves tonight.
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3. Reilly Smith
In what feels like an endless search for a third linemate for Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, Reilly Smith has fit well so far. In six games, Smith has six points (two goals, four assists), and has been a full 200 foot player.
Last postseason against Florida, Zibanejad and Kreider were at the center of criticism for their play at even strength. The line has been better this year and Smith is a reason. This is the first time the two teams meet and Smith's someone to watch.