The Rangers host the Islanders tonight at MSG in their second of four preseason games. They’ll complete an almost wholesale switch of the line-up with 18 changes to the roster. Unlike last night’s very inexperienced line-up, Mike Sullivan will go with a team heavy on projected starters.

Two forwards will get another shot, with both Liam Greentree and Dylan Roobroeck starting their second straight game. Greentree has caught the attention with his offensive game, and Roobroeck is a potential bottom six forward who has shown more dimensions to his game to start training camp. Both could be potential call ups during the year.

In net Igor Shesterkin is expected to get the first two periods, with Spencer Martin closing out the final twenty for the team. Both netminders have their roles almost certainly defined going into opening night in a week’s time.

INJURY UPDATES

The two players injured in last night’s loss to the Devils were both still being evaluated for lower body injuries. Mike Sullivan provided no updates on either player in today’s pregame meetings. Sykora’s injury could cost him his time, though it remains to be seen whether it’s significant or not.

Cole Beaudoin looks set to return after missing the second rookie game and first day of training camp. The young center had been practicing with the team, initially in a non-contact jersey, but is slotted in for the third line tonight’s game.’

SMITS GETTING EVERY CHANCE

This will be just the second time we’ll get to see Alberts Smits play, with the fifth overall pick in this year’s draft having played just one rookie game. Going into camp it appeared that Matthew Robertson was slotted in as the third pair defenseman on the left, but Sullivan has continued to give him the opportunity to make the team.

He only has two games in which to earn his spot in the line-up, so after tonight there’ll be just one other opportunity. If he is to win the competition, then likely Robertson would slot in as the 7th defenseman and push Urho Vaakanainen onto waivers and potentially down to Hartford.

Vaakanainen could be a useful addition to the Wolf Pack, being able to play both sides and bringing another veteran presence. There’s also a chance that he could get claimed off of waivers, as other teams look to reenforce their own blue lines.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Isles will be playing their second preseason game as well, having lost 2-1 to the Devils on Sunday. It’s likely we’ll see a prospect laden squad from them tonight. The Rangers will get a day off tomorrow and then finish out their preseason with games at home against the Devils, and then out on Long Island on Friday.

There’s a chance that we see a couple of cuts tomorrow as the Rangers begin to trim their roster, with more coming after Thursday’s game. They’ll have to get their roster settled by next Monday, a day ahead of the opener on the 29th.