On Monday night, New York Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant confirmed what the lineup for the team’s first preseason game against the New York Islanders looks like.
When Group A took to the ice in Tarrytown, N.Y., on Sunday morning, many believed these would be the players to play in the team’s first preseason game on Monday at Madison Square Garden.
Gerard Gallant later confirmed this would be the first group to play, “the morning practice group will be the game group tomorrow, for the most part.”
Projected lineup
Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko
Vesey-Chytil-Kravtsov
Trivigno-Carpenter-Reaves
Sykora-Rydahl-Othmann
Defense
Miller-Trouba
Hajek-Schneider
Jones-Welinski
Goalies
Shesterkin
Garand
The lines are not the same as what Gallant has used in the scrimmages that began last Thursday. That’s based on the players inserted into Group A on Sunday and the coaching staff taking the opportunity to look at some players early in the preseason schedule.
Kaappo Kakko had been playing with Alexis Lafreniere and Filip Chytil, but tomorrow skates with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider.
The fourth line consists of two rookies that most likely won’t see opening night, but this year’s first-round pick (Sykora) along with the Gold Medal winner in its years World Championships Othmann should be an entertaining combination.
Vesey will try to impress the club when he plays with Chytil and Kravtsov. On the topic of impressions, Kravtsov will try to erase the memory of the way he exited the club last season and finally began a promising career with the Blueshirts.
On the Blueline, two players vying for the sixth defense spot will be on the ice, with both Jones and Hajek projected to play.
Monday’s game will be televised on MSGN at 7 pm.