This will not go down in history as one of Nathan Beaulieu’s favourite games.
The absence of Alexei Emelin has, perhaps shockingly, thrown the 2nd and 3rd defensive pairings into a bit of disarray. Claude Julien has chosen to pair Jeff Petry with Jordie Benn, removing the stabilizing presence from Nathan Beaulieu’s side. With Nikita Nesterov drawing in for the injured Emelin, he and Beaulieu have combined for the third pairing and it has been, shall we say, an adventure.
Heading into game three in Madison Square Gardens, where the Rangers will be afforded last change, it will be interesting to see if the coach makes a change, perhaps bringing in Brandon Davidson to give the defensive pairings a new look or if there is maybe a mostly-healed Emelin available.