The Rangers are in Carolina for Game 2 of 5 in 7 days, taking on the Hurricanes in a game that could have Metro Division implications. The Rangers are 4 points up on the Canes, have 3 more wins, 1 more regulation win, and 3 more regulation/OT wins. Another regulation win for the Blueshirts puts the Canes in a tough spot in trying to win the division.
It looks like Jake Guentzel will make his Carolina debut tonight on a line with the questionable acquisition of Evgeny Kuznetsov and Martin Necas. That line has a very high offensive ceiling, but won’t be able to defend much. Expect Rod Brind’Amour to try to match them against the Rangers’ 2nd and 4th lines.
This is also a strength vs. strength game, with the Canes generating most of their offense from blue line shots and crashing the net. The Rangers’ defensive scheme is to force shots from the outside and limit high danger stuff, like rebounds. It will be interesting to see how this plays out as a potential 2nd round matchup.
Canes Lines
Andre Svechnikov-Sebastian Aho-Teuvo Teravainen
Jake Guentzel-Evgeny Kuznetsov-Martin Necas
Jordan Martinook-Eric Staal-Seth Jarvis
Stefan Noesen-Jesperi Kotkaniemi-Jesper Fast
Jaccob Slavin-Brent Burns
Brady Skjei-Brett Pesce
Dmitriy Orlov-Jalen Chatfield
Pyotr Kochetkov gets the start
Rangers Lines
Artemi Panarin-Vincent Trocheck-Alexis Lafreniere
Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Jack Roslovic
Will Cuylle-Alex Wennberg-Kaapo Kakko
Jimmy Vesey-Barclay Goodrow-Matt Rempe
Ryan Lindgren-Adam Fox
K’Andre Miller-Braden Schneider
Zac Jones-Erik Gustafsson
Igor Shesterkin gets the start
Injuries: Filip Chytil (concussion), Blake Wheeler (leg), Jacob Trouba (lower body)
Crazy Prediction: All 4 lines score at 5v5.
Game time is 7pm.
