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Rangers try to right the ship Saturday in Detroit against the Red Wings |
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New York come into tonight's game against Detroit off what could be classified as a subpar effort. That term is likely kind as they basically failed to show up in nearly every aspect of the game. I would have loved to see a bag skate or some form of punitive action versus the players, but that was not the case. We all will see if the lip service comments they provided Thursday night about the performance being unacceptable translates into a improved product on the ice.
Rangers lineup tonight in Detroit:
Panarin-Zibanejad-Lafrenière
Kreider-Trocheck-Smith
Cuylle-Chytil-Kakko
Edström-Carrick-Vesey
Lindgren-Fox
Miller-Trouba
Jones-Schneider
Quick
Shesterkin
Scratches: Mancini, Brodzinski
Very mild shuffle off a brutal game. Chris Kreider moves up a line to the second line while the team's best trio, Will Cuylle-Filip Chytil-Kaapo Kakko, are reunited with Cuylle sliding back a line. If the top-six don't show much, look for the original lines to be restored.
On defense, despite the horrific performance Thursday, the three units stay the same. Ryan Lindgren has showed that he should have remained sidelined recovering from his broken jaw, as he looks a shell of his former self. I understand playing him, but maybe work him back in with games off periodically rather than trying to rush his recovery. The only saving grace Thursday was that Zac Jones and Braden Schneider acquitted themselves well, especially Jones, who has shown he deserves a full time role.
Igor Shesterkin, who scuffled as well with three so-so goals allowed and was left out to dry by his defense, gets the night off. Jonathan Quick is between the pipes. New York needs a strong effort from Quick this evening.
Show us something tonight, Bring a lunchpail effort. Display some heart and grit and effort, especially on the boards. Because that sure was not the case versus Buffalo.