Zac Jones will slot in if K’Andre Miller is unable to go tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Rangers didn’t hold a full team practice this morning, but they did have an optional skate. It’s worth clarifying that “optional skate” doesn’t mean players can simply skip game prep—it just means they aren’t required to be on the ice. Players are still expected to be present and have various off-ice responsibilities to help get ready for the upcoming game.
It’s common to see guys who get a lot of ice time not skate during optional practices this time of year, that doesn’t mean they’re not at the rink doing video, having meetings, stretching, and getting ready for the game tonight.
This isn’t just an #NYR thing, still have to find… https://t.co/VX2ASyAHFo
— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) April 7, 2025
The first significant lineup change comes with Matt Rempe set to return tonight after missing the last four games due to an upper-body injury. It hasn’t been officially announced who he’ll replace, but Brett Berard appears to be the likely candidate. That assumption was further supported when Berard was seen skating with the healthy scratches later during the on-ice session.
Brett Berard among last #NYR players in the ice, along with de Haan, Pärssinen and Aube-Kubel.
Looks like Berard is coming out for Matt Rempe.
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 7, 2025
K’Andre Miller, who missed the weekend practices due to illness, is being considered a game-time decision. If he’s unable to play, Zac Jones is expected to step in as his replacement. Meanwhile, Igor Shesterkin is set to make his third straight start—no surprise, given that the Rangers need to win every remaining game to keep their wildcard hopes alive and catch up to Montreal.
#NYR Matt Rempe is in today vs. Lightning, per Peter Laviolette.
K’Andre Miller is a game-time decision and Igor Shesterkin is in goal.
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 7, 2025
If there was any doubt, Head Coach Peter Laviolette made it clear that both he and the team are “disappointed” to be in their current situation. He emphasized the importance of “winning hockey games,” but also noted that he doesn’t see this as a time to take more chances with the lineup. That mindset may very well explain why the team has seen the kind of results it has throughout the season.
I asked #NYR Peter Laviolette if he feels he can take more risks with the lineup and if it feels like there is nothing to lose with them being 6 points out:
“I don’t view it the way you’re viewing it — I view it that we’re in a situation tonight where we need to win a hockey…
— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) April 7, 2025
Although the team didn’t run any line rushes during Sunday’s formal practice, it appears the lines will see some changes—whether those adjustments help or hurt remains to be seen. (Let’s be honest, it’s probably going to be the latter.)
No consistent line rushes yet for the Rangers, but judging by jersey colors and how they've lined up so far, I could see all the lines going in a blender for next game.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) April 6, 2025
Over the weekend, the team focused on special teams work but didn’t make any significant personnel adjustments—especially when it comes to the top unit. Sticking with the same approach despite poor results is often jokingly referred to as the definition of insanity, but hey, why shake things up when the season—and the coach’s job—are hanging in the balance, right?
Either way, tonight’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning should make for an intriguing watch.
Leave a Reply