After getting thumped by the Ottawa Senators two nights ago, the Rangers are on in primetime against another Atlantic Division adversary, as they’ll welcome the Detroit Red Wings into the world’s most famous arena tonight. Although the Rangers’ 5-6-1 start to the season isn’t great, the Red Wings appear to be all in on tanking for the 2020 Entry Draft, as they sport a 4-11-1 record coming into action tonight. These two teams have combined to win 9 out of their 28 game so far, so it’s good that tonight’s game will be broadcast nationally on NBCSN.

Both teams have made lineup changes in the hopes of turning their respective seasons around. The Red Wings have recalled former Blueshirts’ defenseman Dylan McIlrath from AHL Grand Rapids ahead of the game, so look for him to make his presence on the ice known. Meanwhile, Marc Staal and Greg McKegg will return to the lineup tonight, while Ryan Lindgren and Lias Andersson will enjoy the luxuries the MSG press box has to offer:

Staal, McKegg in, officially. Lias, Lindgren out. DQ said he noticed a slight dip in Lias’ play vs. OTT. He’s played well, but it’s not a bad thing to sit for a game. Lindgren, he didn’t want to scratch, but he wanted Staal back in and decided nobody else needed a benching.

— Colin Stephenson (@ColinASteph) November 6, 2019

Player to Watch: Marc Staal

Since breaking into the NHL in October 2007, Marc Staal has skated in 840 games for the Blueshirts, and prior to last Tuesday, had never sat as a healthy scratch. Since then, New York’s second longest tenured player watched his team go 2-1-0 as he watched the last three games from the press box. With Staal drawing back into the lineup tonight, look for him to assert himself, and remind his fans, teammates, and coaches what he can bring to the Blueshirts’ blue line.

Enjoy the game!