New York Rangers say Kakko in; Reaves to make trip; Shesterkin likely; and more
The New York Rangers will face-off against the Columbus Blue Jackets at MSG tonight. Also the Blueshirts will be honoring essential workers for being on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gerard Gallant confirmed that Kaapo Kakko will return to the lineup tonight, with Julien Gauthier being a healthy scratch. He also confirmed reports that Ryan Reaves was moved to the IR list, but will make the four game road trip. Reaves would be eligible to play no earlier than Friday in Edmonton.
New York Rangers lineup vs Jackets
Kakko, 20, was selected second overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-3 winger is at a crucial point in his development. He finished the 2020-21 campaign with 17 points on the strength of 8 goals in 48 games.
Yesterday, he was pretty clear about how he was feeling after his injury which occurred in Montreal. “Yeah, I’m ready to play,” he said.
Reaves, 34, was place on IR Thursday with a lower body injury. That transaction indicates he will be unavailable for the next 7 days. His attendance on the road trip is a good sign he will play against the Oilers.
Shesterkin, 25, is having an excellent season despite a letdown against the Flames on Monday night. In 5 games, he is 3-1-1 with a 2.17 GAA and a .933 SV%.
Essential Workers Night
Per New York Rangers Press Release:
The New York Rangers will celebrate and call for a collective “thank you” to the thousands of workers on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic by hosting Essential Workers Night presented by Northwell Health, tonight, October 29 when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Madison Square Garden at 7 p.m. ET.
Honorees include first responders, healthcare personnel, nursing home attendants, MTA employees, sanitation workers, and others. Special programming and fan experiences will be provided throughout the evening.
The Rangers will wear custom warm-up jerseys to be auctioned after the game at auctions.nhl.com/newyorkrangers. In addition, the Rangers are wearing a commemorative Essential Workers patch on their practice jersey, which is inspired by Northwell Health’s first responders. These patches are available for purchase at auctions.nhl.com/newyorkrangers. Essential worker pucks and t-shirts are available for purchase at Shop.MSG.com. Portions of the proceeds from all custom Essential Workers merchandise will benefit Northwell Health Foundation.
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