RANGERS at BLUE JACKETS GAME DAY PREVIEW 10/13

RANGERS LOOK TO CHANGE THEIR LUCK ON FRIDAY THE 13th

New York Rangers (1-3-0) at Columbus Blue Jackets (2-1-0)
Tonight 7:00 PM TV: MSG, NHLN Radio: WEPN 98.7
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio

The key to the Rangers 3 loses so far has been their lack of discipline in the first period of all but one game so far this season. Turnovers and lapses have led to early goals against and going to intermission down by a goal of tied. Tonight in Columbus with that already in mind they will look to turn the early 1-3 season around and come up with a way to come out on top against the Blue Jackets.

The Rangers led by the “Killer Z’s” both with 5 points in 4 games, Mika Zibanejad (5 goals) and Mats Zuccarello (1 goal, 4 assists) the Rangers face off against Columbus’ top points leader Sonny Milano (4 assists, 4 points) and Nick Foligno who leads the team in goals with 3.

This is the first of four meetings between the two teams this season with both hosting each other twice.

Henrik Lundqvist is once again expected to get the start in net. J.T. Miller will be moved back to the wing where the Rangers feel he is more effective. Miller played at center for the first time this season in Tuesday’s 3-1 loss at home to St Louis.

Rangers Projected Lineup vs Columbus

Forwards:

Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, Pavel Buchnevich
Rick Nash, Kevin Hayes, Mats Zuccarello
Jimmy Vesey, David Desharnais, JT Miller
Michael Grabner, Paul Carey, Adam Cracknell

Defense:
Ryan McDonagh - Nick Holden

Marc Staal - Kevin Shattenkirk

Brady Skjei - Brendan Smith

Starter: Henrik Lundqvist

Backup: Ondrej Pavelec

Scratches: Anthony DeAngelo, Steven Kampfer

IR: Jesper Fast (hip)