Game #3: Edmonton Oilers vs New York Rangers Open Thread

After playing their previous game exactly a week ago, the Rangers are finally back in action this afternoon as they faceoff against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.

The Oilers are coming into this game undefeated, as they sit atop of the Pacific Division with four wins and eight points to their name. Like the Oilers, the Rangers still have yet to lose a game but they haven’t played an organized game of hockey in nearly seven days. The Rangers fresh legs could be the difference maker though with the Oilers playing their last game on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils.

The Rangers lineup remains mostly intact, with the only major change being on the fourth line as Greg McKegg makes his Rangers debut. The trade of Vladislav Namestnikov opened up an opportunity for McKegg, so it will be interesting to see what he does with a chance to remain in the lineup. The defensive pairings remained unchanged, and it is expected that Henrik Lundqvist will get the nod in goal by David Quinn.

Player to Watch: Kaapo Kakko

It’s only fitting for Kaapo Kakko to be the player to watch for this afternoon. Kakko hasn’t necessarily played bad at all during the first two games, but he’s still in search of his first career point. David Quinn has been asking for more from his second lineup, and I can see Kakko stepping up in a big way this afternoon. It’s a Saturday afternoon matinee at Madison Square Garden, so anything is possible.

Enjoy the game!