The New York Rangers take on the Anaheim Ducks at home tonight as they hope to continue their hot play with the return of Mika Zibanejad.
Zibanejad returns for Ducks game
The Rangers (18-12-3) are back in action tonight, fresh off a 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins on Sunday. The team will be trying to extend their five-game winning streak against Pacific Division foes the Ducks (14-12-8).
The Rangers enter play with points in 10 of their last 13 games. They have at least one point in their last four home games (3-0-1) as well at least one in 14 of their last 16 home games (11-2-3).
The Rangers will get a boost as Mika Zibanejad is set to return to the lineup, according to coach Alain Vigneault. The Ducks, however, have not been as lucky, with elite goal scorer and generally obnoxious pest Corey Perry on injured reserve.
AV said barring a last minute development, he’s expecting @MikaZibanejad to return to the #NYR lineup tomorrow.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 18, 2017
The lines from practice yesterday imply that Boo Nieves will be a healthy scratch. This comes as a surprise as he has stepped in and played very solid hockey while Paul Carey has struggled. However, David Desharnais is slotted to take Nieves’ spot on the fourth line, according to Matt Calamia of nyrangers.com.
Full #NYR lines:
20- 93 – 89
61 – 10 -36
40- 13 – 17
28- 51 – 26Same defense as Saturday.
— Matt Calamia (@MattCalamia) December 18, 2017
Several Rangers spoke to the media, most notably Zibanejad, who talked about returning to the lineup and what he needs to do to keep playing as well as he was before the injury.
"I just want to get back and contribute and keep playing like I was before.” – @MikaZibanejad talks about his hope of getting back into the #NYR lineup tomorrow against Anaheim. pic.twitter.com/O7KxDtgk0w
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 18, 2017
Defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Brady Skjei both spoke about building consistency with the defense and turnovers, which has been an issue at times this season. Frank Curto breaks down how turnovers hurt the team against the Senators on Wednesday.
.@RMcDonagh27 said #NYR have to continue to build consistency heading into tomorrow night's tilt with the Ducks. Hear what else he said after today's practice. pic.twitter.com/5psOw3zPBk
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 18, 2017
"We've had a good stretch here and we just have to keep it rolling." – @BradySkjei speaks with the media following today's #NYR practice. pic.twitter.com/kL9T84HUx5
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 18, 2017
Vigneault spoke to the media after practice about Zibanejad’s impending return and the decision to scratch Nieves.
#NYR coach Alain Vigneault on the status of @MikaZibanejad, the play of David Desharnais and more after today's practice. pic.twitter.com/POaboCxQDV
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 18, 2017
Rangers gear up for big week
Goalie Henrik Lundqvist spoke about the big week that the team has coming up, playing three games against very good teams, two of whom (Devils and Maple Leafs) are in playoff position and a Ducks team rounding into form after injury issues early in the season.
"It's a big week for us." – @HLundqvist30 looks ahead to #NYR's busy week with matchups against Anaheim, New Jersey and Toronto. pic.twitter.com/gqlKVgbRjA
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 18, 2017
See Skjei Show at Spectacular
Brady Skjei had a busy day, attending the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular after practice.
#NYR @BradySkjei kicking it tonight @Rockettes #ChristmasSpectacular @RadioCity! pic.twitter.com/ulmnsoKWMY
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 18, 2017
Winter Classic Update
The rink at Citi Field is coming along, as the team gears up to play the Buffalo Sabres on January 1 at the home of the New York Mets.
It’s beginning to look a lot like hockey! #NYR #WinterClassic pic.twitter.com/3f8IVSOfZ8
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 19, 2017
Other Rangers News, Stories
- ESNY’s Dominick Renna debates which of Kevin Hayes or J.T. Miller should be re-signed.
- ESNY’s Frank Curto recaps last week in his Rangers Weekly segment.
- The Rangers beat the Bruins on Sunday night, and ESNY’s Dominick Renna broke down the victory.
