New York Rangers hope to sing a different tune against Predators in Nashville
On Saturday, the New York Rangers will take on the Nashville Predators in the second meeting this season between these two squads. The first time they met was arguably the worst performance of the season for the Rangers way back on October 19. It was an embarrassing 4-1 loss in which they were outplayed in all areas of the ice. The Blueshirts will certainly look to have a stronger showing this time around.
Since that poor performance, the Rangers have been one of the best teams in the NHL. The loss to Nashville sparked a six-game win streak and ten game point streak for the Blueshirts. Overall, New York has been on a 14-2-1 run after that dismal outing.
“They’re a hard-working team,” said Peter Laviolette about Nashville. “They compete, they work hard. For me, they get what they earn by their work ethic and so that has to be on the forefront for us.”
Coming off a great comeback win against the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday, the Rangers should be well rested and ready to go. Nashville has been streaky this season. Their last matchup saw a six-game win streak broken in a 6-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild. They will look to get back into the win column against the Rangers.
Here’s tonight’s game and broadcast info:
New York Rangers (16-4-1) vs Nashville Predators (11-11-0)
Date/Time: December 2, 2023 @ 4:30 PM ET
Arena: Bridgestone Arena
TV: MSG, MSGSN
Radio: ESPN 98.7 FM
Note: Subject to change, updated for each game
Latest: Rangers releases new third jersey
New York Rangers projected lineup
Wednesday’s game saw the long awaited return of Adam Fox, giving the Rangers added depth on defense. Expect similar lines and defensive pairings against Nashville. With a back-to-back slated for the weekend, it is likely that Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick will each get one game. Here are the expected lines for Saturday night:
Kreider – Zibanejad – Wheeler
Panarin – Trocheck – Lafreniere
Cuylle – Bonino – Brodzinski
Vesey – Goodrow – Pitlick
Lindgren – Fox
Miller – Trouba
Gustafsson – Schneider
Shesterkin
Quick
Note: The Rangers will not hold a morning skate on Saturday. New York head coach Peter Laviolette will be address the media at 2:20 PM ET. Check back in for updates.
New York Rangers vs Nashville Predators
The Rangers will look to get revenge against Nashville in the second and final meeting between these two teams. In the last five meetings, the Rangers are 2-3-0 against the Predators. It will be another chance for New York to show their dominance when playing on the road. They have earned at least one point in 10 out of 12 road games this season and lead the league in road points with 19.
“Anytime you go on the road, it’s tough to win,” mentioned Jonathan Quick. “I feel like we’ve gone into those games with the right attitude and prepared properly. Generally, going in there looking to get two points and get out of there.”
The Rangers will look to start up another win streak as they look for their second consecutive victory. In order to do that, they will turn to players like Chris Kreider and Artemi Panarin who have continued their exceptional play. Kreider is one power play goal away from reaching 100 goals on the man advantage. In addition, he needs only two more goals to tie Adam Graves for 3rd all time in goals scored for the Rangers.
Panarin is nine points away from career point number 700. He is coming off a one-goal game against Detroit and finds himself on a three-game point streak. Panarin ranks sixth in the NHL in points and first in multipoint games (11). On the road, his 17 points (8G-9A) rank tied for second in the league.
Nashville will look to cause trouble for the Rangers once again. Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly lead the way in points with 27 and 19, respectively. On the blue line, Roman Josi continues to be an all-star defenseman. He has 16 points on the season. In goal, Jusse Saros has earned the majority of the starts. He holds an 8-10-0 record, a .895% save percentage, and a GAA of 3.17. Expect him to start against the Rangers.
New York will look for a complete turnaround from the last time these teams met. “They came into our building and took it to us pretty good,” explained Braden Schneider. “I think we owe them one and I think every guy in here feels that way. I think we’ll be looking to take one back from them in their building.”
It should be a good test against a Nashville team who has won six out of their last seven contests. The Rangers will attempt to get another win streak started in a homecoming for Peter Laviolette, coaching against his former team.
More About:New York Rangers Features New York Rangers Games