The Rangers didn’t hold a full team practice this morning but did conduct an optional skate. It’s important to note that “optional” doesn’t mean players can skip out on preparing—attendance is still expected, and there are various off-ice activities available to help them get ready for the game.
The first major lineup change: Matt Rempe, who’s been out for the past four games with an upper-body injury, is set to return tonight. While it hasn’t been officially confirmed who he’ll replace, it’s likely Brett Berard, as he was seen skating with the scratches during the session.
As for K’Andre Miller, who missed the weekend due to illness, his status is still up in the air—he’ll be a game-time decision. If he can’t go, Zac Jones is expected to step in. Igor Shesterkin will make his third straight start, which makes sense given the Rangers have to win out to stay alive in the race to catch Montreal for a wildcard spot.
Head Coach Peter Laviolette admitted both he and the team are disappointed to be in this situation. He emphasized the importance of winning but doesn’t see this as a time to shake up the lineup or take big risks—a mindset that might help explain the team’s up-and-down performance this season.
Although no line rushes were run during Sunday’s practice, it appears the lines will look different tonight—whether that’s a good thing or not remains to be seen. Over the weekend, the focus was on special teams, but there were no significant changes in personnel, particularly on the top power-play unit. Repeating the same approach and expecting different results might be questionable, but with the season (and possibly Laviolette’s job) hanging in the balance, it seems like the safer route is still being taken.