The Rangers face the Blue Jackets tonight at MSG looking for a little revenge after a 4-2 loss to Columbus on Sunday. New York certainly knows how their opponent likes to play, though the same was the case Sunday and that information did the team little good. Similarly, a major backstory is will Matt Rempe look to even the score against Mathieu Olivier after losing a bout with him Sunday,
Lines:
Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko
Panarin-Trocheck-Lafrenière
Cuylle-Brodzinski-Vesey
Edström-Goodrow-Rempe
Miller-Trouba
Lindgren-Fox
Gustafsson-Schneider
Shesterkin
Quick
Let's start with Rempe. The Garden faithful and pretty much all of the hockey media will be watching Remp very closely tonight. He has become the new cause celebre, driven by his four fights in five games, including three against heavyweights. Evidence of this new-found celebrity was sent at Tuesday's practice, when a major uptick in media were in attendance, The local media in New York all ran stories on Rempe in Wednesday's newspapers. Through all this, Rempe is trying to stay balanced and keep a level head. From his comments, he seems to be doing so, which is not easy in the media capital of the world and all eyes upon him.
"I’m 21, so I’m going to play my heart out every time, every game, every practice," Rempe said. "I love this game. … I love every aspect of it. I’d love to be a New York Ranger for a long time, but I want to take it day by day. I don't know what tomorrow brings. I don't know what the next day brings. If I just do my job, that's all I can control."
“I'm five games into my career,’’ he added. “I’ve got a long, long way to go. I'm trying to get better every day. Gotta put the work in. I want to show that I can play with skill, play hard, and play it any way. Play multiple ways. Play multiple positions, and be a good player and help this team win games.’’
“I'm just trying to stay off all media,’’ Rempe said. “I’ve got to focus on what got me here, and continue to do that … I'm just trying to keep a level head and just trying to stay down to earth.’’
Hopefully, coach Peter Laviolette has instructed Rempe that he doesn't need to challenge or answer the bell against everyone. This doesn't mean he should duck anyone, but he also needs to establish that he is more than just a fighter as he tries to secure a place on this team and in the league. If a fight does occur, hopefully he has taken head of the public provided by former Rangers, Nick Fotiu and John Scott. Fighting is one component in his arsenal; his ability to be physical, use his solid skating ability to forecheck and be a presence in front of the net all contribute to what he brings to the table. Remembering and utilizing those skills will aid his chance of sticking with the parent club..
On offense, if the first or second time you don't succeed, try once more. That's the case of Kaapo Kakko and his spot on the first line. The Jimmy Vesey experiment didn't warrant rave reviews on Broadway, so now Kakko - like Freddy Krueger - is back. Kakko rejoins Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider in an attempt to help that duo generate 5x5 offense and make the first line a weapon once again.
Per NaturalStatTrick.com, Kakko has skated with Zibanejad and Kreider for 184 minutes in 38 games, posting solid analytical numbers, as the trio has been good at generating shots and creating puck possession. On the flip side, results do matter, not just process, and the three as a line scored just five goals while being on the ice for two goals against. This could be Kakko's last chance to stick on the first line, at least for this year. With the trade deadline about 10 days away, If this attempt fails, not only could he be moved back to the third line but Zib and Kreider could be separated.
Despite the
struggles of the blue line, especially Jacb Trouba and K'Andre Miller, and break up of the three pairings Sunday, the units are back together again. My guess is something really radical will have to happen for a permanent or semi-permanent change in the combinations. As much as we think and the numbers support that a change is needed, one does not look forthcoming.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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