The Rangers play their second of six preseason games - and first at MSG - tonight against the Islanders. New York comes on off a 3-2 win over the Bruins while the Isles defeated the Devils 4-2 on Sunday as well. The Blueshirts meet the Bruins, this time at home, Thursday.

Projected lines tonight:

Kreider-Zibanejad-Smith
Panarin-Trocheck-Lafrenière
Berard-Chytil-Othmann
Leschyshyn-Edstrom-Rempe

Lindgren-Fox
Jones-Trouba
Harpur-Ruhwedel

Shesterkin
Quick

The top-six forwards get their first preseason action and remain intact as expected. Reilly Smith has the first chance to impress in game action and show he belongs on that trio. What will be interesting to see if is Alexis Lafrenière remains on the second PP unit or if he is moved up and for whom.

The bottom-six has several new faces. Filip Chytil and Brennan Othmann each play in their second straight game. No real surprise on Chytil suiting up as New York looks to have him hit the group running when the games count after he missed most of last season. Othmann is received a true chance to impress. He showed Sunday he can be physical, now I want to see the skill.

(Just saw that coach Peter Laviolette said the same thing about Othmann this am: "He was active inside the game – from a physical standpoint, from a working standpoint. I think he probably would want more with the puck and to make things happen standpoint, so tonight he gets those opportunities.”).

Adam Edstrom gets his first chance to build off the success he had in the rookie camp as he tried and earns a roster spot. Matt Rempe came to camp almost all but penciled into a starting spot. But he will have to show the work did this offseason has paid off due to the number of other available options.

On the blueline, Zac Jones has the chance to prove that the sixth d-man slot should be his and his alone. He may receive a chance to QB the second PP, which could further solidify his standing. The Jones-Jacob Trouba due quite probably will be the team’s third pair, which is an area of focus for me tonight.

Igor and Quickie are between the pipes.

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