Brennan Othmann could be in Rangers lineup against Islanders, Chris Kreider game-time decision
Even after the morning skate at UBS Arena on Tuesday, it’s unclear exactly what the New York Rangers lineup will look like when they take to the ice against the New York Islanders. But there’s a chance that both Chris Kreider and Brennan Othmann could be in it.
Much of the speculation revolves around Kreider. The 33-year-old forward took warmups in Pittsburgh on Sunday but then missed the 5-3 win against the Penguins with an unspecified injury. Kreider took part in the morning skate Tuesday but remained on the ice late with Arthur Kaliyev, who’s expected to be a healthy scratch.
Othmann was recalled from Hartford of the American Hockey League on Monday. He’s expected to play if Kreider can’t. But coach Peter Laviolette left the door open that the 22-year-old forward could be in the lineup even if Kreider plays. That would mean likely either Jonny Brodzinski or Jimmy Vesey would come out.
“He’s getting ready to play,” Laviolette said. “We’ve still got some decisions we’re making. [Kreider’s] a game-time [decision].”
Othmann, the Rangers first-round pick (No. 16 overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft, played three NHL games last season but none this season. He was sidelined for more than two months because of an upper-body injury sustained with Hartford three games into the season.
Lately, Othmann’s been on an absolute heater for the Wolf Pack. He has nine goals and 12 points since Jan. 18, a span of 15 games. Othmann scored two goals on Feb. 12 against Bridgeport and another pair two games later against Charlotte.
He was second on Hartford with 21 goals last season and has 12 goals and 20 points in 27 games this season.
“It’s good that he’s back and that he’s healthy and that now he’s contributing and scoring goals,” Laviolette said last week. “I think all that are good signs and good steps for him.”
Related: Rangers vs. Islanders – 3 things to watch for in crucial rivalry game
Chris Kreider could return from unspecified injury, has had back issues all season
Kreider has suffered from back spasms throughout this troubling season. He’s missed nine games, all but one because of injury. Still, he’s tied for second on the Rangers with 17 goals and is second with six power-play goals, including one Saturday in an 8-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
His name has been in trade rumors nearly all season, and he still has two seasons left on his contract worth $6.5 million annually.
Vesey slotted into the lineup Sunday, and the veteran forward scored the game-tying goal and assisted on the game-winner by Adam Fox late in the third period. Kaliyev also played after it appeared he’d be the odd man out.
Igor Shesterkin coming off an incredible 36-save win Sunday will start once again for the Rangers and be opposed by his good friend Ilya Sorokin of the Islanders.
The Rangers (28-25-4) are 11th in the Eastern Conference, three points up on the Islanders (25-24-7), who have a game in hand. The Blueshirts are two points out of the second wild card in the East.
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