The Rangers have been fighting it lately, a surprise to no one. They’ve been treading water for quite some time now as they’ve managed key injuries to the middle of the lineup. Those injuries have forced players up in the lineup and playing more minutes than they really should. This in turn made the Rangers easier to play against, with just one legitimate scoring line.
Kaapo Kakko’s return today helps that a bit, even if it’s not a boost to the offense. His defensive play is stellar and leads to his lines being a net positive, something the Rangers haven’t had outside of the Panarin line. It’s not always about goals, it’s about controlling the play, and Kakko’s influence on his lines helps in that regard.
His return is big for the Rangers, even if understated by many. Hopefully this helps the Rangers right the ship and get things going again.
Capitals Lines
Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Tom Wilson
Max Pacioretty-Evgeny Kuznetsov-TJ Oshie
Aliaksei Protas-Connor McMichael-Anthony Mantha
Beck Malenstyn-Nic Dowd-Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Martin Fehervary-John Carlson
Joel Edmundson-Ethan Bear
Trevor van Riemsdyk-Nick Jensen
Darcy Kuemper gets the start
Rangers Lines
Artemi Panarin-Vincent Trocheck-Alexis Lafreniere
Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Will Cuylle
Jimmy Vesey-Barclay Goodrow-Kaapo Kakko
Jonny Brodzinski-Nick Bonino-Blake Wheeler
Ryan Lindgren-Adam Fox
K’Andre Miller-Jacob Trouba
Erik Gustafsson-Braden Schneider
Igor Shesterkin gets the start.
Injuries: Filip Chytil (concussion), Tyler Pitlick (lower body)
Crazy Prediction: A win?
Game time is 1pm.
