The Rangers are in Carolina where they conclude a four-game road trip (7:00 P.M. ET, MSG).
The Rangers were celebrating the ’94 Stanley Cup Champions prior to their contest against the Hurricanes. After a wonderful tribute to the team, the Rangers found themselves in a tough game. After remaining scoreless through two periods, Warren Foegele scored the games only goal (plus two empty net goals). Petr Mrazek finished the game with a 27-save shutout. With that win, the Hurricanes snapped a 16-game losing streak. Tonight, the Blueshirts hope they can put a dent into Carolina’s playoff chances. The Hurricanes sit just one point out of the final wild card spot.
Alexandar Georgiev manned the net the past two outings making a combined 66 saves. The Rangers saw defeat Sunday afternoon 6-5 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“The way we battled deserves credit,” said Georgiev. “The boys worked hard. That’s going to help us going into the next game.” The Blueshirts attempted a late comeback including Zibanejad’s 26th of the season with 18 seconds left.
“We’ve shown those characteristics throughout the season – we don’t quit,” said head coach David Quinn.
Neal Pionk did not play the third period due to precautionary reasons after being high stick in the eye. The Rangers are taking precautions with Pionk and he won’t play in Carolina despite taking part in the optional morning skate on Tuesday.
“It feels alright – a lot better than the last couple of days,” Pionk said.
Monday afternoon, the Blueshirts made a minor trade sending Peter Holland to Chicago, in exchange for 22-year-old Darren Raddysh. The defender stands 6’1 and was having a career year in the AHL. Raddysh established new highs in goals (8), assists (18) and points (26).
Henrik Lundqvist will start the final game of the road trip. Lundqvist allowed four goals in his last time out against the Winnipeg Jets.
“I think my game is close,” Lundqvist said. “I need to take one more step, and a lot of times that means one more save and we’ll have a different outcome. I’ve been feeling like it’s been right there for me the last few starts.
Brady Skjei who missed Sunday’s game due to a lower-body-injury took a big step when he skated on Monday.
“Good, felt really good. Nice to get back on the ice,” said Skjei.
Jesper Fast also missed Sunday’s game due to the flu. He is expected to make his return to the lineup tonight.
Projected Lineup:
Kreider-Zibanejad-Zuccarello
Vesey-Hayes-Buchnevich
Namestnikov-Strome-Fast
Chytil-Nieves-Brickley
Staal-Skjei
DeAngelo-McQuaid
Smith-Shattenkirk
Lundqvist
