Rangers vs. Red Wings: 3 things to watch for in Original 6 rematch
Three days after skating a to a 4-1 win against the Detroit Red Wings at Madison Square Garden, the New York Rangers are in Motown for a rematch against their Original 6 rivals on Thursday night.
The victory Monday was, by and large, a good all-around effort by the Rangers (2-0-1). They never trailed, scored three more even-strength goals, got three-point performances form Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin, and Igor Shesterkin was terrific making 31 saves.
However, Rangers coach Peter Laviolette was less than thrilled with their play in the second period. The Rangers allowed 14 shots on goal in that period and six high-danger scoring chances, per Natural Stat Trick. If not for Shesterkin’s brilliant play, there could’ve been a different narrative coming out of the game Monday.
New York did play much better defensively in the third period and secured another two points. Now, the Rangers begin a three-game road trip in Detroit, where the Red Wings (1-2-0) have split two games so far this season after posting a 23-13-5 home record in 2023-24.
After the game Thursday, the Rangers travel to Toronto for a Hockey Night in Canada contest Saturday against he Maple Leafs, and finish off the trip in Montreal against the Canadiens on Tuesday.
Related: Rangers coach believes moving Braden Schneider around ‘hasn’t seemed to bother him’
3 things to watch for when Rangers visit Red Wings
1. Quick decision
Last week, Rangers coach Peter Laviolette explained “there’s a plan” for when Jonathan Quick will make his first start of the season. With games on the early-season schedule spread out and Shesterkin looking to get as much work as possible, it was a big question as to when Quick would make his season debut between the pipes.
Well, that’ll happen Thursday against the Red Wings. Quick was the first goalie off the ice at the morning skate, just as he was after practice Wednesday, and Laviolette confirmed he’s in against the Red Wings.
Interestingly, Quick’s most recent win was April 5 last season in Detroit, when he made 31 saves in a 4-3 Rangers victory. In his career, the 38-year-old is 15-14-1 against the Red Wings with a 2.81 goals-against average, .905 save percentage and two shutouts.
2. Face-off take off
The Rangers had their way in the face-off circle against the Red Wings on Monday, and will look to dominate again Thursday. New York won 58 percent of the draws taken; each of its centers was at least 50 percent, and Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck and Sam Carrick each was better than 60 percent. Trocheck won 17 of 28 face-offs (61 percent).
Two face-off wins in the offensive zone led directly to goals for the Rangers. Trocheck won a clean face-off in the right circle on the power play that preceded Chris Kreider’s game-winning goal late in the second period. Then Zibanejad’s clean win in the same spot set up Reilly Smith for his first goal with the Rangers in the third period.
Zibanejad is at 66.7 percent through three games, and Trocheck sits at 60.9 percent after being among the League leaders last season with a 58.7 percent win rate. Chytil, who won seven of 14 draws Monday, is struggling to start the season, winning just 34.4 percent of his face-offs.
3. Chris Kreider’s health; ‘Gus’ to face former team
One day after missing practice because he was sick, Kreider took part in the morning skate and is set to play Thursday. The 33-year-old leads the Rangers with three goals — scoring one each at even strength, on the power play and short-handed.
Jonny Brodzinski, who was a placeholder in Kreider’s spot at practice, was back skating on the fourth line and appears to be the choice there again ahead of Matt Rempe, who’s on his way to his third scratch in four games.
Former Rangers defenseman Erik Gustafsson will be back in the Red Wings lineup. The veteran defenseman, who signed with Detroit after being on New York’s third pair last season, played in the Red Wings season opener but was scratched the past two games. Coach Derek Lalonde was displeased with Gustafsson’s 5-on-5 play, but is hoping he can boost a slumping Detroit power play, which is 1-for-11 to begin the season.
New York Rangers projected lineup
Kreider – Zibanejad – Smith
Panarin – Trocheck – Lafreniere
Cuylle – Chytil – Kakko
Edstrom – Carrick – Brodzinski
Miller – Fox
Schneider – Trouba
Jones – Mancini
Quick
Shesterkin
Check back for updates after Rangers coach Peter Laviolette meets with the media Thursday morning.
Rangers vs. Red Wings: When, where, what time, how to watch
Who: New York Rangers vs. Detroit Red Wings
Where: Little Caesars Arena
When: Thursday Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch:Â ESPN+, Hulu
Click here for New York Rangers complete 2024-25 schedule and game results
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