Game 37: Rangers vs. Panthers

The Rangers are kicking off a stretch of six home games out of seven. This is a time when they can really make up for that awful stretch after the seven game win streak. They can make it four in a row tonight against Florida. Brian Boyle returns tonight from his back injury, taking Erik Christensen’s place. This, and the lines tonight, are courtesy of Andrew Gross.

OPPONENT: Panthers

RECORD: 16-15-7

LEADING SCORER: Nathan Horton, 13-24-37

GOALIE: Tomas Vokoun, with a 2.57 GAA and a .920 save percentage

RANGERS LINES:

Vinny Prospal-Brandon Dubinsky-Marian Gaborik
Christopher Higgins-Artem Anisimov-Ryan Callahan
Sean Avery-Chris Drury-Enver Lisin
Donald Brashear-Brian Boyle-Ales Kotalik
Marc Staal-Michal Rozsival
Michael Del Zotto-Dan Girardi
Wade Redden-Matt Gilroy
Henrik Lundqvist

STATE OF THE RANGERS: Not bad, not bad at all. They had a nicely played win over Carolina on Monday, but will need to be better against a Panthers team that is actually in the playoff hunt. Out of these six games at home, the Rangers will need to take at least 9 of a possible 12 points.

CRAZY THOUGHT: Gordie Howe hat trick for Avery.

ON THE iPOD: My iPod died on the train ride home from work.

FINAL PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Panther 3

I’ll be at the game tonight, section 415, sporting my Prucha jersey. If you’re going to the game, drop by and say hi. Otherwise, let’s discuss the game here. It should be an exciting one.