The day the New York Rangers have been waiting for all year long has finally arrived. Happy New Year everyone and welcome to the 2018 ‘NHL Winter Classic’ at Citi Field as the Blueshirts ready to take on the Buffalo Sabres.
- New York Rangers: 20-13-5, 45 pts.
- Buffalo Sabres: 10-20-8, 28 pts.
- Television: NBC, 1:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Citi Field, Queens, N.Y.
The New York Rangers visit the Buffalo Sabres at Citi Field this afternoon at 1:00. Ok, the only thing about the Rangers being the visitors is the listing on the schedule. The Rangers will be in the home blue jerseys, playing in a game in New York City when the puck drops.
The Rangers are coming off a shootout loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night by a score of 3-2. Ranger rookie Vinni Lettieri scored his first National Hockey League goal in his first professional game.
The Buffalo Sabres defeated the first-place New Jersey Devils 4-3 in overtime Friday night at the Rock. The Sabres, who only have 10 wins on the season, are lead by Jack Eichel with 35 points and Evander Kane with 34 points.
The Rangers had their one and only practice on the Citi Field ice on Sunday afternoon. The players seemed fine with the ice conditions and seemed as though they were enjoying themselves.
Before practice, J.T. Miller took some batting practice somewhere other than the ice.
Let’s play ball! #NYR #NYRClassic #WinterClassic pic.twitter.com/ndLeSAiPe6
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 31, 2017
The New York Rangers Twitter shared some other snapshots of their practice today, hoping to get fans pumped up for the big game coming up Monday afternoon.
#NYRClassic Squad Goals! #NYR #WinterClassic pic.twitter.com/fHdiM9LQyC
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 31, 2017
Here come the Blueshirts for #NYRClassic practice! #WinterClassic #NYR pic.twitter.com/odFVnMpQFI
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 31, 2017
Staying warm at #NYRClassic practice. #WinterClassic #NYR pic.twitter.com/l4j4IKfBAq
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 31, 2017
The smile on Pavel Buchnevich’s face says it all.
Buuuuuuch! #NYR #NYRClassic #WinterClassic pic.twitter.com/e74n7frWkW
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 31, 2017
Now take a look at Henrik Lundqvist getting some adjustments made during practice.
Henrik over for some quick work. #NYR #NYRClassic #WinterClassic pic.twitter.com/KHOK3G7ep4
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 31, 2017
Mika Zibanejad even took some time to practice for when he scores a power play goal.
When the #WinterClassic is 1 day away! #NYRClassic #NYR pic.twitter.com/ZJ8W5lehQt
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 31, 2017
Michael Grabner and family at the family skate. Its a business, but there is always time for family at these events.
The Grabners are set for the #NYRClassic family skate. #WinterClassic #NYR pic.twitter.com/CNbDQ1NXK0
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 31, 2017
Head coach Alain Vigneault also announced the Chris Kreider will visit his teammates today prior to the game at Citi Field.
Chris Kreider (blood clot) will be at the game tomorrow to visit teammates, per AV
— Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) December 31, 2017
That’s all you need to know heading into today’s Winter Classic. Now, enjoy the game!
