New York Rangers at Washington Capitals Preview 12/9/23

New York Rangers right wing Blake Wheeler (17) celebrates with left wing Chris Kreider (20) after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers in the first period at Wells Fargo Center

Today, the New York Rangers will be taking on the Washington Capitals. The Blueshirts are coming off a disappointing 6-2 loss against the Ottawa Senators. As for the Washington Capitals, they are on a three-game losing streak. One team will break their losing streak and it will be interesting to see who is in this divisional rivalry.

Records

New York Rangers 18-5-1

Washington Capitals 12-8-3

Venue

The New York Rangers will be the away team in this matchup. Since the Washington Capitals will be the home team, this game will take place in Capital One Arena which is located in Washington, DC.

Projected Lineup

Offense:

Kreider-Trocheck-Brodzinski

Panarin-Zibanejad-Lafrenière

Vesey-Goodrow-Wheeler

Cuylle-Bonino-Pitlick

Defense:

Lindgren – Fox

Miller – Trouba

Gustafsson – Schneider

Goaltender:

Igor Shesterkin

Injuries

New York Rangers

Filip Chytil – Concussion/Upper Body – OUT (On LTIR)

It was expected that Chytil was going to return since he started skating for the Blueshirts in practice. However, Chytil’s concussion recovery has been an issue. Chytil is now on LTIR.

Kaapo Kakko – Knee/Lower Body – OUT (On LTIR)

Kakko just can’t catch a break this season. He was demoted from the first line to the third line and now he is on LTIR after he suffered that brutal injury in their latest game against the Buffalo Sabres.

Barclay Goodrow – Face – Questionable (Day To Day)

Goodrow suffered a face injury in the Ottawa Senators game when he took a slapshot from K’Andre Miller. Goodrow has not practiced, so he is someone to keep a close eye on. If he does not play, the plan is for Riley Nash to take his spot.

Chris Kreider – Lower Body Injury – Questionable (Day To Day)

Kreider is one to keep an eye on as he has been battling a lower-body injury and apparently aggravated it in practice in a nasty collision with Blake Wheeler.

Washington Capitals

Nicklas Backstrom – Back – OUT (Out for the Season/LTIR)

Max Pacioretty – Achilles – OUT (LTIR)

T.J. Oshie – Upper Body Injury – Questionable (Still On IR, but is close to a return and likely a Game Time Decision)

Prediction: New York Rangers 3 – Washington Capitals 1

After the embarrassing loss to the Ottawa Senators, the Rangers are going to be hungry for a win. While there is still a question mark on both Kreider and Goodrow, the Rangers will adapt and take care of business against the Capitals.

3 Stars of the Game Prediction

1. Artemi Panarin

2. Mika Zibanejad

3. K’Andre Miller

Where can you watch the game?

The New York Rangers at Washington Capitals game will air on television on both MSG and ESPN+. The game can also be streamed on fuboTV and DirectTV Stream as well. Keep in mind that the game will be starting at 7:00 p.m. EST.

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