The New York Rangers visit the Arizona Coyotes tonight in Glendale Arizona in the first of a two-game, West Coast, back to back road trip.
- New York Rangers 21-14-15 (47 Pts.)
- Arizona Coyotes 10-27-5 (25 pts.)
- Television: MSG Network, 8:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Gila River Arena, Glendale, AZ
The New York Rangers head out to the desert to take on Derek Stepan, Anti Raanta, and the Arizona Coyotes tonight.
The Rangers are coming off a 5-2 loss on Wednesday to the Chicago Blackhawks at MSG.
These were the lines at practice on Friday, Marc Staal had the day off (maintenance) with Vinni Lettieri taking a spot for the practice with Brady Skjei.
With no Staal, #NYR lines:
Miller – Zibanejad – Buchnevich
Grabner – Hayes – Zuccarello
Vesey – Desharnais- Nash
Carey – Nieves – FastMcdonagh- Holden
Smith – Shattenkirk (Kampfer rotated)
Skjei – Lettieri— Matt Calamia (@MattCalamia) January 5, 2018
Mats Zuccarello leads the team in scoring with 31 points, Michael Grabner leads the Rangers in goals with 18. Henrik Lundqvist, 18-10-0-4 with 2.58 goals against average, will start in net for the Rangers.
The Rangers have been stone cold on the power play and have fallen to 17th in the NHL with an 18.9 percent efficiency.
The Arizona Coyotes defeated the Nashville Predators 3-2 in overtime on Thursday night.
Clayton Keller leads the team in goals with 14 and leads the team in points with 32. The Coyotes power play is ranked 23rd in the National Hockey League at 17.2 percent efficient. Former Ranger Derek Stepan has eight goals with 17 assists for 25 points. The team is currently is in last place in the Pacific division. Anti Raanta, 6-11-0, 2.82 goals-against average, will start in goal tonight.
The Rangers played the Coyotes on Oct. 26 at Maison Square Garden, with the Rangers winning the contest 5-2 as Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich each scored two goals. Boo Nieves had three assists in his NHL debut.
Injury Note
The New York Rangers announced the forward Chris Kreider will undergo Rib surgery and will remain out of the lineup indefinitely. Kreider was diagnosed with blood clots last Wednesday.
