Bobby Bevilacqua

CORRECTION: Jesper Fast did play in the game tonight after Mats Zuccarello was scratched. Zuccarello skated in warmups but was scratched right before. Fast was likely inserted after that decision was made.

In yesterday’s post, I made note of an incident in the first period where Zuccarello appeared to injure his shoulder. He finished the game, but was scratched today with a sore shoulder. He is currently listed as day to day.

Recently, the Rangers’ announced that Kevin Hayes will start in place of Jesper Fast in the Rangers’ home opener against the Maple Leafs.

It is unknown the reason for Fast being removed, but Hayes will likely take his spot at right wing on the fourth line.

Kevin Hayes will make his Rangers’ debut in the home opener tonight. He will likely play on the fourth line, and wear number 53.

Hayes, 22, is a product of Boston College, known for their tremendous hockey program, where he finished his senior season as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award for the top college player, after putting up 65 points in 40 games.

Hayes is listed at 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds, and was a sophomore on the 2012 Boston College national championship team with fellow Ranger Chris Kreider.

These are the anticipated lineups for tonight:

Kreider-St. Louis-Nash

Hagelin-Brassard-Zuccarello

Duclair-Miller-Stempniak

Glass-Dominic Moore-Hayes

McDonagh-Girardi

Staal-Klein

John Moore-Hunwick

Lundqvist