The New York Rangers skate north of the border for the Ottawa Senators on Saturday plus Ryan McDonagh’s current status. That and more …
- New York Rangers (47-27-6, 100 pts)
- Ottawa Senators (43-27-10, 76 pts)
- NHL, Sat., Apr. 8, 2017, MSG Network
- Canadien Tire Center, Ottawa, Canada
There are just two more games remaining. That’s it. Two more hockey games until the big show gets underway, the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday.
For now, however, forget about the Montreal Canadiens. New York still has the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins left.
The Senators come into town for a Saturday matinee at the Garden and are also feeling those oats of a clinched playoff spot. In their case, it’s the No. 2 spot in the Atlantic, locking home ice advantage during the first round.
Nevertheless, the game must be played.
Who’ll play and who’ll sit still remains much a mystery, but captain Ryan McDonagh is one that we’re aware of. Though he returned to practice, he won’t suit up on Saturday.
Speaking of the playoffs, with only two games left, it’s tough to think any sort of momentum can be built. Look for Alain Vigneault to go the safe, healthy route this weekend.
For the fun story of the moment, the Rangers allow Jimmy Vesey to explain why he wears the No. 26:
First puck drop is slated to come your way at 12:30 from Canada.
News and Notes:
Joe Fortunato of Blueshirt Banter provides his first-round playoff preview against the Montreal Canadiens.
Brett Cyrgalis of the New York Post discusses what the Blueshirts should do over the final two games of the regular season.