Rangers vs. Sharks: Open Game Thread

The New York Rangers, 24-20-5 (53 points), are fresh off a 6-3 loss at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks and will look to pick up at least one win on their Western road trip.

Tuesday night's game saw Henrik Lundqvist get pulled in the first and a two-period benching of J.T. Miller.

Overall the team just didn't have it and it would be nice for the team to go into the All-Star break with a win. After tonight's game, the team sans All-Star Lundqvist is off for a week as the next game is Thursday, February 1.

The team could use a win in the worst way, and something has to give.

Kevin Hayes remains a game-time decision and the only confirmed starter is Ondrej Pavelec.

"It’s a big game for us." Ondrej Pavelec on getting the start for #NYR tonight in San Jose. pic.twitter.com/QSSEGaoCYK

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 25, 2018

Pavelec is 3-7-1 with a 2.96 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. His last start was against the New York Islanders in which he surrendered five goals on 19 shots, but he was hung out to dry by the team in front of him.

Prior to that, he stopped 32 of 34 vs. the Vegas Golden Knights and 30 of 30 vs. the Washington Capitals. Overall he has done his job over the last few outings, and he will likely see more time down the stretch if the Rangers go into selling mode.

The San Jose Sharks, 26-14-7 (59 points), sit in second place in the Pacific Division and recently lost Joe Thornton, leading forward scorer with 36 points, to a right-MCL injury. The team still boasts some significant firepower with Brent Burns (39 points), Logan Couture (34 points) and Joe Pavelski (34).

Aaron Dell will be between the pipes and is 12-3-3 with a 2.32 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage in 16 starts this season.

The Sharks are the best of the three California teams, and tonight's game could be a tough one for the Blueshirts. Try and enjoy the game.

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