RANGERS HOST ANAHEIM, ZIBANEJAD EXPECTED TO RETURN
New York Rangers (18-12-3) vs Anaheim Ducks (14-12-8)
TONIGHT 7:00 PM TV: MSG, RADIO: WEPN 98.7
MAdison Square Garden, New York City, NY
It’s been nine games since Mika Zibanejad has stepped on the ice for the Rangers dating back to November 28 due to concussion protocol. Tonight it looks as though Zibanejad will return to the Rangers lineup taking his first line spot between Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich. Although Zibanejad has not yet been cleared by doctors for full contact he participated in his first full practice yesterday. Coach Alain Vigneault were quoted as saying he expects Mika to be cleared for today.
With Zibanejad returning it means that someone will come out of the Rangers lineup and that looks to be fourth line center Boo Nieves who practiced yesterday as an extra defenseman. David Desharnais who filled in for Zibanejad since the injury moves down to the fourth line centering Paul Carey and Jimmy Vesey.
Henrik Lundqvist who pretty much carried the Rangers in the second of back to back games on Saturday posting 33 saves for the second consecutive night in the Rangers 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins will get the start tonight against Anaheim.
The Ducks playing their second of back to back games come into tonight’s contest having lost their last two games to the Rangers Metro Division Rivals, Washington Capitals 3-2 in overtime on Saturday and 5-3 to New Jersey last night. Washington currently sits in 5th place in the Pacific Division.
This is the first meeting of two games between the Rangers and Anaheim this season and the only at the Garden. They will again face at the end of January when the Rangers head on their West Coast Road Trip.
TEAM LEADERS
Rangers
POINTS: Mats Zuccarello 27
GOALS: Michael Grabner 16
ASSISTS: Mats Zuccarello 19
Ducks
POINTS: Corey Perry 22
GOALS: Jakob Silfverberg 9
ASSISTS: Corey Perry 16
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