Open Game Thread: Rangers vs Penguins
For the first time this season, the Rangers are in danger of losing three games in a row if they fall to the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight. Pittsburgh has been up and down as of late, going 4-2-2 in their last eight games, despite a hot start from Sidney Crosby. If the Rangers ant to end their losing streak, they'll have to find a way to stop Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and the rest of the high powered Penguins lineups. New York's lines are as follows:
Michael Grabner-Derek Stepan-Rick Nash
Chris Kreider-Kevin Hayes-Mats Zuccarello
Jimmy Vesey-Brandon Pirri-J.T. Miller
Oscar Lindberg-Josh Jooris-Jesper Fast
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Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Marc Staal-Nick Holden
Brady Skjei-Kevin Klein
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Antti Raanta
If the Rangers plan on leaving Pittsburgh with two points in the first half of this home and home, then they'll need to do their best to shut down these combinations put together by Mike Sullivan:
Carl Hagelin-Sidney Crosby-Conor Sheary
Jake Guentzel-Evgeni Malkin-Phil Kessel
Scott Wilson-Nick Bonino-Bryan Rust
Tom Kuhnhackl-Matt Cullen-Eric Fehr
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Brian Dumoulin-Kris Letang
Olli Maatta-Trevor Daley
Ian Cole-Justin Schultz
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Marc Andre-Fleury
Player to Watch: With Mika Zibanejad out for the next 6-8 weeks, the Rangers' depth down the middle has taken a hit, and it's up to two of the team's younger forwards to fill the void. With Kevin Hayes moving into the Top 6, look for Brandon Pirri to play in the Top 9 for the first time this season as Alain Vigneault begins to decide who will fill the 3rd Line Center spot vacated by Hayes. If Pirri struggles, Oscar Lindberg, Josh Jooris, and perhaps even J.T. Miller could be looking at an increased role.
Prediction: With the Rangers play taking a dip over the last few games, the Penguins have the firepower to take advantage of a struggling New York team. But with Antti Raanta's hot start to the season being a major factor, look for him to continue his play and lead the Rangers to a 3-1 victory.
Enjoy the game!
