New York Rangers: Pavel Buchnevich, Dan Girardi Out; Antti Raanta, Dylan McIlrath In
Sep 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Antti Raanta (32) in action against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers have announced that Pavel Buchnevich and Dan Girardi will miss Monday’s game against the San Jose Sharks. Antti Raanta will start in goal.

New York Rangers winger Pavel Buchnevich is out tonight due to back spasms. The highly touted 23-year old will miss his first NHL game. The Rangers will need to figure out their game plan after losing a key player, as they face a talented 2-0-0 Sharks team.

Buchnevich recorded one point in his first two regular-season games in the NHL and we expect more to come from this talented prospect.

The back injury to Buchnevich doesn’t seem to be serious. This is just an injury that they want to monitor for a game or two and let him rest this injury so he has a quick return.

The Rangers will also be without alternate captain, Dan Girardi. The Rangers veteran defenseman was officially confirmed as day-to-day with the hip flexor injury he suffered during the game against the St. Louis Blues Saturday night. Like Buchnevich, Girardi will be monitored on a day-to-day basis, and shouldn’t miss that much time.

The Rangers will boost alternate captain Rick Nash into Buchnevich’s spot, put Jesper Fast in Nash’s spot, while Josh Jooris was entered into tonight’s lineup to skate on the fourth line alongside Brandon Pirri and Jesper Fast.

Ranger fans have been missing one of their top young talents, defenseman, Dylan McIlrath. He will make his season debut in place for Girardi tonight.

Head Coach Alain Vigneault also announced backup goaltender Antti Raanta will make his season debut tonight in net against the Sharks. Raanta made his Rangers debut October 19, 2015, against the Sharks, a night he shut them out 4-0.

Hello Rangers fans, my name is Jake Weingarten and i really love the rangers. The rangers mean a lot to me, whether it's the fans, players, or the history. I've enjoyed many games at MSG and on the road, but none better then game 7 2015 against the Washington Capitals. If i had to choose a favorite blueshirt of all-time, it would be Carl Hagelin. Last thing, always believe in yourself and never doubt your thoughts. Let's go Rangers!.