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Game 46: NYR-NYI, Part 2 of 3, this time at the Coliseum |
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The Rangers meet the Islanders for the second time in four days, this time at Nassau Coliseum. For the Blueshirts, the hope is as the line in the kid’s song says: “second verse, same as the first, just a little bit louder and a little bit worse.” Just in case you won’t have enough of the rivalry after tonight, wait a few days and hey, the two squads get to meet again.
The below tweet shows just how quickly life in the NHL changes. A little less than five years after the last meeting at the Coliseum, only eight players remain on ether of their respective teams, with two more having swapped squads. That means three-quarters of those dressed for tonight’s game joined their squads since that date. In addition, Adam Fox, from Jericho LI, gets to play somewhat in his background or at least where most of his friends growing up had their rooting interest.
I know some were surprised that Alexandar Georgiev is getting the nod again today, but I thought after Monday’s effort, this would be the case. Georgiev played very well, especially in the second period. His record against the Islanders. Plus, if you truly are showcasing him for a trade, why not give Georgiev this kind of exposure. Sitting for a week after two stellar initial efforts isn’t optimal for Igor Shesterkin, which is why I am mildly surprised New York didn’t send him back to Hartford. My expectation is that Igor will go down when New York starts their All-Star bye week, enabling him to play in the AHL All-Star Game and get a little work. As jimbo pointed out, Hartford plays January 24 and 25 and the All-Star Game is January 26. Beginning January 31, New York has 17 games until March 1, so the three-headed monster in net might be engaged again during that period of time even if Igor is sent down.
The Rangers have won three of their last four games. A victory tonight along with similar next Sunday against Columbus and Tuesday versus the Islanders would send the team into the break on a high note. You have to expect a much closer game tonight and a replay of the physical aspect we saw Monday, including the extra-curricular activities. Michael Haley should be in the lineup again, but the good news is that Brendan Lemieux was in practice Tuesday and getting closer to returning from his fractured hand. We could see Lemieux on Sunday or Tuesday.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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