The Rangers are back in playoff seeking mode with a big clash against the Islanders set for 7PM. A win tonight will narrow the gap between the rivals to 4 points while a loss will damage the Rangers hopes and set them back at 8. The game is at the Nassau Coliseum where the Blueshirts have won 6 of the last 7 in the “Old Barn”. Alexandar Georgiev was already named the starter and we will see what other lineup changes are in store if Buchnevich can’t go.
More Post Deadline News
Chris Kreider was ill yesterday, but is likely to suit up. The Rangers also made some paper transactions by sending down Brett Howden and Julien Gauthier to Hartford so they will be eligible for the AHL playoffs. Both are expected to play.
Pre-Game Notes
- All-Time: 129-116-19-9 (73-47-11-6 at home; 56-69-8-3 on the road)
- Today’s game is the fourth of four meetings between the Rangers and Islanders, and the second of two meetings between the two teams on Long Island. The Rangers have posted a 2-1-0 record (1-1-0 at home; 1-0-0 on the road), and the Islanders won the last game between the two teams, 4-2, on Jan. 21 at MSG.
- Alexandar Georgiev – 6 GP, 4-2-0, 1.92 GAA, .934 SV%, 1 SO – Georgiev has allowed two goals or fewer in five of his six career appearances against the Islanders, including one goal or fewer in three of those appearances, and he has stopped 142 of 152 shots in the six contests.
- Artemi Panarin – 14 GP, 7-14-21 – Panarin tied a single-game career-high with five points (two goals, three assists) on Jan. 13, 2020 against the Islanders at MSG. Panarin has also registered more points against the Islanders than against any other team in his NHL career; he has recorded a point in 10 of 14 career games against the Islanders and has posted five multi-point games, including four three-point games.
Notes courtesy of the New York Rangers
