Rangers look to keep rolling, take on Predators
The New York Rangers have another chance to hinder a team’s wild-card hopes when they host the Nashville Predators on Sunday.
Both teams will be completing back-to-back sets after playing at home Saturday. Nashville dropped a 3-2 decision in overtime to the Winnipeg Jets, while the Rangers finished off a 6-0 rout of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“I miss that taste (of a shutout),” Igor Shesterkin said. “I’m so happy right now.”
Here’s tonight’s game and broadcast info:
New York Rangers (40-19-10) vs. Nashville Predators (34-25-8)
Date/Time: March 19, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET
Arena: Madison Square Garden
TV: MSG
Radio: ESPN 98.7
Rangers take on Predators
The Rangers (40-19-10, 90 points) continued to thrive against contenders Saturday. Vladimir Tarasenko, Chris Kreider and captain Jacob Trouba scored in a span of fewer than five minutes in the second period to pace New York.
Goalie Igor Shesterkin recorded 33 saves in the shutout for the Rangers, who scored their six goals on just 24 shots.
“I mean, you win 6-0, I think it says a lot of good things,” said Patrick Kane, who set up two goals for his first multi-assist game since being acquired by the Rangers from the Chicago Blackhawks on Feb. 28.
“Igor maybe hid some of our mistakes a little bit, but it was a good team effort.”
Coach Gerard Gallant also credited Shesterkin for keeping the Rangers afloat before their offensive surge.
“They controlled the first period a little bit, but we took advantage of our chances,” Gallant said. “Igor made some good saves, probably frustrated them a little bit, and we buried our chances. That was the difference in the game.”
The win was the third straight for the Rangers, who defeated the Washington Capitals before sweeping a home-and-home series with the Penguins (34-25-10, 78 points). New York has scored 15 goals during its win streak.
Tonight’s opponent is fighting for the last playoff spot in the West and may be without their captain Roman Josi, who missed the final two periods and overtime of Saturday’s game with an undisclosed injury. Josi leads the team in assists (41) and points (59).
Meanwhile, the Rangers could be getting back defenseman Ryan Lindgren. He was injured on February 25 but is very close to returning. On Saturday, Gallant hinted he’s really close.
Jaroslav Halak has already been named the starter for the contest. He owns a lifetime record against the Predators of 15-5-6 with a 1.99 GAA, and a .926 save percentage.
After facing the Predators, the Rangers will play a home-and-home series with the Metropolitan Division-leading Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday and Thursday before visiting the Florida Panthers on Saturday.
–Field Level Media
–Forever Blueshirts contributed to this article
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