Like the Rangers, the Coyotes have had their share of struggles. The Coyotes enter tonight’s matchup dead last in the league at 0-8-1. Derek Stepan will make his return to Madison Square Garden to face his former team but Antti Raanta will not as he is injured.
Keys to a Rangers’ victory:
- After twisting his leg in a goalmouth collision during the loss to the Sharks, Lundqvist is slated to receive a break. Ondrej Pavelec will get the call. He will be seeking his first win as a New York Ranger. Though Pavelec has started one game and let in three goals on nineteen shots, he has a career GAA of 2.87 and a .907SV% and should be ready to step in.
AV confirms Pavelec will start for #NYR Thursday night against Arizona.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 24, 2017
- The “Stepan Factor.” With a video tribute to former Ranger Derek Stepan in the offing, there will be a lot of emotions at the Garden. Derek Stepan scored 128 goals and 232 assists while missing just 25 games through seven seasons with the club. Arizona is still seeking their first win of the season. The Rangers must find a way to stay focused and on task.
AV on Nieves, Nash reaching 1,000 games, his lineup, facing Stepan and more after today's #NYR practice. https://t.co/HLykCPGNL7
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 25, 2017
