|
Game 18: NYR-FLA, Rangers close out two Sunshine State stint |
|
|
|
The Rangers finish the second half of their Florida trip tonight against the Panthers. New York comes in off a horrific performance in their 9-3 loss to Tampa. The Panthers outplayed the Rangers last Sunday in their 6-5 shootout win over New York. Following tonight's game, the Blueshirts are off three days before facing Washington at home Wednesday.
Jacob Trouba, who left Thursday's game with an upper-body injury, is in the lineup tonight. Kaapo Kakko is a game-time decision after missing the Lightning contest with the flu. The good news is that Kaako was playing soccer before the contest, which bodes well for him dressing for the game.
Update: Kakko out again tonight, here are the lines per Brett Cyrgalis:
With no Kakko (flu), #NYR warmups:
Panarin-Strome-Fast
Kreider-Chytil-Buchnevich
Lemieux-Howden-McKegg
Haley-Andersson-Smith
Hajek-Trouba
Skjei-DeAngelo
Lindgren-Fox
Lundqvist
We saw how dangerous the Panthers can be, especially the top line of Huberdeau-Barkov-Dadonov. if New York gives Florida the time and space they did last week or play as if they did Thursday, tonight's game will be over early as well. New York needs to be mindful of line changes and spacing in their own zone. In addition, the forwards have to remain engaged and not just release their opposing skaters, thereby limiting time and space.
Henrik Lundqvist may need to steal this game for New York to win. Last week, Lundqvist didn't play badly but Florida had way too much room and space, including a handful of breakouts. In addition, the Rangers need to stay out of the box, as the Panthers burned them last week and the Lightning went 5-for-8 on the man-advantage Thursday.