New York Rangers aim to extend win streak; visit Blackhawks
The New York Rangers will take their three-game winning streak into Chicago for an Original Six matchup against the Blackhawks.
Prior to the All-Star break, the Blueshirts demolished the Ottawa Senators 7-2, and followed that up with a rousing 2-1 OT victory over the Colorado Avalanche. The good times kept rolling with Jimmy Vesey notching two goals to take down the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-1 on Wednesday.
In all three wins, veteran goalie Jonathan Quick was in net, which according to coach Peter Laviolette was the plan coming out of the break. Igor Shesterkin participated at All-Star Weekend, and may still have to wait to get back in between the pipes.
“He’s been working really hard,” Laviolette said about Shesterkin, who has been getting in extra practice with goalie coach Benoit Allaire.
When asked who would start Friday night against the Blackhawks, he stated he knew, but wasn’t going to share.
Here’s tonight’s game and broadcast info:
New York Rangers (32-16-3) vs Chicago Blackhawks (14-35-2)
Date/Time: February 9, 2024 @ 8:30 PM ET
Arena: United Center
TV: MSG
Radio: ESPN 98.7 FM
Note: Subject to change, updated for each game
Related: New report claims 2024 1st Rd pick in play at the trade deadline
New York Rangers projected lineup
Here are the expected line combinations and pairings:
Kreider – Zibanejad – Wheeler
Panarin – Trocheck – Lafreniere
Cuylle – Brodzinski – Kakko
Vesey – Goodrow – Pitlick
Lindgren – Fox
Miller – Trouba
Gustafsson – Schneider
Shesterkin
Quick
Note: The Rangers will hold a morning skate at 12:30 AM ET at the United Center. Peter Laviolette will address the media afterwards. Check back for updates.
Update: Igor Shesterkin will start.
New York Rangers vs Chicago Blackhawks
As we continue to keep an eye on the standings, the Rangers hold first place in the Metro Division with 65 points. The Carolina Hurricanes picked up a 5-2 win over the Avalanche on Thursday night, and are 4 points behind with a game in hand.
Every one was well aware how badly the Rangers struggled in January going 5-7-2, raising questions if this team was really a contender. However, over their last six matches, they’re 4-1-1 and showing promising signs that slump is behind them. If the Blueshirts can post another victory, it will be the first time since November that they were able to string together four straight (11/7 – 11/18).
“We’re all competing hard right now,” defenseman Ryan Lindgren stated. “As a group, we’re all committed to playing good defense and that leads to offense.”
This season, the Blueshirts are 15-9-3 on the road, and have points in three straight (2-0-1).
Upcoming Rangers Milestones
- Jonathan Quick is 2 wins away from tying Dominik Hasek (389) for 15th all-time
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