RD1 GM1: Rangers begin the first step of a long journey tonight against Pittsburgh
For the New York Rangers the talk is over. All their hard work since Alec Martinez scored in game 5 in the Stanley Cup Final is put to the test tonight.
FULLTILT BREAKDOWN: RANGERS VS PENGUINS
The Rangers open the Stanley Cup Playoffs against Division Rival, Pittsburgh Penguins. All Blueshirts are a go except for Kevin Klein who is listed as day-to-day recovering from a broken arm.
Related: Rick Nash ready to put playoff demons behind him
Pittsburgh is coming in with no pressure as the second wild card. Evgeni Malkin is believed to be playing hurt and the Penguins defense is without their top three defenseman for the foreseeable future.
Related: Penguins only advantage is having no pressure
COACH TALK
NOTES
#NYR Updates: Rick Nash says he had a 24-hour bug, but is good to go tonight; Kevin Klein skated on his own before team morning skate
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 16, 2015
It’s back. @NHL playoffs.. It’s intense, challenging and absolutely awesome. Let’s GO! #NYR
— Henrik Lundqvist (@HLundqvist30) April 16, 2015
Kevin Klein was out on the Garden ice earlier this morning prior to the team’s skate. Still “day to day” per Vigneault.
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) April 16, 2015
Sheppard, Summers last on ice, so theyll be scratched. Nash said he was fine after skate. Some kind of 24 hour bug
— Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) April 16, 2015
Lovejoy: “This team has become a rival. There is some bad blood and these are exciting games.” More in #Pens Report: https://t.co/wIFsHBLdiL
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 16, 2015
Coach Johnston on Ehrhoff and Pouliot: “They won’t be playing tonight.”
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 16, 2015
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