Open Game Thread: Rangers vs Canucks
Having won seven of their last eight games, the New York Rangers are heading in to Rogers Arena tonight looking to avenge their lone loss against the Vancouver Canucks. Vancouver handed New York a 5-3 loss at Madison Square Garden one week ago, and the Rangers will look to return the favor and extend their winning streak to three games. New York's line combos are as follows:
Michael Grabner-Derek Stepan-Rick Nash
J.T. Miller-Mika Zibanejad-Mats Zuccarello
Jimmy-Vesey-Kevin Hayes-Jesper Fast
Oscar Lindberg-Cristoval Nieves-Brandon Pirri
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Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Marc Staal-Brady Skjei
Nick Holden-Kevin Klein
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Henrik Lundqvist
Meanwhile, Vancouver will look to counter the Rangers' high powered offense with the following combinations:
Daniel Sedin-Henrik Sedin-Brandon Sutter
Sven Baertschi-Bo Horvat-Alex Burrows
Loui Eriksson-Markus Granlund-Derek Dorsett
Brendan Gaunce-Michael Chaput-Jack Skille
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Alex Edler-Troy Stecher
Erik Gudbranson-Ben Hutton
Luca Sbisa-Nikita Tryamkin
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Jacob Markstrom
Player To Watch: Since he's making his NHL debut tonight, Cristoval "Boo" Nieves is the player to watch for tonight's game. While Nieves has primarily had a reputation as a swift skating defensive center, he'll be skating on an offensive minded 4th Line with fellow centers Oscar Lindberg and Brandon Pirri tonight. Look for him to be active throughout the game as he attempts to make a good first impression at the NHL level.
Prediction: The Rangers' rookies lead the team to victory tonight, with Kevin Hayes, Brady Skjei, and Jimmy Vesey all recording points in a 4-2 win.
Enjoy the game!
