New York Rangers face Bruins on TNT as roster decisions loom

Anthony Scultore Updated: Oct 5, 2022

jimmy vesey new york rangers — Sep 27, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center Charlie Coyle (13) pushes the puck ahead of New York Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey (26) and left wing Alexis Lafrenière (13) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers take on the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden in what should be almost their full opening night lineup.

“We’re still working on the details,” Filip Chytil said on Tuesday. “It’s (nearing) the end of training camp and we have to get to that into shape on the ice with our system. That’s what these last two games are about.”

UPDATE: Jaroslav Halak starts in place of Igor Shesterkin

Report: Jaroslav Halak replaces Igor Shesterkin as Rangers starter due to stomach issue

Game and broadcast info below in bold and italics.

DATE	VS.	BROADCAST INFO	RESULT
Monday, Sept. 26 (7:00 PM)	NYI	MSG, MSGSN, NHLN, ESPN 98.7	W, 4-1
Tuesday, Sept. 27 (7:00 PM)	@BOS	MSG, NESN+, NHLN, ESPN 98.7	L, 3-2 (OT)
Thursday, Sept. 29 (7:00 PM)	NJ	MSG, MSGSN, NHLN, ESPN 98.7	L, 5-2
Friday, Sept. 30 (7:00 PM)	@NJ	MSG, MSGSN, NHLN, ESPN 98.7	W, 2-1
*Wednesday, Oct. 5 (7:00 PM)*	*BOS*	TNT, ESPN 98.7
Saturday, Oct. 8 (7:00 PM)	@NYI	MSG

New York Rangers 2022-23 preseason schedule

New York Rangers back in action vs Bruins

new york rangers ryan lindgren — Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Based on the last two practice rotations the lineup will have most of the top three lines and d-pairs set. Since there are two games remaining, expect Igor Shesterkin and Jaroslav Halak to split.

Here’s a look at what you may see tonight. Players in bold consistently played together:

Kreider – Zibanejad – Vesey
Panarin – Trocheck – Kravtsov
Lafrenière -Chytil – Kakko
Blais – Carpenter – Reaves
Lindgren – Fox
Miller – Trouba
Jones – Schneider

PP1: Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, Adam Fox
PP2: Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, Alexis Lafrenière, Vitali Kravtsov, Jacob Trouba (Zac Jones)

Head coach Gerard Gallant cracked a joke about how much ice time the second unit would get this season.

“We’ll see what happens,” Gallant laughed. “Hopefully that (first) unit gets real hot. Not much time to give the kids so they’ll have to wait their turn.”

The Rangers are 2-1-1 in preseason action with 10 goals for and 10 against. Their opponent the Bruins are 2-2-0 with 8 goals for and 5 against. Boston is 0-2 on the road and beat the Rangers at TD Garden 3-2 in OT earlier this exhibition season.

Jimmy Vesey getting a chance on top line

Vesey, 29, is at Rangers camp on a professional tryout contract (PTO). In three exhibition games, he’s recorded a goal and two assists. His work on the penalty kill has been excellent highlighted by an outstanding back-check to prevent a game-tying goal and preserve a Rangers win over the New Jersey Devils last week.

Tuesday at practice, Vesey was on the first line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. According to Gerard Gallant, they want to give him an opportunity since he’s on a PTO to win a job.

“We expected that (from Vesey),” Gallant noted. “Once he signed a PTO here we knew he’s a good player and what he did last year. Obviously, he’s in the mix.”

There’s just two games left, Vesey can solidify his spot and make the team with a strong effort tonight.

Jeff Gorton gives inside details on Rangers trade for Adam Fox

Alternate Captains

The Rangers have been discussing a possible change with their alternate captains after naming Jacob Trouba the newest captain.

Currently Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, and Barclay Goodrow wear an A on their sweater.

“We’re not sure what we’re going to do,” Gallant said last week. “We’ll discuss it some more and there’s different combinations we might do. We’ll decide in the near future and we’ll make an announcement before the season starts.”

With just two preseason games left, it will be interesting to see who’s wearing A‘s tonight.