Game #57: Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Rangers Open Thread
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It's the final game before the Olympic break and the first game the Rangers will be playing since Artemi Panarin was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. This is the fourth matchup between the Rangers and the Carolina Hurricanes, who have gotten the better of the Blueshirts twice this season. The Hurricanes currently sit atop the Metropolitan Division and are the favorites heading into tonight's game.
The Rangers will make some lineup changes with Brennan Othmann and Scott Morrow coming out. Slotting in will be Anton Blidh and Vincent Iorio, who will be making his Rangers debut. Former Ranger K'Andre Miller will make his return to Madison Square Garden tonight after being traded in the offseason. Miller was unavailable for the Hurricanes' first trip up to the Big Apple but will now get the chance to return to the arena he called home for five seasons.
Where to Watch
Cable/Network TV: MSG 2, NHL website, NHL app, and the Gotham Sports app
National Broadcast: ESPN+
Radio: 880 AM
Player to Watch: Vincent Iorio
General Manager Chris Drury stated he wanted the team to get younger, and one of his first steps in that direction was claiming defenseman Vincent Iorio. Iorio is a former second-round draft pick of the Washington Capitals. He has played in 30 games but only has four points to show for it.
Iorio's appeal is his physical gifts; he stands at 6'4" and is able to move well for his big frame. He also plays a physical game while moving the puck well. However, Iorio has failed to develop his defensive game the way it should at this point in his career. Head coach Mike Sullivan has displayed an ability to raise the defensive game of his blue liners, and hopefully he could do the same for Iorio.
Enjoy the game!
