LAS VEGAS — Peter Laviolette famous that Tyler Pitlick has been absolutely cleared to play, after the 32-year-old wing was sidelined six video games with a lower-body damage, however the Rangers head coach deployed the identical lineup Thursday evening in opposition to the Golden Knights.
Pitlick was scratched for a second straight recreation and could also be going through a troublesome street forward to get again into the Rangers lineup.
If the Blueshirts proceed to show it round with Jonny Brodzinski within the lineup after a 2-5-1 stretch, it might take one other ahead damage for Pitlick to get again in.
But when Thursday’s 5-1 loss in Vegas marks the start of one other dropping streak, Laviolette could go for a change.
“He’s obtained a ability degree to him,” Laviolette mentioned of Brodzinski, who competed in his 24th straight recreation. “He brings pace. If you happen to return and take a look at that objective they scored [versus Seattle on Tuesday], it occurs as a result of he outraces someone on the forecheck and capable of give you possession and switch issues round. He will get into the O-zone play and a few puck motion.
“For me, it’s the pace that he brings to the desk. He’s obtained good ability, however he can skate and he could make issues occur along with his pace.”
Pitlick, who was a bottom-six decide up this previous offseason, has chipped in a objective and two assists by way of 28 video games. After serving as a scratch in eight of the primary 10 video games of the season, Pitlick slotted right into a full-time function when Filip Chytil went down.
When Kaapo Kakko landed on long-term injured reserve, Brodzinski was the primary recall from AHL Hartford. He began out robust with one objective and 5 assists in his first seven video games, however has solely chipped in an extra three assists since then.
Brodzinski centered a line between Will Cuylle and Blake Wheeler for a second straight recreation after the unit notched an important 3-1 rating within the second interval of the Rangers’ 5-2 win over the Kraken on Tuesday.
The Golden Knights took a 2-Zero lead after getting behind the Rangers’ 1-3-1. Nicolas Roy skated round Jacob Trouba earlier than establishing Ivan Barbashev on the far put up on the 14:48 mark of the second interval.
The puck went in off his skates, which prompted Toronto to assessment it, however it was finally upheld.
Ryan Lindgren skated in his 300th NHL recreation Thursday evening.
The Rangers are scheduled to be off on Friday as they make their technique to Los Angeles, the place they are going to face the Kings Saturday evening.