Vesey set to make MSG debut in a Rangers sweater tonight
Jimmy Vesey will skate with his buddy Kevin Hayes tonight at MSG. It will be our first look at him in a Rangers jersey on home ice. Also on Vesey’s opposite wing will be Rick Nash making it this evening’s line to watch.
What to look for from Vesey
First and foremost, we should be looking for chemistry between Hayes and Vesey since they have been projected to be linemates this year. From Vesey’s standpoint, playing with a guy like Rick Nash, I’m expecting to see more of his set up ability than his finishing skills.
Also we should all be keeping an eye on his board work. He has described himself as a blend of power and skill. So look for him to dig pucks outs and stand in front to cause chaos. This will be a nice test for him, but I am really looking forward to the game when J.T. Miller takes his rightful place on this line.
Pirri has caught AV’s eye
I was really adamant that Brandon Pirri impressed against the Islanders on Tuesday. Apparently, he caught the attention of Alain Vigneault as well. The head coach said that Pirri has a “major league shot” and can play all three forward positions.
The injury to Josh Jooris‘ groin now gives him an opportunity to play center on a second line with Pavel Buchnevich and Nathan Gerbe. There’s a lot of skill on this line, so it will be interesting to see how they perform.
Nick Holden on defense
Listen, I’m on the record that I felt he was a depth move for the Rangers in the offseason. When he was acquired I looked at him as a 7th defenseman, but it appears he has a shot to become a regular.
Many of the reviews you read are mixed depending on where the person is coming from. Those in the analytics community say his numbers are solid, especially when you take into account he played for defense deficient Colorado. Those who depend on the eye test say he is a mess at times in his own zone.
So to be fair, let’s judge him on his play in Blue. He is playing top pair with Kevin Klein who is rock solid, so no excuses if he flops.
Here’s the lineup for tonight
Let us know what you think in the comments section.
OFFICIAL: #NYR expected lines for tomorrow:
Vesey-Hayes-Nash
Gerbe-Pirri-Buchnevich
Grabner-Hrivik-Fast
Tambellini-Lapierre-Jensen— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 28, 2016
OFFICIAL: #NYR expected pairings for tomorrow:
Holden-Klein
Graves-Summers
Gilmour-McIlrath— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 28, 2016
OFFICIAL: #NYR expected goalies for tomorrow:
Raanta
Skapski— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 28, 2016
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