So the Rangers are 1-3 to start the season. They’re in the basement of the Metropolitan divisoin, which you can argue is the strongest division in the league right now. So many great teams that it will be a struggle all season to stay in the Playoff hunt. But it’s still wayyyyy to early to be worrying about that. The issue right now is figuring out the right pairings and securing at least two strong defensive pairings.

The Rangers penalty kill has been dreadful so far this year….being under 70% successful. Not great stats. So with that being said this is starting to look bad on AV. Basically every game this season he has been moving defensive pairings which doesn’t help to create consistency or synergy (big word huh….). There needs to be at least one pairing that stays the same for a few games to get something going on the back end.

So that brings us to tonight’s game against the Blue Jackets (or the Rangers of the Mid-West). They’ve always given the Rangers a struggle. From what it looks like the pairings for tonight will be:

McDonaugh-Holden

Staal-Shattenkirk

Skeji-Smith

This put’s DeAngelo and Kampfer as healthy scratches. Honestly I think Smith needs to be in the lineup more. He’s been out for the last two games and I think he has proven himself to be a good fit with this team and a strong defensive presence overall. Holden being first pairing with Mac is a little worrisome.

Basically this is just me ranting that AV needs to get his shit together, make some tough decisions and have some balls to stick with them instead of fucking with the pairings every game. If he doesn’t Rangers fans (myself included) will soon be starting chants of “LINDYYYY….LINDYYYY”. Figure it out AV.

Rangers v. Blue Jackets Odds

Moneyline: Rangers +125

Spread: Rangers +1.5 (-250)

Over/Under: 5.5 (o +100/ u -120)

LGR