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For the second time this season, the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers are facing off at Madison Square Garden. Last time, the Rangers won 5-2 with Alexandar Georgiev on one side of the ice and James Reimer on the other. Tonight it’s both team’s starters — Henrik Lundqvist versus Roberto Luongo.
Besides in net, there will be a few changes for the Rangers tonight. Brady Skjei looks to be a healthy scratch, with Brendan Smith returning after three games in the press box.
Zuccarello out, Strome will play with Howden & Vesey. Smith in for Skjei.
— Rick Carpiniello (@RickCarpiniello) November 17, 2018
Head coach David Quinn has emphasized the importance of accountability this season. It seems that the only back that hasn’t had to sit for a game as a healthy scratch is Marc Staal.
There will also be some changes up front, with Mats Zuccarello out of the lineup, after returning from a groin strain and taking a maintenance day for their last practice. Another change runs deeper than just the day’s lineup — the Rangers traded Ryan Spooner for Ryan Strome from the Edmonton Oilers. Strome, who will wear the number 16, skates for the first time in a Rangers’ sweater on a line with Jimmy Vesey and Brett Howden tonight.
New #NYR @strome18 making his Blueshirt debut tonight. pic.twitter.com/hbcZjgX2LI
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 17, 2018
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