Game #3: New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Open Thread

The New York Rangers are back on the road after finding their first win of the season against the Buffalo Sabres. After already losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins on opening night, the Rangers will have another opportunity to get head coach Mike Sullivan his first win against his former team. The Blueshirts were held to zero goals in their last matchup and ultimately fell to the Penguins 3-0 after giving up two empty net goals.

After being unable to finish Thursday's game, Vincent Trocheck is now week-to-week with an upper-body injury. Mika Zibanejad will now slide back to center with Alexis Lafrenière and Artemi Panarin. Conor Sheary will now slide into the top six and play on a line with J.T. Miller and Will Cuylle.

Player to Watch: Vladislav Gavrikov

Vladislav Gavrikov has been exactly as advertised. He is the lockdown defenseman the Blueshirts have so desperately needed the past few seasons. Numerous times in the game against Buffalo, Gavrikov has made plays to break up the rush, prevent scoring opportunities, and has helped keep the team in games.

While Gavrikov might not be lighting up the stat sheet, he is playing his role and doing a good job of it. As Adam Fox and Gavrikov continue to grow as a pair, it will help get the best out of both players and will help establish them as one of the best pairs in the league.

Enjoy the game!