RANGERS (26-12-2) at CAPITALS (19-14-6)
1 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN+, SN
The New York Rangers will take on the Washington Capitals in a Metropolitan Division game this Saturday afternoon. This will be the third time these two teams have met this season and the start of a home-and-home series. Currently, the series is tied 1-1, with each team winning once in December. I feel that the Rangers will win this game on the road. They suffered a tough 5-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues in their previous match, but they will bounce back. They are a top team in the Eastern Conference and have a great chance to get back on track against the Capitals.
The Capitals have been struggling lately and are seventh out of eight teams in the Metropolitan Division. They are an aging team with limited depth, making them a weaker opponent than the Rangers. The Rangers are known for their strong defense and ability to thrive in low-scoring games. Igor Shesterkin, one of the best goalies in the league, will start in this game. Even though he has not been at his best this season, he is still a top-class goalie.
Additionally, the Rangers have an elite defense and play a great team game. They will look to tighten things up after conceding five goals in their last game. Against the Capitals, who score at the NHL’s third-worst rate of 2.36 goals per game, they should be able to easily shut down their offensive effort. The Rangers will win this game comfortably while scoring enough goals themselves.
Expected NYR lineup:
Chris Kreider -- Mika Zibanejad -- Will Cuylle
Artemi Panarin -- Vincent Trocheck -- Alexis Lafreniere
Jimmy Vesey -- Barclay Goodrow -- Blake Wheeler
Jake Leschyshyn -- Nick Bonino -- Jonny Brodzinski
K'Andre Miller -- Jacob Trouba
Ryan Lindgren -- Adam Fox
Erik Gustafsson -- Braden Schneider
Igor Shesterkin
Jonathan Quick
Scratched: Zac Jones, Anton Blidh
Injured: Kaapo Kakko (lower body), Filip Chytil (upper body), Tyler Pitlick (lower body)
162 responses to “It’s Go Time!”
LGR, ok?!
first?
Ray Ferraro 🙄
Tie goes to you, 4ever 🙂
Can Cuylle shatter Wilson’s face shield with his bare knuckles? Let’s find out.
Mess calling out the team 👍
I’ve seen enough of Subban to last a lifetime.
When Levy says ‘two Long Island Guys,” he means “two Jewish guys.” Say so.
Wilson with a shield. Knee him in the balls.
It was a brisk and misty afternoon in the Nation’s capitol…
2 pm start for the boys?
Wilson strikes again.
ABC has this very unwonted cameras angles. Annoying.
Rangers having trouble handling the slow, old, injury depleted Capitals.
Too negative?
Woot
NOW DON’T GIVE UP TWO QUICK ONES!!
Looks like Foxie gradually coming back to himself…
Miller with a dumb play. Won’t be the last. He can’t take that shot with no support back with him.
79 to blame again…For how long it will bite us?
Trouba is too slow to be paired with this ever displaced and mistakes ridden “kid”
Maybe they’ll give up two slow ones instead.
SSDD. 1 goal on 5 shots. KAM takes low percentage shot that turns into a Cap breakaway. Use your f’ing head for a change. It’s similar to the 4th Blues goal, but worse. At least if Jones pass gets through they get a good scoring chance. This shot had no purpose. Put it behind the goal and let a forward retrieve it.
Gravy, that wasn’t nice.
Odd man rushes regularly end up in the Rangers net. And I have to endure this asshat PK Slewban and his anti-Ranger BS. Messier needs to tune that clown up.
Panarin an absolute give away machine today. Back to ridiculous pass happy hockey, low percentage passing. That’s the default for this team and that’s the problem. Doesn’t matter who the coach is.
Trouba will be throwing his helmet at himself in the locker room. His D partner trying to get the puck to the net, and he backs up to the wall, leaving the middle of the ice open!? Another in a series of dumb Ranger errors in this slump.
Hate these games on ABC. Slewban, Ferraro are the worst.
Slewban opining on dirty play. It is to laugh.
Norm blames the Captain. Here we go again with Caesar’s wife. Miller blameless, as usual.
Yawn
Anton Bleed?
We don’t need to be nice, we need to win.
BOOM FOXALAKA!!
Woot woot
All Antons Blidhs of the world…
Quick! 😮
Pokecheck mania running wild
At least Rangers are quite physical today and with no lack of efforts and fights for an ice real estate.
Now, please do not let them score in the last minute!
PK is watching a different game than me. Smh
Rangers are overall dominating this one. They just have no idea how to finish at 5 on 5. It’s unbelievable ineptness.
Quick cleaning up some teammates’ mistakes, teammates cleaning up his bad rebounds. Synergy.
Mess buying into ABC nonsense. UNBECOMING.
Even notorious Ranger-hater PK Slewban knows that Fox doesn’t shoot enough.
Forget that. ABC wants to know what he had for breakfast. Dumb New World.
Ferraro starting to look like Alan Dershowitz more & more.
Wheeler sucks
Puck seems to be in the Ranger end when Bonino is on the ice
Lgr good opportunity to salt it away here
Little moral high ground in the ABC studio, but Mess delivered his cheap shots the honest way, with the elbow in open ice for all to see
Quick! What’s up?
Lack of finishing = Lack of winning
Watching the Panarin line they go into the Globetrotter weave a lot. They circle around the perimeter and don’t generate scoring chances. The D also winds up down low making them susceptible to odd man rushes. No idea if this contributes to their bad +/-.
There’s two quick ones.
3 toothless PP will cost them
Just wow
Fox giveth – Fox taketh… Trouba wit zero recognition and reaction.
ORF – they generate plenty of scoring chances – just don’t finish enough
Get outa here. I’ll say it again rangers not handling the slow, old, injury depleted Capitals
we were winning until kakkp posted at 2:13
hmmmmm
Oshie, of course. Ranger-killer.
Miller and Trouba regressing to last years form
Good bye, my love, good bye…Again and again – 2 periods of relatively good, sometimes dominating hockey and here we go… with a 3rd cursed…
Plenty of time to tie it up for this bubble team that outperformed in the first quarter of the season
Miller smart to try to get the puck on net. But that slo-o-ow release isn’t going to do it.
Cuylle-trocheck-Lafren and double shift them.
Just another weak and mindless effort. Assignments missed all over the ice……guys back in the D zone but watching and not taking anyone out. The Inability of Miller to get the puck past the forward in front of him is now to the point of being comical. This was coming ever since the latter part of the second period.
Trouba having a shocker. Fox, mixed bag, terrible by both on #3.
Third lowest scoring team in the league. Missing it’s top scorer. Smh.
These refs blow
Our beloved Mr. Conscience – Kreider is silent and invisible today. Hello-o-o!…
Vesey was clearly tripped in the corner by Bear with no call, then they call this weak slash on Lafreniere. They are not losing because of the refs, but that is pretty weak.
Another dumb penalty. Caps showing the Rangers how to defend a lead, clogging, blocking. How long ago was it that the Rangers knew how to do this?
LMAO
I’ve been posting on the last go time post LMAO
Easy Jamesgeau when you do that lol
That’s an absurd slashing call. Whatever.
If Charlie is going to play like Patrick Roy why can’t we get Ryan to play like Bobby Orr?
Ranger offense & possession team stats are bottom 3rd in the league in most categories. The PP has been the saving grace. But, serious flaws exist in their 5 on 5 offensive game throughout the lineup.
The only sliver of a silver lining was not as many dumb errors early, some semblance of team defense relative to previous games. But a poor third against a mediocre team that outworked them.
By the first week of March, team will be clinging to / fighting for a playoff birth
Hilarious
Lafreniere with a point-blank. Surprise result.
If Charlie is going to play like Patrick Roy…
Um, don’t all goalies play like Roy when they face NYR?
No Win In New York
bobby, still positive?
Yes but I’m a Ranger fan
At least they finally played a good period. First in 4 games.
That’s a positive.
Team doesn’t win without elite goaltending and special teams.
Too bad goals on coverage by Miller and then Trouba.
Here’s another positive
At least the strangers won’t have to worry about the president’s trophy curse.
Some progress last 2 games …they win tomorrow
Other than playing one period in this game, what did you find that showed progression?
Asking seriously.
After New Years teams bear down. This gang may not be up to the challenge. Drury would be wise to keep his powder dry at the deadline.
It was good to miss some of your posts, Mr. Camp. You suffer more deeply in-game than the rest of us 🙂
Another in a string of inferior efforts by the Rangers. Lots of time grinding in the offensive zone but pucks not getting to the net and really shocking attention to detail, especially by the defensemen. 2 goals against the Crapitals both by Fox. No production from the top 6. Zero. At the end of the day, the Caps defended better, grittier, worked much harder especially in their own zone.
Team defense better 20 shots last 2 games …when you don’t get bounces or run into hot goalies mistakes get magnified …especially herer
Who tf is Mr. Camp?
Norm, you know who I am….
Off to Sunrise to go watch a team that plays a full 60 minutes hopefully best the Derbils.
Not looking forward to the nausea
Drury had better bring some fire in here! A little hot pepper on that thin slice!
Not criticizing Jimmy VC, but remember when they chased after him in college like he was Mister Hockey?
Hu U B?
Trocheck proves a revelation.
Loved when Hank would holler at the D. “Move that guy out from in front of me, or get the hell out of my way!”
Checked score while getting dressed for wedding..2-1 early third. How could they lose! I’m going to need to drink more now
Suddenly, the point gap between us and the teams doesn’t look so good any more
Maybe being 1st in the Metro is not a good thing for them. To quote ol’ Avis: ” We’re #2. We try harder.”
Was at a friend’s son’s birthday party today. Just finished the replay. I’m not going to be negative, but where’s the positive? Asking for a friend? I still think they squeeze in the playoffs, but what’s the point? Low expectations, enjoy the ride as best we came, and hope Drury can work some magic over the summer. This core clown show will be cupless, book it!
Oh, and by the way, he better find a goalie. Because he doesn’t have one now.
The slide to mediocrity continues.
This team is completely soft. What a disgrace.
Ok. I was wrong. Panthers just played the worst period they’ve played in a loooong time and are consequently down 2-0 to the Derbils. Oy vey
Will it surprise anyone if all of NYR’s hated rivals win tonight?
It’s going to happen in Sunrise. 3-0 now. They might as well be wearing Ranger jerseys the way they’re playing.
I’m tired of complaining about how useless this team really is.
Then what will we talk about?
wwpd
Great point I never considered that.
IMHO there are basically 5 forwards out of the 12 that a worth keeping, for now anyway
Kreider
Panarin
Lafreniere
Trocheck
Cuylle
The rest are useless.
Isn’t the weather the go-to topic when people have nothing else to talk about?
Who gives a rats butt about the Panthers.
But then again, who cares about the Rangers either.
Mice at Beez’s house: “Yay, he’s going to a wedding!”
“We’d better get out of his tuxedo pronto.”
AA, I only brought it up because they were playing the Derbils…and looked like the Rangers while doing it.
Baaaaaad day and night in the NHL app far for Ranger fans. 🤮
*so far
Awkward Jamesgeau
St Pete, your list is sad but true. I want to say Kakko though unfortunately he is probably, easily replaced with another jesper fast
But anyway worth keeping his next contract should be a modest one for young, utility player with upside
Went to my sons play today so I watched the recording. What a waste of time. This team is so inspiring lately that they could kill the dead.
Drury better start working the phones now. Soft part of the schedule, that they took advantage of, is now over and they are being exposed for what they really are, mediocre. I don’t see this team going any further than last years team.
St Pete – not sure I would keep all of those 5. Given the right deal, Drury should strongly consider sending some of them packing at the deadline. The core is the problem with this team, as they refuse to play within the system. Unfortunately. their young core(Laf, Kakko, Miller) have been very disappointing and don’t contribute what they need. When teams play tight defense, this team folds like a cheap tent in a wind storm.
Coos I sure hope those mice aren’t taking advantage of the situation, though it is war and I did liquidate 10 of their brothers in cheese!
Somehow I don’t think watching NYR today will be good for a hangover?
wwpd
I suppose Kakko may surprise someday, but highly unlikely. The reason I would keep those 5 next year is you gotta start somewhere. But I have no issue with just keeping Trocheck, Cuylle, and Busto. Of course none of this is remotely possible. But one cup in a couple of lifetimes can make a fan delusional lol! This organization has great colors, other than that, they are pathetic.
Beezle
Break out the tomato juice and ibuprofen.
Personnel Needs:
Forwards:
creators and finishers (4) Bread, Laffy, Mika, Kreider (Fil)
2way players (4) Tro, Cuy, ___, ___ (Kakko?)
PKers/wall warriors (4) Goody, Bonino, Pitlicker, AHLer of the week
VC, Wheeler are hybrids that are out of place with current roster configuration
D
Off skills (1) Fox, Gusto
2 way (3) Miller Lite
Stay at home (2) Tuba, Schneids, Lindy
G
Stud (1) Igor
Reliable vet (1) Quick
Mika and Kreider are more like 2 way players who can score some of the time but will be more responsible defensively and rarely can sustain ozone possessions.
D is the challenge and easier holes to fill imho
As a Schneider fan, and someone who believes he is going to be a tremendous player, I say this. Is he more valuable to the team in the lineup,? Or as a major trade chip. He is blocked from the top 4 for the foreseeable future. Might be time to cash him in.
You could always break up the Huggy Twins…God forbid
Baby Trouba is top 4 when they more Trouba off-season when they can
They are not moving Trouba.
bobby
neither kreider or mika is a 3rd line player.
You make Schneider the center piece of a Hertl trade. You include Matt Benning in the deal. He’s locked up for 3 more seasons at 1.25 per. Perfect for a 3rd pair RD.
You break up 20/93 and the issue that 93 is a streaky, open ice player who can’t win a wall battle is not solved
To break up 20 and 93 you would need a good center. Putting Kreider with Bonino solves nothing.
I’m hearing an undercurrent of “maybe losing a few is that bad a thing” talk seep into the coverage of the Rangers. That’s really disconcerting and speaks to them having an inflated opinion of themselves since this group has done very little to feel that way. The Bruins might think that but our boys can’t. I recall Bill Russell saying anyone can like wining but you have to hate losing to be a champion. This group doesn’t seem to have that fire in the belly. I really hope Drury sees that and doesn’t blow a lot of assets trying to get this group out of the first round this year. The core has to change or ’94 will have to last a lifetime. 30 years since and one trip to the finals to show for it.
BTW, Kreider and Zibanejad are not the issue defensively. That would be the Trocheck line, we’re 2/3 of the line are minus players, and on is even.
I thought trading NYR captains is a de facto strategy.
Keep Schneids, play him with Lindy
Move Miller as part of a package with Kakko in offseason unless KK turns the page and learns to pass and shoot the puck
Kreider DJ at their age, and Krakko in a perfect world, would be a really good 3rd line. But the Rangers do not exist in a perfect world.
ORF,
Fans and the beats took great glee in the fast start, thinking it proved Gallant was the issue. Now it’s about rationalizing the losing. Making it sound like it’s a good thing. Gallant still the villain, and Laviolette the hero.
At some point looking at their 5 on 5 stats you have to question whether Ziba and Kreider are 1st line players …..at least together …maybe Cullye can change the dynamic
And if speed in the bottom 6 continues to be a problem give Sykora a look
bobby
they’re 2nd line. breads line is highest paid and playing offensively at 1st line. of course as bdl said, breads line has issues in own end
like i said above neither 20 or 93 is a third liner. they are 2nd liners though and media and others need to recognize that
The Panarin line gives up too many goals. I don’t know if it’s the Globetrotter weave in the O zone that allows odd man rushes or just bad D zone coverage, but someone had a stat that LAF is -24 in Ranger losses. Your top line can’t be that bad on D. It reeks of selfishness and not playing the right way.
KK is going to play today so one AHL player should be out of the lineup.
Good morning, kids. I’ll skip the post game post and post a new game thread around 1pm. Hope you don’t mind 🙂
Kreider has 21 ES points in 41 games.
37 overall and a +6 leads team that is giving up goals by the bunches now.
Folks have to get off this 1st line, 3rd line as there is a top 6/ bottom 6 this season. One line is very strong offensively but gives up tons of goals. The other doesn’t possess the puck as much but doesn’t give up very many.
Which style is better suited for POs?
ES Primary points per 60 is a good metric for ES productivity. Where’s Beez when you need him?
mouse:mice::
goose:gice
I like early weddings. If they don’t work out, the whole day isn’t wasted.
Don’t look now, but they are a week away from being in the Wild Card fight. The Canes and Flyers are poised to pass them and the Isles and Devils are moving up. When does losing stop being “Not so bad”? Only Columbus in the Metro is truly bad.
Kakko is back. Oh boy. The season is saved😵💫
Rich – I don’t know but that statement hit me just right and I was laughing my head off. Thanks – needed that!
You’re welcome 😁