Rangers Battle Kings New York Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/new-york-rangers/new-york-rangers-alexis-lafreniere-artemi-panarin-vincent-trocheck] defenseman Erik Gustafsson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/new-york-rangers/nick-bonino-and-erik-gustafsson-speak-i-dont-have-the-luxury-of-not-competing] will be sidelined tonight against the Los Angeles Kings with a lower-body injury. Gustafsson has recorded 21 points (four goals, 17 assists) in 44 games this season and is averaging 17:15 TOI. According to Mollie Walker [https://twitter.com/MollieeWalkerr] of the New York Post, the injury did not keep Gustafsson from skating at the end of today's practice. The 31-year-old rearguard is a steady defensive partner for Braden Schneider, a position the club has lacked the last few seasons. When Adam Fox was on the LTIR, Gustafsson served as the first powerplay unit's quarterback. Zac Jones will substitute for Gustafsson tonight. Jones has recorded three assists this season, dressing in 14 of the teams' 44 total contests. This is why the Rangers recalled Matthew Robertson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/news/new-york-rangers-matthew-robertson-zac-jones-defense] from the Hartford Wolf Pack yesterday afternoon, to serve as the team's seventh defenseman as Jones steps into the lineup. TOP STORIES:
