The New York Rangers are back in action Tuesday night and looking to get back on track following two tough losses over the weekend.
- Philadelphia Flyers (20-15-8, 48 points)
- New York Rangers (22-17-5, 49 points)
- Venue: Madison Square Garden
- Television: MSG Networks
- Gametime: 7 p.m. ET
After a poor effort in their first two games following the bye week, the New York Rangers will look to rebound against the rival Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night.
Line Changes
#NYR forward lines:
Nash – Zibanejad- Buchnevich
Zuccarello- Miller – Lettieri
Vesey – Desharnais- Carey
Grabner – Holland – FastD is rotating quite a bit but Mac is on the ice.
— Matt Calamia (@MattCalamia) January 16, 2018
The biggest news to make out of the most recent lineup shake is the absence of Boo Nieves. Instead, the Rangers will be going with veteran Peter Holland on the fourth line, with Nieves returning to the Hartford Wolf Pack. Holland has been in the league for eight seasons and has 81 career points with a plus/minus of minus-28.
Outside of the addition of Holland, head coach Alain Vigneault has moved Pavel Buchnevich from the fourth line back to the first line. Along with Buchnevich moving up in the lineup, rookie Vinni Lettieri has been moved to the second line.
It appears that Vigneault is looking to find one line that is responsible defensively, as he dropped Michael Grabner to the fourth line. Grabner will be paired with the newly recalled Holland and Jesper Fast. Grabner currently leads the Rangers with 19 goals.
The Rangers will continue to be without Kevin Hayes, who will miss his second straight game. Vigneault will continue to go with J.T. Miller at center.
McDonagh returning?
If McDonagh cleared after warmups, AV will decide on a D scratch then
— Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) January 16, 2018
Ryan McDonagh will take part in warmups prior to tonight’s game. Whether or not he plays will depend on if he is cleared by team doctors following warmups.
This season has not been the best for McDonagh, who has struggled both offensively and defensively. Once McDonagh returns to the lineup, the Rangers will need improved play from their 28-year-old defenseman and team captain.
Other Rangers News
- I play the blame game for the Rangers current skid.
- ESNY’s Frank Curto takes a look at the most memorable moments from the Rangers and Islanders rivalry.
- Blueshirt Banter’s Shayna Goldman points out the Rangers issues continue to be rooted in their defensive effort.
