Open Game Thread: Rangers vs Stars
The New York Rangers find themselves in the state of Texas tonight, as they'll be taking on the Dallas Stars tonight. If things go the Rangers' way, the night will end with New York knocking off their Dallas-based foes with a star in their logo for the second time in less than a week, so Henrik Lundqvist will do everything in his power to make sue that happens as he returns to the crease tonight.
Dallas was expected to be a top contender for the Stanley Cup this season, but they currently find themselves outside of the playoff picture after a disappointing start to the season. Gone are the days of Dallas' high-flying offense, as they're currently tied for 15th in the league in goals per game. Fortunately for the Rangers, their defense and goaltending have remained as putrid as they always have been, as Dallas is ranked 29th in goals against per game. Look for New York's high-octane offense to expose the Stars' fatal flaw tonight if they want to earn two points. The Rangers' lines are as follows:
Chris Kreider-Derek Stepan-Mats Zuccarello
J.T. Miller-Kevin Hayes-Rick Nash
Jimmy Vesey-Kevin Hayes-J
Marek-Hrivik-Oscar Lindberg-Jesper Fast
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Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Marc Staal-Nick Holden
Brady Skjei-Kevin Klein
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Henrik Lundqvist
Meanwhile, Dallas will trot out the following combinations to try and silence New York's explosive offense:
Jamie Benn-Tyler Seguin-Jason Spezza
Antoine Roussel-Radek Faksa-Brett Ritchie
Jiri Hudler-Cody Eakin-Patrick Eaves
Curtis McKenzie-Devin Shore-Adam Cracknell
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Esa Lindell-John Klingberg
Dan Hamhuis-Stephen Johns
Johnny Oduya-Jordie Benn
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Antti Niemi
Player To Watch: Making his first start in five games, look for Henrik Lundqvist to remind everyone who the #1 netminder in New York is. If Lundqvist doesn't play well, than the questions of a goalie controversy will come crawling back to the surface, and another round of drama will surely ensue
Enjoy the game! Or don't, I can't tell you what to do.