Game #34: Anaheim Ducks vs. New York Rangers Open Thread
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Familiar faces in Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba return to Madison Square Garden for the first time since joining the Anaheim Ducks. Anaheim stands in second place in the Pacific Division as they look to add to their impressive start to the season. The Rangers aim to make it consecutive wins following their comeback victory against the Montreal Canadiens. Despite all the struggles the Blueshirts have had, their playoff hopes remain very much alive.
Head coach Mike Sullivan has announced Mika Zibanejad is a healthy scratch tonight after missing a team meeting. Will Cuylle will move up to the first power play unit as the group sticks with five forwards. Scott Morrow and Jaroslav Chmelar will be the healthy scratches for tonight. Igor Shesterkin is going to get the start in net as he searches for his 14th win of the season.
Player to Watch: Chris Kreider
While no longer a Ranger, it will be near impossible to not watch the franchise legend in his return to the Garden. In his 13-year tenure with the Blueshirts, he registered 326 goals, 256 assists, and 582 points. Kreider is also tied as the Rangers' all-time leader in power play goals, second in game-winning goals, and third in goals. While the ending wasn't pretty, Kreider is an all-time Ranger.
Kreider has returned to a solid level of play since joining the Ducks. He has 13 goals and 21 points in 28 games. Kreider has made the most of being surrounded by a young and talented team. Now, we will see if he makes some noise in an emotional return to the place he called home for 13 seasons.
Enjoy the game!
