Rangers vs. Jets: Key Lineups and Storylines as Blueshirts Target Slump End
The New York Rangers host the Winnipeg Jets at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, March 22. Puck drop is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET. This is the first game of a back-to-back set at MSG, ahead of a Monday night visit from Ottawa.
Game context and recent form
The Rangers beat Winnipeg 6-2 on March 12. That victory was part of a four-game winning run last week.
Since then, New York has lost three of four games. Opponents outscored the club 16-7 in that stretch.
Goaltending and callups
Top goalie prospect Dylan Garand was recalled from AHL Hartford on Friday. He joined Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick at Saturday practice.
Quick exited practice early and is listed day-to-day with an upper-body issue. Coach Mike Sullivan said he expects Garand to see action this week.
Garand has gone 5-3-2 with a .921 save percentage in his last 10 AHL starts. Hartford sits last in the AHL Atlantic Division.
The Jets are expected to start backup Eric Comrie. Connor Hellebuyck played Saturday in a 5-4 shootout loss to Pittsburgh.
Injury picture
Two depth players suffered injuries in Wednesday’s 6-3 loss to New Jersey. Noah Laba exited with a lower-body injury.
Defenseman Urho Vaakanainen left after 3:07 with an upper-body issue. Both are listed week-to-week and did not travel to Columbus.
J.T. Miller shuffled to center the third line on Thursday to cover Laba’s absence. Connor Mackey drew in after Vaakanainen’s injury.
Rookie Drew Fortescue signed a three-year entry-level contract on Saturday. He could see an opportunity on the defensive depth chart.
Defensive struggles and special teams
Coach Sullivan has urged cleaner defensive play. Goalies Shesterkin and Quick faced heavy pressure over the recent skid.
Shesterkin made 46 saves in a 4-2 win at Minnesota on March 14. Still, the team has allowed too many high-quality chances.
The penalty kill has also faltered since Feb. 25. The Rangers have allowed 12 power-play goals on 37 shorthanded opportunities, a 67.6 percent kill rate.
New York conceded a power-play goal in four straight games, including two tallies by New Jersey on Wednesday.
Key lineups and projected roster
- Forwards: Alexis Lafrenière, Mika Zibanejad, Gabe Perreault.
- Forwards: Will Cuylle, Vincent Trocheck, Taylor Raddysh.
- Forwards: Tye Kartye, J.T. Miller, Conor Sheary.
- Forwards: Jonny Brodzinski, Adam Edström, Jaroslav Chmelar.
- Defense: Vladislav Gavrikov, Adam Fox; Matthew Robertson, Braden Schneider.
- Defense: Connor Mackey, Will Borgen; Vincent Iorio as depth.
- Goalies: Igor Shesterkin, Dylan Garand.
Storylines to watch
- Rangers vs. Jets matchup will reveal whether Garand earns his NHL debut. His performance could shape the backup role.
- Injuries to Laba and Vaakanainen force lineup adjustments. Team depth will be tested over a busy schedule.
- Defensive tightening and improved puck management are priorities. Special-teams play must stabilize for the Blueshirts to target slump end.
Coverage and further analysis of the Rangers vs. Jets matchup, including key lineups and developing storylines, appears on Filmogaz.com. Television access is via MSG.
