Game 67: Rangers at Thrashers

Another day, another must-win game for the Blueshirts. Will they get it done?

OPPONENT: Thrashers

RECORD: 28-28-10

LEADING SCORER: Nik Antropov, 17-38-55

GOALIE: Johan Hedberg, 2.64 GAA and a .910 save percentage

RANGERS LINES:

Prospal-Jokinen-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Prust-Christensen-Drury
Shelley-Boyle-Lisin

No Avery. Hank in net

STATE OF THE BLUESHIRTS: In need of a win. This is another must-win game for the Rangers. Especially because they are fighting with Atlanta for the 8th playoff spot. They need a win. Not in OT or a shootout. In regulation. They need Gaborik to be Gaborik. They need Hank to be Hank. They need their stars to come out and play their best. Atlanta is beatable. Of course, Johan Hedberg is a Ranger killer. But, they are beatable. I very curious to see how the Rangers respond to the Avery benching. I don’t think Torts ever gave him a fair shot. They seemed to have a prior beef, with Torts ripping Aves when Torts was on TV. Maybe they just don’t get along. But, Avery has done nothing since Torts took over. Will Lisin work? I don’t know. He shows flashes, but never consistently. The top line is stacked with their best players. Prospal, Jokinen, and Gaborik have to produce.

CRAZY THOUGHT: Lisin will score

ON THE iPOD: Astair, Matt Costs

FINAL PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Thrashers 3

So, watch, discuss, have fun. LET’S GO RANGERS!!!