Blue Jackets, Rangers look to regroup after humbling losses

The New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets aim to bounce back from heavy defeats when they meet on Saturday night. The Rangers dropped to 6-3-0 after a 7-1 road loss to the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, surrendering four goals during a difficult second period. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets enter seeking to halt a two-game skid following a 7-3 defeat against the Florida Panthers.

Columbus has struggled on special teams, posting a 61.1 percent penalty-kill rate after allowing four power-play goals to Florida. To spark an turnaround, Columbus adjusted its top two forward lines in practice, moving Valeri Nichushkin to the first line alongside Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson. Matthew Knies shifted to the second line alongside Sean Monahan and Conor Garland.