Rangers vs Stars Open Game Thread
The New York Rangers look to continue their winning ways tonight against the Dallas Stars, as they’ve collected seven wins over their last nine games. The Rangers are coming off a 4-2 victory over the Florida Panthers where Vladislav Namestnikov recorded the game-winning goal and Brendan Smith scored his second goal of the season. Filip Chytil opened the scoring with his third goal in just as many games while Chris Kreider sealed the match with a power play goal midway through the third. Kreider’s up to 18 points in 20 games and is now the sole leader in points on the club, on pace to set new career highs in goals and points. Look for him to continue his torrid pace.
Meanwhile the Dallas Stars are coming into the Garden on their own small winning streak, winning their last two games after losing four of their previous five. The Rangers will have to pay close attention to the Stars’ first line, which has been one of the most dangerous in the league this year. Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov are both averaging at least a point-per-game while Jamie Benn has scored 17 points in 20 games. Just yesterday the line tore up the New York Islanders, accumulating nine points between the three of them.
In net it’ll be Henrik Lundqvist vs Anton Khudobin for the Stars. Ben Bishop is on the bench as the Stars are in their second game of their back-to-back. Khudobin owns a .926 save percentage through six games this season and last played a week ago against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Steven Fogarty is set to make his season debut after he was recalled from Hartford yesterday. Mats Zuccarello is still out with a groin strain while Ryan Strome will be playing in his second game as a New York Ranger.
Projected Lines
Vladislav Namestnikov - Mika Zibanejad - Jesper Fast
Chris Kreider - Kevin Hayes - Filip Chytil
Jimmy Vesey - Brett Howden - Ryan Strome
Cody McLeod - Lias Andersson - Steven Fogarty
Brendan Smith - Tony DeAngelo
Marc Staal - Neal Pionk
Frederik Claesson - Kevin Shattenkirk
Henrik Lundqvist
