Open Game Thread: Rangers vs Penguins
For the second time in month, the Rangers find themselves at PPG Paints Arena as they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight for their third meeting of the season. New York is currently riding a three game win streak, while the Penguins have earned points in nine of their last ten games, so the two sides are both playing excellent hockey as of late. The Rangers lines are as follows:
Chris Kreider-Derek Stepan-Mats Zuccarello
Michael Grabner-Kevin Hayes-J.T. Miller
Jimmy Vesey-Oscar Lindberg-Jesper Fast
Matt Puempel-Brandon Pirri-Marek Hrivik
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Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Marc Staal-Nick Holden
Brady Skjei-Kevin Klein
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Antti Raanta
Meanwhile, Mike Suliivan will look to counter the Rangers with the following combinations:
Conor Sheary-Sidney Crosby-Bryan Rust
Chris Kunitz-Evgeni Malkin-Patric Hornqvist
Carl Hagelin-Nick Bonino-Phil Kessel
Scott Wilson-Matt Cullen-Eric Fehr
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Olli Maatta-Brian Dumoulin
Ian Cole-Justin Schultz
Derrick Pouliot-Chad Ruhwedel
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Matt Murray
Player to Watch: After sitting out the last few games as a healthy scratch, look for Brandon Pirri to make his presence known in his return to the lineup. The forward was marred in a goal-scoring slump before being sent to the press box, so Pirri will want to bust out of his funk to ensure he reclaims a spot in the top 12 before the whole team gets healthy again.
Enjoy the game!