NY Rangers (18-6-1) vs LA Kings (16-4-4)
10 Dec 2023 7:00 PM EST
TV MSG, BSW
The NY Rangers, 1st in the Metro division, welcome the Los Angeles Kings to MSG tonight. The Rangers are looking to rebound after taking back to back losses for the first time this season.
The Kings have 36 points, but are only 3rd place in what is arguably the toughest division in the NHL with three of the top 10 teams by point percentage. LA comes in tied for 1st in pt% with Boston, the Rangers dropping down to 3rd after a stretch on top. The game tonight completes the King’s eastern road trip – a loss last night to the Icelanders, but wins over Les Habs and the Blue Jackets.
The Kings also enter the game sporting an impressive 89.5% penalty kill. Offensively, they have five forwards with 20+ points and three with a 1.0 or higher pts/gm. The Rangers will need to be sharp defensively and keep the Kings to permiter shots as much as possible.
Quick is expected in net tonight for the Rangers, facing his original team on which he won two SC championships. Quick has had a great start this season, going 7-0-1 with a 0.918 sv% and a 2.34 GAA.
Fortunately for the Rangers, the Kings are not starting once former NYR Cam Talbot, who has been lights out so far this season (0.931 SV%, 1.91 GAA in 18 appearances). Instead, Pheoenix Copley gets the nod. In seven starts this season, Copley has a poor 0.873 SV% and a fairly high 3.03 GAA. Rather than look for the perfect shot, just getting pucks on the net against Copley should yield a good number of goals – this sets up well for Kreider and Lafreniere.
Filip Chytil (upper body), Kaapo Kakko (lower body) and Barclay Goodrow (upper body) are the only reported NYR injuries, though Goodrow is a game time decision. Nash will skate if Goodrow does not go. The Kings list only Viktor Arvidsson (lower body).
On this date in history: Adam Fox etched his name into the record books with his 100th assist in only his 151st NHL game. In 1986, Wayne Gretzky scored three goals to lead the Oilers past the Jets 7-4, making him the first player in NHL history to rack up 40 career hat tricks.
Expected NYR lineup:
Kreider Zibanejad Brodzinski
Panarin Trocheck Lafrenière
Cuylle Bonino Wheeler
Vesey Nash Pitlick
Miller Trouba
Lindgren Fox
Gustafsson Schneider
Quick
Shesterkin
Likely Průcha'd:
Jones, Goodrow
194 responses to “It’s Go Time!”
FIRST to confess: – quite honestly, I’m still so disgusted, that hesitated even to watch tonight game.
Have faith, 4ever. It’s a loooonnnnggg season.
expect better effort
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EGtjT1Wi5GY
Sunday game + third jersey = loss. Book it
Improvement – already 3 minutes without a goal in our net!
LGR! Don’t like those jerseys.
I did a double take.. looked like CBJ/LAK
Why is follow through a high stick there ?
Wtf is wrong with these refs?!! They called a delayed penalty on the Rangers but waited until the Rangers turned it over to blow the play dead!
I was sure it was an LA penalty.
Smfh
Bobby, he missed the puck by a mile
Sorry it’s because the refs suck
Great kill
Joe with the rule
That rule is extremely vague but it definitely wasn’t a penalty the way it’s stated.
I go away for a week’s vacation and youse guys turn this blog into bourbon street!
My 5 cents on new jerseys – too big logo on front and too dark to my taste…
Rangers logo so big on these sweaters you could sell ads inside of it.
I probably won’t get that jersey but it looks a lot better in a game than I thought it would.
They should do same lettering and stripes on regular jerseys and go dark blue for 3rd option
As of right now the Rangers have 8 total shots in their last 2 periods.
My bad. 11
They must’ve added some shots after the game ended yesterday
Jamesgeau
Kakko I actually agree. It looks good on tv, though I wouldn’t wear one. The navy ones do tend to, liberty, 2018 winter classic, etc
These chrome dome helmets are still a crime against humanity
Love those fans in the front row looking to film the blood!
Guess who looks like Schmidt again…
This guy gives up 3 every game but only if you shoot at him 🤷♀️
Rangers looked good for maybe the first 5 minutes but it’s been mostly kings and/or kings defense since.
Quick whistle screwed them. Great ref selection again
Won the faceoff and then killed off the time themselves
Cuylle sadly kind of cooled down lately…
Crisp period?
That really is a huge logo.. not sure I like the stripes on the arms. Depends if they win or not
12 shots over the last 2 periods. Half the amount of shots in this period as they had in a third period they basically didn’t give a snit about.
They’ve definitely learned their lesson. At least the D looks better so far.
Good determination, Beezle🤣
0-0 only 3 shots but no real dangerous chances against ?
I’m happy.
*determination criteria
Defensive structure has returned. Overhandling the puck instead of shooting it has returned too.
Yes they need to shoot more. I’m sure they will.
But right now – I’m really happy with the solid defensive play.
I think these new uniforms look great.
I might be in the minority here, but I like the 3rd Jersey.
Can live with the defense first approach but agree, still too much paddy cake with the puck. Coming out of first without giving up a score is a positive.
Navy jersey with the white letters is a nice clean look. The logo is classic. The arm stripes look like they were trying to do another retro, but retro to the 1970s If the stripes bring good luck I could change my tune. I’m sure it will be available shortly for $30 on Alibaba.
That new jersey is absolutely cringe worthy.
It is horrible and is definitely kicking up my reverse peristalsis reflex 🤮🤮🤮🤮
Power failure
Another great power play
That jersey gives “NY Rags” a whole new meaning.
wtf did Miller just do behind the net? lol
Best PP ever.
Does anyone have a clue when the Rangers got an actual shot on that pp?
So far this period would’ve been right at home in yesterday’s game.
Pitilick somehow became very visible and important lately.
Great defensive play there
Phantom shot
I’ll wait for the stadium series design to decide which supplemental uniform this season is worse 😉
Woot
Absolutely friggin beautiful play
Old School Mika
These last two games seemed more like playoff games with physical play, tight checking, with no time and space. The usual suspects go very quiet. Unfortunately, that is the recipe to beat the Rangers and it works well.They haven’t really improved enough at 5 on 5.
Thankfully Strome’s ghost didn’t show up on that play.
OK now don’t forget how to play defense
Go Quick
Wow.. that was close
Logo so big it’s got it’s own weather system. It’s a virtual planetoid.
Also nice work by the power play, Lgr!
Atrocious defense on that pass though
Panarin and Quick have the last standing streaks left from the start of the season.
Waiting for Cuylle to uppercut the iPad 💥
Low shot totals for both teams. They seemed to have decided not to trade chances tonight. I take that as a positive.
Clear interference on Laffy!
Another PP goal would be nice here.
Fantastic power play.
Kreider tries that move in front of the net all the time but I don’t think he’s ever actually gotten a goal that way.
Easy Peasy Vesey!!
Woot woot
VeeSee been earning his coin again this season
Beautiful. Phenomenal Leetch-like play by Bonino.
Soft-hands Vesey, the new Mr clutch?
Jimmy’s a good Ranger 👍
It was nuts how long that dude was holding Panarin before they called that
Nice to see 4th line get a goal.
Terrific period?
First time in a while we can say “Good period!”
Well, this is different…
Good period.
What isn’t Fox shooting the puck?
As I said after the first period, defense first, shots will come. The shots came and 2 went in.
Excellent game so far.
They need to keep attacking with forecheck in the third period but keep the defensive structure with a man high.
If there was a Vesey, Trochek, or Lindgren 3rd jersey, I’d throw some cash down.
Defense first. That’s how this team will be successful. Let the Derbils skate around like goons.
Why isn’t Fox shooting the puck? Is what I meant
I don’t think Fox is really at 100%.
Or he’s not shooting the puck because he hasn’t seen an open lane on the pp(?)
So that was the good period and next is the good-enough period?
Rangers a storied tradition of blowing leads to the Kings, or is that only the playoffs?
Fox doesn’t look 100% but his defensive puck management still a huge step up from most teammates or available replacements. Hopefully the offense will come soon too
I feel a Kreider goal
I’m ok with a good enough period.
Let’s send these tinfoil hats packing.
Embellishment?
These refs 🤮
That is the most bullschnit penalty. I don’t give a snit what Micheletti says.
55 FOR EMBELISHMENT?!!!!! B/S!!!
Do they know who they called embellishment on? Fine, fine refs they are
Again 🤮🤮
Rangers catch a break there, but how can that be embellishment? Lindgren got hit from behind.
No embellishment?
We’re back to the obligatory nightly trocheck penalty.
Theses refs are cowardly
Clearly the refs bet on the Kings. What a joke NHL refereeing is. Complete clown show.
These refs DO NOT want the Rangers to win. Wt actual F?!
All good, all good
Are these refs watching the same game I am?
Quickie throwing bombs. Penalize him
Even up ref night now
Disgraceful. I guess the Refs need more attention and TV face time. CLOWN SHOW!!!
Time for Trouba to lay some lumber
WTF is up with the 10 min misconducts?! Do they have to meet a certain quota before the new year?
Zibanejad for Fiala is not an even match
This is the wild west of rule interpretation right now. What in the wide wide world of sports is going in here
Is it me or do some of those sticks the Kings are using (in the penalty box) look like they have illegal curve?
Why tf would they put another defenseman in the box? Everyone in the box is a penalty killer
Absolute clown show refereeing. You just cannot make this up.
Pee wee hockey nonsense
Horrible play by Schneider and the other guys on the ice didn’t look too fantastic on that one
Fuggin bull spit
good play by bonino… but for naught 🙁
The refs got what they wanted
Inept refs totally screw up this game!
Your refs tonight are Garret Rank and Ghislain Herbert
Beezle 🤣 🤣
“All I want for Xmas is for the Rangers to win the Cup”
Proof there is no Santa Claus.
Refs= dog nuggets
Hard to believe Mika saying anything that deserved 10 minutes.
Gotta make them pay for a bad penalty.
Holy….
BRO SHAKALAKA!!!
Woot woot woot
Johnny Brodzinski puck go inski!
Laviolette coaching
Johnny B Goal
Nice moves by BroDude
As of 10/1, Garret Rank has officiated Regular Season: 524 Games since 2015. 11 Playoff games, first in 2021.
Again, Holy….
Quick >>> sick
This is as good as seeing the Football Philth down by 14
Heavy rain, eagles don’t fly
Coolio!
Cool & the Gang!!
CUYLLE HIGH HARMONY!!!
Woot woot woot woot
Great positioning and effort by young Will Cuylle!
Star Wars Fan Boy!
Nice dirty goal by WC
Lunchpail crew getting it done tonight!!
Gravy I think we’d all like to know what Mika could have possibly said.
No penalty on this Panarin virtual-breakaway?
No replay but that sure looked like it should be a PS
What a story is developing in front of our eyes – wrote-off, shabby and aged worrier, slowly, but surely becoming #1 goalie, clearly squizzing out Vezina owner.
I’m gonna submit one thought this evening…
Jonathan Quick. Thats a HOF goalie right there.
I maintain: Rangers will beat Kings in final with Quick in net.
Quicky deserved a shutdown, indeed.
Slick Quick
Bro-check
Brodzilla
That is a big ass win
Certainly an awkward situation developing. Quick has been the more consistent and better net minder all season. Half the starts though.
The Goalie Whisperer is pleased.
Good win. Quick #1 tonight.
Really good bounce back performance against a top team.
This is the way they need to play every night. They won’t win all of them but they’ll be in it.
One goalie is undefeated with a higher save% and GAA.
Who should play?!?
That was the right way to play. The structure was there tonight.
As far as Quick is concerned…..gotta play him next game.
Just a stat, not a commentary. Tradition.
18 days since Quick’s last shutout.
Un-yuns bounce back game fer sure
True Stanley cup contenders come back with a game like this after the black hole that was the last game.
Hell of a game by our boys in blue.
It was very evident that they went back to their structure.
62.7% at the dot, Trocheck 16/21
What’s great is Shesty has nothing to worry about long term. He’s our guy… short term, Quick can be our hero for now. We can coexist and even thrive
That is a really horrible looking hat on Quick. Would never buy one.
Are we good again ?
1-0 in the new third jerseys
Thought the Kings gained entry fairly easily but enough neutral zone turnovers and good passing; Boninos dish to VC was a beaut
So we’re good again?
19-6-1
Lmao – I just saw BobbyO’s comment — we’re vibin!
Bonino and Quick definitely the best of Drury’s off season shopping in the “may be expired” aisle at the NHL supermarket
Bettman upset the refs didn’t do more to turn this game around. He’s having a closed door meeting with Refs before Leaf’s game. After the game he said “The effort needs to be better from the beginning of the game, you can’t try to just turn it on in the Third period.
Best win of the season??? It may be up there given Kings record and the way they have been playing.
The Boston win was important but this was by far the better played game. If anything, that Boston game was the start of the slide in how they were playing.
The guys with grit in their game came through tonight. I like Pitlick’s speed, the way he gets in on the forecheck and his physical play.
Beezle – 100% agree.
The more I hear Trocheck in post came interviews, the more I like him.
The rest of this month is a very difficult schedule
Which is good because, as we’ve seen, they play better against better competition.
Tell ya what.. re-runs of Ed Sullivan beat that Cowgirls game. The Four Tops!
Pitlik has been solid …straight line winger and finishes checks
Trochek looks like a bargain now. Peca helped at the dot. It’s a good coaching staff.
Enjoyable game against a team that I hate more than any Western conference club. Good D and contributions up and down the lineup overcoming the absolutely clueless refereeing. Where do they find these clowns?
People like Potluck, Vesey, Trochek, Bonino, and Lindgren win you playoff games.
*NEW POST*