Entering tonight’s match against the Red Wings, the New York Rangers are 8-2-1 sitting atop the Metropolitan Division. Even following a 5-4 shootout loss to the Wild on Nov. 4, in which they didn’t play well, the Rangers were able to get a point thanks to Jonathan Quick (36 saves). He made enough clutch stops in place of injured starter Igor Shesterkin.

Shesterkin remains out for Tuesday night. Recently recalled goalie Louis Domingue will back up. It doesn’t sound like Shesterkin will miss too much more time. There’s no reason to panic.

When it comes to the uncertainty surrounding star defenseman Adam Fox, nobody knows how long he’ll be out for. There’s no indication that he’ll be ready by Nov. 29 when he becomes eligible to be activated off long-term injured reserve (LTIR).

The lack of transparency is frustrating for both the press and fans. Especially in a league that’s partnered with gambling sites. Look no further than what’s going on with Devils’ stars Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes across the Hudson.

Related: Devils Injury Concerns mar Solid Road Trip thus Far

With no idea when Fox will return, the Rangers will continue to play a defense that includes Jacob Trouba, K’Andre Miller, Ryan Lindgren, Erik Gustafsson, Braden Schneider, and Zac Jones. In the game at Minnesota, the third pair of Jones and Schneider struggled. However, Rangers coach Peter Laviolette is correct when he says that it’s not only about one or two players. The team was lousy defensively. They were outskated by the Wild.

If not for getting the game’s first three goals on their first four shots to chase Wild starter Filip Gustavsson, they would’ve been blown out. Some undisciplined play caught up to the Rangers. Three straight penalties allowed the Wild to gain the momentum. They scored four straight goals to take a 4-3 lead in the third period. But Laviolette’s wise decision to replace the slumping Kaapo Kakko with leading scorer Artemi Panarin for an offensive zone faceoff led directly to Chris Kreider’s team-leading eighth goal that netted the Rangers a point.

When they returned to practice yesterday in Tarrytown, Laviolette decided to make a line switch. Kakko was moved down to the third line. Blake Wheeler was promoted to the first line. It’s a move that had to happen. Kakko’s lack of production, along with an unwillingness to compete inside, hasn’t helped Mika Zibanejad or Kreider. Both have struggled at five-on-five. Zibanejad has three even strength points (1-2-3) so far. With his big tying goal, Kreider is up to two goals and two assists at even strength. Both need to pick it up.

Kakko got the first 11 games on the top line. Laviolette gave him plenty of time to see if the 22-year-old right wing could gel with Zibanejad and Kreider. It didn’t materialize. Kakko has only a goal and an assist thus far. Hardly enough to keep him in a first line role.

He remains an effective puck possession player. However, most of his play is on the perimeter. That must change. Maybe putting him on the third line can help change his mindset. He’ll have the chance to work with promising rookie Will Cuylle. A player who gets his nose dirty. Maybe his tenacity can rub off. For the time being, Nick Bonino will center the line due to Filip Chytil remaining out. He didn’t skate this morning. Hopefully, Chytil can return soon.

Without Chytil, Vincent Trocheck has moved up to center the second line. He played enough with Panarin last season to understand what should work. Panarin has played a more straightforward game. He’s not turning over pucks. That’s allowed him to be more successful. He brings an 11-game point streak into tonight’s game. With six goals and 12 assists, he leads the Rangers with 18 points. It was his shot off a Zibanejad faceoff win that Kreider tipped in against the Wild three days ago.

Although he doesn’t have great production so far, Alexis Lafreniere has been better than the statistics. In 11 games playing with Panarin and mostly Chytil, he has four goals and an assist for five points. Playing more aggressively, Lafreniere has created quality chances for both himself and his linemates. In particular, he works well with Panarin. They seem to know where each other are. It’s been a good partnership so far.

If the Rangers are to be successful on the upcoming three-game homestand against the Red Wings, Wild and Blue Jackets, they’ll need more balanced scoring from everyone. Jimmy Vesey scored his first goal of the season this past Saturday. A positive sign for the fourth line. Tyler Pitlick picked up a helper on the goal. It was his first game since Oct. 16.

If Barclay Goodrow is ready to return from the paternity list after his wife gave birth to a new son, he’ll be in the lineup. That would leave a decision for Laviolette, who could either keep Pitlick in on the fourth line or dress Jonny Brodzinski. Brodzinski played 9:13 in 15 shifts versus the Wild. Goodrow can shift to center if needed.

Having the proper balance is what Laviolette wants. He wasn’t pleased with the Rangers’ overall play over the weekend. He emphasizes better structure at five-on-five. There wasn’t much of that against the Wild, who had way too many easy looks that made life difficult on Quick. Facing a high-scoring Red Wings team that’s led by Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat, they’ll have to be sharp.

It’ll be interesting to see if the line adjustment pays off. While Kakko hasn’t established himself yet, Wheeler has gotten better since a slow start. He picked up a primary assist on Erik Gustafsson’s goal that made it 3-0 versus the Wild. It was his first point as a Ranger.

He’s been much more noticeable on the forecheck. Stronger plays along the boards have made him more effective. Laviolette recognized the improvement, which is why the more proven Wheeler draws the first line assignment. If he can mesh well with Zibanejad and Kreider, maybe the first line can produce better at even strength.

Most eyes will be on Kakko to see if he can respond well to the demotion. It’s not like he’s a bad player. He’s defensively responsible and a solid checking forward. Maybe the change can benefit him. It’s imperative that he improves his play. The Rangers need him to get going. We’ll see how he does later.