Immediately following the Blueshirts’ overtime defeat two nights ago, the team became embroiled in a bit of controversy. Tony DeAngelo and Alexandar Georgiev has an on-ice miscommunication that eventually led to Pittsburgh’s game winning goal, and that incident spilled over into a post-game physical altercation. Following the altercation, DeAngelo was placed on waivers, and Georgiev sat out of practice due to what the team classified as a maintenance day.

In spite of the goings on around the team, they’re back in action tonight as they look to split their two game set with Sidney Crosby, Tristian Jarry, and the rest of the Pittsburgh Penguins. In spite of holding leads heading into the third period in each of the three times they’ve clashed with Pittsburgh, the Rangers are 0-1-2 against the Penguins this season.

Player to Watch: Anthony Bitetto

After the dust surrounding the DeAngelo situation settled, word emerged that Anthony Bitetto will make his Broadway debut tonight Rather than insert Jack Johnson back into the linuep ,David Quinn has opted to give Bitetto his first live action of the season. He’ll be skating on the team’s 3rd pairing alongside Brendan Smith, so look for Bitetto to play a quiet, mistake free game as he attempts to stake his claim to a more regular lineup spot.

Enjoy the game!