Rangers Roundup: Kakko out until break, Shesterkin starts, and Chytil won’t play vs Kraken
The New York Rangers are getting set to host the Seattle Kraken for the first time at 1:00 PM on Sunday.
As far as the lineup goes, we should be looking at the same exact one that fell to the Minnesota Wild on Henrik Lundqvist Night. It will be a chance for that group to get a modicum of redemption.
Kaapo Kakko out until after All-Star Break
During the Rangers loss to the Hurricanes (1/21), cameras caught Kakko wincing in a lot of pain and discomfort at the end of the second period. He could be seen flexing his shoulder and chest area. He was placed on IR soon afterwards.
According to head coach Gerard Gallant, Kaapo Kakko will return to the lineup after the All-Star break.
Kakko, 20, was selected second overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-3 winger is at a crucial point in his development as he’s in his third year. He finished the 2020-21 campaign with 17 points on the strength of 8 goals in 48 games. This season, he has 14 points in 37 games.
New York Rangers lineup
Igor Shesterkin was given the nod as the starter today against the Seattle Kraken. He beat them at Climate Pledge Arena back on October 31, 2021 by a 3-1 score stopping 31 of 32 shots.
This season, the 26 year-old has posted Vezina worthy numbers. He is 20-5-2 with a 2.10 GAA and a spectacular .936 SV%.
Meanwhile, Filip Chytil is getting better but will not play today.
The 22 year-old forward suffered a lower-body injury after the first period against Arizona on 1/22.
“He’s day to day, lower-body,” Gallant noted.
Chytil, 22, was selected by the Rangers in the 2017 NHL Draft in the first round (21st overall). He has 11 points in 38 games this season and 82 in 224 career contests.
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