Lightning vs Rangers: Projected Lineups and Key Player Analysis Ahead of Matchup

Lightning Projected Lineup Ahead of Rangers Matchup

The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face the New York Rangers in a key NHL showdown this Saturday afternoon. Both teams enter the game with multiple injuries and scratches affecting their lineups, making the projected rosters critical to watch for fans and analysts.

The Lightning’s forward lines include Brandon Hagel, Anthony Cirelli, and Nikita Kucherov leading the top line. The second line features Jake Guentzel, Nick Paul, and Gage Goncalves. Zemgus Girgensons, Yanni Gourde, and Pontus Holmberg round out the third line, while Dominic James, Curtis Douglas, and Oliver Bjorkstrand make up the fourth.

On defense, the Lightning will rely on J.J. Moser and Darren Raddysh at the top pairing. Supporting them are Charle-Edouard D’Astous and Emil Lilleberg, plus Declan Carlile and Steven Santini. Jonas Johansson is projected to get the start in goal after Andrei Vasilevskiy made 33 saves in the previous game.

The Lightning continue to deal with several key injuries. Brayden Point, Ryan McDonagh, Victor Hedman, Max Crozier, and Erik Cernak all remain sidelined with undisclosed issues. The team’s morning skate was canceled, leaving uncertainty about possible late changes.

Rangers Lineup and Injury Update

New York will counter with J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, and Alexis Lafreniere on their first forward line. Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Will Cuylle comprise the second line, with Brett Berard, Noah Laba, and Jonny Brodzinski following on the third. Adam Edstrom, Sam Carrick, and Taylor Raddysh complete the forward group.

Defensively, Vladislav Gavrikov teams with Adam Fox as the top pairing. Carson Soucy and Braden Schneider, along with Matthew Robertson and Scott Morrow, provide depth on the blue line. Igor Shesterkin is likely to start in goal, though backup Dylan Garand could see his NHL debut.

Key absences for the Rangers include Will Borgen, Jonathan Quick, and Matt Rempe, all listed as injured. Conor Sheary and Urho Vaakanainen are scratched from the lineup. The Rangers also canceled their morning skate, affected by the back-to-back schedule.

Both clubs will look to utilize their depth and adapt to absences as they vie for crucial points. The Lightning’s ability to manage their defensive injuries will play a significant role. Meanwhile, the Rangers’ goaltending situation remains a point of attention with Quick sidelined and the possibility of a rookie debut. This matchup promises intensity despite lineup challenges.