Open Game Thread: Kings vs Rangers
In a rematch of the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals, the Rangers will welcome the Los Angeles Kings into Madison Square Garden for the first and only time this season. These two teams have split the season series each of the last two seasons, with New York's last home win against Los Angeles coming in Game 4 of the Finals three springs ago. Despite that, the Rangers are currently riding a two game winning streak and will look to make it three in a row tonight. New York's lines are as follows:
Chris Kreider-Derek-Stepan-Mats Zuccarello
Rick Nash-Mika Zibanejad-Pavel Buchnevich
Jimmy Vesey-J.T. Miller-Michael Grabner
Matt Puempel-Oscar Lindberg-Brandon Pirri
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Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Nick Holden-Kevin Klein
Brady Skjei-Adam Clendening
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Henrik Lundqvist
Meanwhile, Darryl Sutter will look to counter New York with these combinations:
Dwight King-Anze Kopitar-Marian Gaborik
Tanner Pearson-Jeff Carter-Dustin Brown
Andy Andreoff-Trevor Lewis-Devon Setoguichi
Kyle Clifford-Nick Shore-Jordan Nolan
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Jake Muzzin-Drew Doughty
Brayden McNabb-Alec Martinez
Derek Forbort-Kevin Gravel
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Jeff Zatkoff
Player to Watch: As he suits up for the first time since the turn of the calendar, look for Matt Puempel to do what he can to re-solidify himself as one of the team's top 12 forwards. Despite superior options behind him on the depth chart, Alain Vigneault has taken a liking to what Puempel can bring to New York's lineup, so expect to see a lot more of him now that he's healthy and ready to play.
Enjoy the game!
