New York Rangers lineup vs Senators includes Kakko and Rooney
The New York Rangers lineup will finally get two key players back as both Kaapo Kakko and Kevin Rooney will return against the Senators on Saturday.
Based off of Friday’s practice lines, Kakko will be on the right wing of the third line centered by Barclay Goodrow with Alexis Lafreniere on the opposite flank.
Rooney will likely return and center the fourth line flanked by Dryden Hunt and Ryan Reaves.
Both Filip Chytil (day-to-day) and Tyler Motte (indefinite) are out.
UPDATE: Igor Shesterkin will start
Kaapo Kakko and Kevin Rooney return to action
Kakko has been out since January 21 with an upper-body injury but finally skated with the team at practice on Friday.
The 21 year-old has only been able to play in only 37 games this season due to injuries. He has just 5 goals and 14 points for a .37 points per game average, which is only slightly better than last season’s .34. Gallant will be looking forward to see him get his game going for the playoffs.
Kevin Rooney, who has been out since March 2 with an upper-body injury was also a full participant. He has registered 11 points in 51 games this season.
“They looked really good out there and they’ve been skating a long time,” Gallant said after the session. “Conditioning is not an issue. We’ll see what the trainers say and we’ll find out this afternoon what the plan is.”
The plan is both are in.
Meanwhile, Chytil is listed as day-to-day after playing a really strong game with and without the puck against the Penguins.
Chytil, 22, has registered 19 points in 60 games this season while being hampered with injuries he’s tried to play through. As of late, the big center has been extremely noticeable and seems to be finding his game at the right time of the season.
NHL looking at late start for next season
The NHL is looking to start next season roughly around the same time in mid-October as they did this season. According to Pierre LeBrun on TSN’s Insider Trading, not only are the owners keen on the idea, but so is major broadcast partner ESPN. Read More.
More About:Blueshirts GameDay NYR Features