Updated: New York Rangers lineup against Ducks includes Morgan Barron, Reaves on COVID list
The New York Rangers are hoping to bounce back from an ugly start to their season-high, five-game road trip Saturday night when they visit the Ducks, who are slated for their first game in four days following another postponement due to COVID-19.
The Blueshirts saw their three-game winning streak stopped with a 5-1 loss to the Golden Knights. Chris Kreider scored his 21st goal but the Rangers were mostly outplayed as they allowed the final four goals and numerous odd-man rushes.
Thanks to their own COVID issues, there’s many questions about the final lineup. Here’s what is known.
Rangers lineup versus Ducks
Alexandar Georgiev is the confirmed starter for the game. The 25 year-old netminder is 6-4-2 with a 2.89 GAA and a .904 SV%.
The third defensive pair was noted at practice on Friday as Jarred Tinordi and Nils Lundkvist. “I love Tinordi, I’ve had him before. Good character guy, works hard,” head coach Gerard Gallant said.
Tinordi, 29, has no points in five games this season with a -5 rating.
Morgan Barron will play
Another confirmed change to the lineup will be the insertion of Morgan Barron.
Barron was the 174th overall pick by the Rangers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He’s recorded 12 points in 20 games with the Wolf Pack this season.
“It’s definitely an opportunity,” Barron said today. “We still have some (COVID) results waiting to come in. If I get a chance to get in, there’s some things I can do to help them win.”
Barron, 23, has no points in just two NHL games this season. The forward has been mostly used as a center in Hartford, but can also play on the left wing too. His versatility will likely be utilized on the third or fourth line.
COVID issues still cloud lineup
It is uncertain what other moves will be coming. We will update this article when the team comes out for the pre-game skate.
Earlier today, the team announced that Lauri Pajuniemi and Anthony Greco were added to the taxi squad. They are currently in Anaheim, but not expected to play.
No word on Artemi Panarin, but he was not at practice this morning so that is a decent indication he likely did not make the trip to Anaheim.
Stay tuned.
Update: Ryan Reaves on COVID list
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