Winnipeg Jets Host Faltering Rangers
The New York Rangers and the Winnipeg Jets are going in different directions. The Rangers, with an eight year playoff run, featuring a Stanley Cup appearance and a President’s Trophy, are on the way down. The Jets are taking off (sorry).
The New York Rangers find themselves in last place in the Metro. Now, this sounds worse than it is, since they’re at 57 points and just four points out of a playoff spot. But they’re not as strong as they once were, they’ve been besieged by injuries. They still rely on franchise netminder Henrik Lundqvist, but he can only do so much.
Head coach Alain Vigneault would seem to be on the hot seat, and some questionable trades have put the Rangers in a position to sell off assets. That being said, this non-conference game seems more interesting as an audition for some of the Rangers. Rick Nash, Michael Grabner and others may find themselves on the Jets before the deadline hits. It’s even been reported the Winnipeg Jets may have interest in Nash, who has a limited no-trade clause.
This isn’t to suggest this game has no interest for Winnipeg. They’re still in the thick of a division race and the Rangers are no pushover. Henrik Lundqvist has mostly been keeping them afloat, especially in the wake of all their injuries. They are still only 15th and 24th, respectively, in goals for and against. They’ve won just two of their last seven contests, and five of sixteen since New Year’s.
I would expect to see Lundqvist in net, which is surprisingly disappointing. He’s an all-time great and its always fun to watch him play, but it would have been nice to see Ondrej Pavelec back in Winnipeg, no? Unfortunately, he was injured in Friday’s game and will miss 2-3 weeks with an MCL injury. Add him to Chris Kreider, Pavel Buchnevich, Kevin Shattenkirk, Marc Staal, Jimmy Vesey and captain Ryan McDonagh. Those are all either top 9 forwards or top 4 defenseman. Brutal. And you thought the Jets had an unenviable list of walking wounded.
Speaking of that, we should see more of Mark Scheifele after he returned last game and played over 23 minutes. Patrik Laine also appears to be fine after an injury scare on Friday. Connor Hellebuyck is expected to handle goaltending duties, as well. What more could we say about him?
Either way, look for the Jets to dominate possession this game. They’re a much better team, especially with the injuries to New York. The Rangers should have a few rookies in their lineup, and they’re already poor in possession metrics. Their team Corsi % sits at 48.4. As long the Winnipeg Jets stay out of the box and Lundqvist doesn’t go all “King”, Winnipeg should be ahead in this one.
Next: Jacob Trouba Out Indefinitely
That being said, Mats Zuccarello and JT Miller are still gifted players. Grabner is fast and a defensive menace, he could turn momentum around quick. Rick Nash seems rejuvenated by trade rumors. He’s scored in their past two games, you know. Plus, it’s nice to get a look at teams that aren’t in the West, though the games mean a little less. Try to enjoy, anyway, you’re watching an all-time great goalie.