The Rangers continue their West Coast with the first of three games in Western Canada. New York faces Vancouver, who will be without JT Miller, as he has will be sidelined indefinitely to deal with what has been term as personal matters. Sending positive vibes and good wishes to Miller. The Blueshirts got good news today on Filip Chytil, who will join the team in Calgary.

Lines versus Vancouver:
Panarin - Trocheck - Laf
Kreider - Zib - Smith
Cuylle - Brodzinski - Kakko
Edström - Carrick - Vesey

Miller - Fox
Lindgren - Trouba
Jones - Schneider

Shesterkin
Quick

The news on Chytil is likely the best that could be expected. Results of his exam with a specialist showed no concussion. No word has been given as to what sidelined Chytil for the rest of the San Jose game and obviously the Seattle contest.

Even though Chytil has been cleared to join the team, that doesn’t mean he will immediately suit up. If Chytil has no adverse effects from the cross country flight, that would also be viewed as another positive. Presuming that is the case, this also is no guarantee he dresses. New York and coach Peter Laviolette may opt to be even more cautious given Chytil’s history.

If the Rangers win today, that could also provide additional impetus to rest Chytil even longer and go with Jonny Brodzinski. Not that one game makes a difference but a victory makes it easier to keep him out. But the report that it is not concussion has to be viewed as major positive given that we all expected that he unfortunately suffered another one.

What this has showed is that GM Chris Drury will need to import another center at the deadline due to the lack of depth in the organization. Who that is remains to be seen. Mikael Granlund was mentioned, but there will be lots of suitors for him. Plus his AAV is $5 mil, so even if the Sharks eat 50% of that cap hit, New York has to have $2.5 mil of space plus room to add on the blue line.

The lineup tonight is the same as Sunday. Igor Shesterkin is slated to be back between the pipes. Jonathan Quick was brilliant Sunday and Igor will have a tough task in front of him tonight even without Miller in the lineup for the Canucks. Late night viewing for those of us on the east coast.

Follow @airjan23

Join the Discussion: » 24 Comments » Post New Comment

» Rangers continue to sink to new low as NJ wipes the ice w/ them in 5-0 loss

» Rangers eke out 3-2 win over Sabres as Mika gets 300th

» Struggling Rangers meet struggling Sabres, someone has to win

» Rangers hit rock bottom in 2-1 loss to Blackhawks

» Rangers look to rebound defensively tonight vs. the Blackhawks