It’s full meaningless hockey for the Rangers tonight, and quite honestly, not a moment too soon. The Rangers are without three top players again (Chris Kreider, Ryan Lindgren, Jacob Trouba) and are barely passing for playable hockey of late. The injuries are a problem, but it’s not the reason for lack of playable hockey. There’s something missing.
The Caps, meanwhile, are in the playoffs. But they are without John Carlson and Alex Ovechkin. Perhaps that evens things out tonight. But this is still a playoff team.