The New York Rangers were back on the ice as they prepare to take Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.
- New York Rangers (15-10-2)
- Washington Capitals (17-11-1)
- Television: MSG Networks
- Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
Same lines and two d-pairs from Pens game, except third has Kampfer rotating with Staal/Smith for NYR
— Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) December 7, 2017
For those who don’t remember those lines are:
- Chris Kreider–David Desharnais–Pavel Buchnevich
- Jimmy Vesey–Kevin Hayes–Rick Nash
- Michael Grabner–J.T. Miller–Mats Zuccarello
- Paul Carey–Boo Nieves–Jesper Fast
And on defense:
Not making any line changes is the smart move from head coach Alain Vigneault. He has found the right combinations and they continue to work with team 7-3-0 in their last 10 games.
Lundqvist back in net
AV said he expects @HLundqvist30 to start tomorrow against Washington. #NYR
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 7, 2017
Henrik Lundqvist did not dress in the Rangers 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins due to the flu. He is feeling better and is expected to back between the pipes against a familiar foe. Lundqvist has had success against Washington posting a 21-11-4 record in 36 career games. He holds a .909 save percentage and a 2.61 goal against average.
Lundqvist is 10-2-0 in his last 13 games with a .930 save percentage and a 2.22 goals against average. He has once again re-emerged as one of the best goaltenders in the game at the age of 35 and it doesn’t look like he is slowing down.
Shattenkirk called out
Full quote from Barry Trotz on Kevin Shattenkirk: pic.twitter.com/tTo1OvoIm6
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) December 7, 2017
The Washington Capitals acquired Kevin Shattenkirk at last seasons trade deadline. Shattenkirk was the best player available at the deadline and Washington decided to go all in. Ultimately it didn’t work out in Washington and with him facing the Capitals for the first time since leaving in free agency Capitals coach Barry Trotz reflected on Shattenkirk’s time in D.C.
Shattenkirk on Trotz comment: "It doesn't sit well with you. It's nothing that you enjoy hearing, but I think there's a lot of people who probably think that about me. I like to use that in my favor and try to use that as something to just keep me boosted and prove people wrong."
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) December 7, 2017
Shattenkirk handled the Barry Trotz comments gracefully and had nothing bad to say about his time with the Capitals. Shattenkirk is slowly improving defensively this season but still isn’t at top-two level. He is currently in the first year of a four-year contract signed this past summer.
Other Rangers News
- I look at why the Rangers can take their time with Mika Zibanejad‘s concussion recovery.
- Blue Shirt Banter’s Tom Urtz Jr. explains why Boo Nieves deserves some recognition for his recent play.
