Golden Knights and Rangers Face Off: Projected Lineups and Game Preview
The Vegas Golden Knights and the New York Rangers are set to clash tonight at Madison Square Garden in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The Golden Knights are looking to extend their three-game winning streak, while the Rangers aim to improve their home record.
Team Records and Performance
Vegas enters the game with a record of 13-6-8, placing them in a strong position in the Pacific Division. The Rangers, with a 15-12-3 record, are looking to climb the ranks in the Metropolitan Division. The Golden Knights have been solid on the road with a 6-2-4 record, while the Rangers have struggled at home, going 3-8-2.
Golden Knights Projected Lineup
Here's a look at the Golden Knights' projected lineup:
- Forwards: Ivan Barbashev — Jack Eichel – Braeden Bowman, Mitch Marner — Brett Howden — Mark Stone, Brandon Saad – Tomas Hertl – Pavel Dorofeyev, Cole Reinhardt — Colton Sissons — Keegan Kolesar.
- Defensemen: Brayden McNabb — Shea Theodore, Noah Hanifin — Zach Whitecloud, Ben Hutton — Kaedan Korczak.
- Goaltenders: Carter Hart, Akira Schmid.
Several players are out due to injury, including Adin Hill (lower body), Jeremy Lauzon (undisclosed), and William Karlsson (lower body). Forwards Reilly Smith and Alexander Holtz, along with defenseman Jaycob Megna are expected to be scratched. Colton Sissons and Ben Hutton are game-time decisions due to illness.
Akira Schmid is likely to start in goal after a stellar performance against the New Jersey Devils, where he recorded a shutout.
Rangers Projected Lineup
These are the likely forward lines and defensive pairings for the Rangers:
- Forwards: Artemi Panarin — Mika Zibanejad — Alexis Lafreniere, Conor Sheary — Vincent Trocheck — J.T. Miller, Will Cuylle — Noah Laba — Brett Berard, Jonny Brodzinski — Sam Carrick — Taylor Raddysh.
- Defensemen: Vladislav Gavrikov — Braden Schneider, Carson Soucy — Will Borgen, Matthew Robertson — Scott Morrow.
- Goaltenders: Jonathan Quick, Igor Shesterkin.
Adam Fox (upper body), Matt Rempe (upper body), and Adam Edstrom (lower body) are currently injured. Urho Vaakanainen and Jaroslav Chmelar are expected to be scratched. Jonathan Quick may make his first start since November 22nd, after recovering from a lower-body injury.
Players to Watch
- Golden Knights: Jack Eichel leads the team with 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists). Ivan Barbashev has 10 goals and 13 assists. Shea Theodore has been on a hot streak in December.
- Rangers: Artemi Panarin leads the Rangers with 31 points (10 goals, 21 assists). Mika Zibanejad has 10 goals and 12 assists.
Key Stats
The Golden Knights have scored 82 goals and allowed 77. The Rangers have scored 80 goals and allowed 78. Vegas has the fifth-most efficient power play in the league (25.3%).
Recent Games
The Golden Knights are coming off a 3-0 win against the New Jersey Devils. The Rangers lost their last game in overtime to the Colorado Avalanche, 3-2. The Golden Knights won the previous meeting between the teams 3-2.
Prediction
The Golden Knights are favored to win. Expect a tight, low-scoring game.
