New York Rangers (19–20–7) vs Chicago Blackhawks (16–23–9)
6:00pm CST
Madison Square Garden
TV/Radio: NBCSN/WGN
PROJECTED STARTERS
Chicago – Collin Delia (3–1–3, SV%: .932, GAA: 2.71)
New York – Henrik Lundqvist (13–12–7, SV%: .908, GAA: 3.04)
TEAM STATISTICS
Power Play
Chicago (17,8%, 20th)
New York (20.6%, 14th)
Penalty Kill
Chicago (73.2%, 31st)
New York (77.1%, 26th)
Shorts for/against
Chicago (31.3, 18th; 34.9, 30th)
New York (28.1, 30th; 33.6, 28th)
Shooting %
Chicago (9.4%, 17th)
New York (9.8%, 13th)
Faceoff %
Chicago (49.8%, 17th)
New York (47.7%, 29th)
Avg. height/weight
Chicago 6’1”, 197lbs
New York 6’2” 199lbs
PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS
Chicago Blackhawks
Brandon Saad–Jonathan Toews–Dominik Kahun
Artem Anisimov–Dylan Strome–Patrick Kane
Alex DeBrincat–David Kampf–Drake Caggiula
John Hayden–Marcus Kruger–Brendan Perlini
Henri Jokiharju–Brent Seabrook
New York Rangers
Chris Kreider–Mika Zibanejad–Mats Zuccarello
Filip Chytil–Ryan Strome–Jesper Fast
Jimmy Vesey–Boo Nieves–Vladislav Namestnikov
Cody McLeod–Brett Howden–Pavel Buchnevich
Brendan Smith–Kevin Shattenkirk
Analysis
The Blackhawks’ loss to the Devils on Monday night was not good for the Blackhawks’ playoff hopes, rather it further added to their run for a possible top 5 pick in June. Despite the huge deficit in the second period, the Blackhawks did rally a bit, showing that this team has some heart. To change things up, Jeremy Colliton made yesterday’s practice about having fun, and that “happy hockey players are good hockey players”.
With the two days to mentally and physically recharge, the Blackhawks look to capture two points at MSG before returning home for a Sunday matinee against the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals. Don’t be surprised if the Blackhawks begin to use a lot of Slater Koekkoek to get a feel for what they have in the newly acquired defenseman.
The Rangers come into Thursday’s contest after a big 6-2 home victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. All six goals were scored by three players (Buchnevich, Zibanejad and DeAngelo all had two goals each) shedding light on the Rangers’ depth.
Although the Rangers have been scoring a lot of goals lately, they are still without one of their biggest difference-makers. Kevin Hayes has missed the last seven games with a mid-body issue, which is a huge blow to the Rangers’ lineup. The pending free agent is having a stellar season (10 goals, 23 assists) and wants to play himself into a new contract for next year, whether that is in New York or somewhere else. The former Blackhawks first round pick may sit longer than ten games, after he was ruled out for New York’s next two contests.
Comment below in our live game thread tonight!
And look for the internet’s most robust recap of the game tomorrow morning on the-rink.com.