This is as close to a must win game as a non-elimination game can be. Cannot go down 2-0 and realistically expect to win the series. I believe the Rangers will play well and win game 2. And I almost always like the Rangers better on the road, so I also am confident they'll win at least a game in Florida. They seem to play a much more straightforward playoff style game on the road vs. at home where they tend to get too fancy. Very curious to see what Lav does with the lineup, the only thing that will surprise me is if they stay with the same lineup as game 1, everything else is on the table, I think. The good news is everyone has given up on them and is counting them out in a short series now. They really have no shot according to the odds. Between their low energy performance in game 1, and being counted out, if that doesn't motivate them to bring a big effort tonight, I don't know what will. Rangers a long shot to win Eastern Conference after Game 1 loss to Panthers (nypost.com) I would like to see the Rangers score first and play with the lead, that would be a good thing. The Rangers will get it done tonight!!
Maybe he plays Wheeler or Rempe, and maybe he mixes up the lines, moving Wennberg down and Cuylle up for example. I think we'll see some tweaks. At the morning skate Friday, Chytil skated on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. Jack Roslovic moved to the third line. Kakko and Rempe stayed on the ice later. What does it all mean? Is Laviolette throwing up some smokescreens to throw off his Panthers counterpart Paul Maurice? Or will there be some tweaks to the Rangers look Friday?
Not official, but this is what is posted on NHL.com as the Rangers projected lineup. Not sure if they are using morning skate info or insider info, or if there is any merit to it or not (Kakko scratched?): Rangers projected lineup Chris Kreider -- Mika Zibanejad -- Filip Chytil Artemi Panarin -- Vincent Trocheck -- Alexis Lafreniere Will Cuylle -- Alex Wennberg -- Jack Roslovic Jimmy Vesey -- Barclay Goodrow -- Matt Rempe Ryan Lindgren -- Adam Fox K'Andre Miller -- Jacob Trouba Erik Gustafsson -- Braden Schneider Igor Shesterkin Jonathan Quick Scratched: Zac Jones, Chad Ruhwedel, Jonny Brodzinski, Adam Edstrom, Kaapo Kakko, Blake Wheeler
There were a few hints, with Filip Chytil wearing the same blue jersey as top-liners Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad while trade-deadline addition Jack Roslovic dropped down to bottom-six group. And then there was Rempe and Kaapo Kakko staying on the ice a bit later than the rest of the regulars, but also coming off before the known healthy scratches. Welcome to smokescreen season. "I don’t know if it adds pressure," Kakko said. "Everyone is just trying to be their best, and then we’ll see. It’s coach’s choice what's going to be the best lineup. Everyone wants to win. That's the goal for all of us." Scratching Kakko would certainly make headlines and come with legitimate questions. The last time that happened was Game 6 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Final, which the Rangers lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning to end their season. Two years later, the No. 2 overall pick from the 2019 NHL Draft could be in the crosshairs again. On one hand, Kakko's 59.88% xGF leads all New York skaters in these playoffs, according to Evolving Hockey, and has been on ice for just two goals against through 11 games. But he's also only tallied a goal and an assist in that span, making his line − which has exclusively featured Alex Wennberg at center, while Chytil and Will Cuylle have both been used on the opposite wing − a bit of a conundrum. "I heard about the numbers," Kakko said of the positive analytics. "Somebody told me, but I'm not looking at those. I feel we're getting chances and spending some time in the (offensive) zone, not giving up too many chances against. That's playoff hockey, but you still need to score sometimes. We've been hitting posts sometimes and it's close, but still not there. Hopefully, more goals are coming, but I'm still happy about our game." Laviolette acknowledged "I'd like to see Kaapo generate more production," then quickly threw Wennberg in the same boat, adding, "I don't know if you isolate one." But scratching Kakko would come across as an isolating move − at least as far as the public perception goes, particularly with the 23-year-old due for a new contract this summer. Doing so would signal a lack of confidence in a player who was once considered a future cornerstone of the franchise and possibly set the stage for an offseason divorce. Is he really more deserving of being ousted than any other bottom-sixer? And does Laviolette see enough benefit in adding Rempe to make such a controversial decision?
I'll add my thoughts, if Kakko is scratched, it isn't crazy as he really hasn't done much, 1 goal and the line he is on has 2 goals total, underlying numbers are great, but you have to actually score some goals. With that said I do wonder if between Kakko, Roslovic, and maybe Vesey (although I think Vesey is an unlikely scratch due to his checking line and PK roles), is Kakko the best choice to scratch. Maybe the question is Roslovic or Kakko, which one do you scratch to play Rempe. I do like Cuylle back on the 3rd line. I am good with moving Chytil up with Kreider and Zibanejad. I think he has more upside and talent than Roslovic, so I am okay starting game 2 giving Chytil a shot in the top 6.
Right or wrong, I kind of think Lav views Wennberg and Vesey as in due to checking, defensive, and PK responsibilities. I was an advocate of bumping Wennberg down to the 4th line because he cannot score and it hurts the 3rd line, but I think it is unlikely Lav scratches him. Like most teams, the top two lines need to get it done, but I do think you need some bottom 6 scoring to advance further, and the 3rd line has not gotten it done. I am not sure Wennberg being on the 3rd line is the best look, but we'll see if Roslovic's speed can help Wennberg and Cuylle get something done.
I know a lot of "experts" jumped ship after game 1, but here is some interesting info: Moneypuck.com projected the Rangers to win that game 65.8 percent of the time, with a substantially more impressive, expected goal percentage for Game 1. Advanced stats say the Rangers actually won the game 2.68 vs. 2.14. The Rangers outmatched the Panthers in high-danger chances, 10-9. The game didn’t end up going that direction, but there’s reason to believe the Rangers are undervalued. Win tonight, and I think the Rangers are fine.
He’s not contributing any Offense. It’s early in the series Rempe is fine to play. They need a boost being that flat and the crowd loves Rempe. I said game 1 he should play and do something a goon would early or lay a big hit. If it’s a game where we need skating and possession then ok put in Kakko or Wheeler. Wheeler should play if he’s healthy. It would be a risk but he is a vet and might spark the 4th line
Kakko for a guy with his size and strength plays like a woman. I don't think he's hit anybody all season. I'm sure that was the message delivered to him. He has sucked all post season.
Sounds like the lines I posted earlier from NHL.com were correct, with Kakko scratched. I get it as he just hasn't gotten it done. You could debate someone else out, but Kakko seems reasonable given his performance. Wonder what the future holds for him, I really think a lot of it is confidence, playing aggressive hockey, and mental, that's for another day. For today, Rangers need to win, and I believe they will.
Need to get an early goal. After the shutout they don’t need the added pressure of how long they haven’t scored.
