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Rangers head north of the border to face Maple Leafs as March sked begins |
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The Rangers kick off the month of March on the road in Toronto. New York's first six games of the month are against teams with winning records, including a matchup Monday with the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference leading Florida Panthers. Oddly enough, that will be the final game the Blueshirts play prior to the March 8 trade deadline, though they are in action the following night at home versus the Blues.
New York went 10-1 in February to open a five-point lead in the division on the Hurricanes, who are not going away. After the 'Canes, there is a nine-point gap to the Flyers, so barring something really untoward, the top-two teams should be battling for first in the division and conference the final 22 contests of the regular season. The Rangers have an even home/road split for the month, seven of each but play six of their eight games in April, including their final three, at MSG.
Probable Lines:
Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko
Panarin-Trocheck-Lafrenière
Cuylle-Brodzinski-Vesey
Edström-Goodrow-Rempe
Miller-Trouba
Lindgren-Fox
Gustafsson-Schneider
Shesterkin
Quick
Coming into tomorrow's contest, all eyes will be on Matt Rempe and Ryan Reeves. The latter prepped with a bout last night. We all know Reeves will try to engage Rempe in an attempt to establish his dominance and re-affirm his place at or towards the top of the fighting hierarchy. While I know the battle is likely to happen, I kind of hope that it doesn't, solely because of my concern how the fight will go and also because at some point, the sideshow has to end.
A good portion of the focus is on the trade deadline. The latest flavor mentioned is Warren Foegele, who might be available if the Oilers trade for Pavel Buchnevich, yes, I know, we want him back, but that's likely a pipe dream, or a top-six winger. Foegele can play wing and center and is making $2.75 mil in the final year of his contract. Frank Vatrano is still a probable target, as is Adam Henrique. Alexander Wennberg scored last night and he too is prominent in the mix, as is Anthony Duclair, who lit the lamp as well Tyler Johsnon is a possibility, but his $5 mil salary will require Chicago to eat hlf the cap hit. With the Predators in playoff contention, my favorite option and many of yours, Thomas Novak, is likely staying put in Smashville. Scott Laughton would fill a spot for now and the future, but it's hard to see the Rangers and Flyers making this kind of deal. A depth blueliner would be nice and the recent deals have thinned the market out a bit with Noah Hanifin the prominent remaining name.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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