Some late news ahead of tonight’s matchup with the Capitals, with forward Filip Chytil and defenseman Patrik Nemeth both set to miss the contest. In the case of Chytil, Gallant shared that the young Czech forward is feeling “under the weather”. Nemeth, who has missed a number of games in the last month, will miss another, with his wife expecing a child.
To cover the absences, the Rangers called up defenseman Zac Jones from Hartford. Jones had been playing in Nemeth’s absence prior to being sent down on Monday. Whether or not Jones ultimately replaces Nemeth, or whether Gallant goes back to Libor Hajek was left unresolved, though Jones has been the preferred choice in recent games.
As to the forwards, Morgan Barron will slot back in, having been a healthy scratch since the last game before the All-Star break, when he was part of the 5-2 win over the Panthers. Where he’ll play also is unanswered, but perhaps Gallant will shift Goodrow back to center the third line, with Barron either pushing Greg McKegg back to the fourth or taking that spot himself.
CAR
NYI
PHI
PIT
CBJ