Rangers defeat Buffalo 3-2 on Tuesday night.
Filip Chytil was eased into play, played wing with Rooney instead of his natural position of center. His first game back in more than month (Jan.24 at Pittsburgh).
Player of Game
Pavel Buchnevich, scored a goal and assisted on Lafreniere’s.
Lafreniere scored and extended his point streak to 3 games and 4 out of 5. Both Lafreniere and Kreider have stepped in Panarin’s absence.
Chris Kreider scored his tenth goal! His reaction is priceless after scoring in 2nd period. Finally, he’s throwing pucks to the net and being rewarded!!
Shesterkin made 22 saves and once unbelievable head butt save.
Good win but did not play well in third period. Only 19 total shots, three in third!! It’s time for a winning streak. Need to beat New Jersey on Thursday. Devils have lost 3 straight, 6 out of 7. They have not won a home game since end of January.
Panarin Update
“I talk to Bread daily, and he has been doing some skating,” Quinn said. “Again, we’re just waiting day to day for the right time for him to come back.”
Mika Report
Unfortunately, Mika looked lost in the last two periods. HE DID HAVE AN ASSIST ON BUCH’S GOAL! There was one play when he looked to have a breakaway and then play just crumbled in mid-air.
David Quinn needs to make a decision on personal this week.
Sounds like Kappo Kakko might be back by Saturday afternoon. Gauthier is likely to be removed from top four once Kakko returns.
Chytil returned, Could he sit Zibanajad this weekend against New Jersey and Pittsburgh? Centerman- Strome, Chytil, Howden, Rooney?
When Mika plays better and the team’s at full strength, Brett Howden is likely to be moved down or completely out of the lineup. I think he’s only there for the physicality with the absence of Trouba. He also was 3-5 on faceoffs last night. He still has not scored a goal all season, though.
Rangers will make two NJ Transit train stops to Newark on Thursday night at 7pm.
