Open Game Thread: Rangers vs Devils

It's the third to last game of the season for the New York Rangers (34-39-9, 77 points). They'll face-off against the New Jersey Devils (42-28-9, 93 points), who are looking to solidify their playoff future. If the Devils take two points tonight and the Panthers lose in regulation, they'll qualify for the playoffs.

Tonight's the fourth and final meeting between the Rangers and Devils for the season. The Rangers lost 3-2 to the Devils at Madison Square Garden in October, but won the second matchup 5-2 in December. In their third meeting, the first at Prudential Center for the season, the Devils won 4-3 in a shootout.

For the Rangers, it'll be Henrik Lundqvist in net. Keith Kinkaid will be between the pipes for the Devils.

#NYR AV confirms Hank in net.
Lundqvist career vs #njdevils :
60 games (36-16-8)
8 shutouts
1.92 GAA
.931 save percentage

— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) April 3, 2018

There will also be some lineup changes for the Rangers, as they'll be without Mats Zuccarello and Jesper Fast.

AV said Fast is dealing with a bad groin that could sideline him for the final three games. Zuccarello also didn’t practice and will be getting an MRI after blocking a shot. He could miss tomorrow’s game in New Jersey. #NYR

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 2, 2018

Vladislav Namestnikov is expected to play on the first line in Fast's place, alongside Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. Lias Andersson will slot between Kevin Hayes and Pavel Buchnevich on the second line, and Filip Chytil will center Jimmy Vesey and Ryan Spooner on the third line. That leaves the Rangers with a fourth line of Cody McLeod, Peter Holland, and Paul Carey. The defense though, will remain in tact from their Saturday night win over the Carolina Hurricanes.

With no Fast, it appeared as Namestnikov was moved up with Kreider and Zibanejad. Also saw Andersson between Hayes and Buchnevich; Chytil with Vesey and Spooner. #NYR

— Matt Calamia (@MattCalamia) April 2, 2018