Opponent: New York Islanders(4-7-3)

Leading Scorer: John Tavares (8-6-14)

Goaltender: Evgeny Nabokov (2.86 GAA, .910 SV%)

Rangers Projected Lines:

Artem Anisimov-Derek Stepan-Marian Gaborik
Brandon Dubinsky-Brian Boyle-Ryan Callahan
Sean Avery-Brad Richards-Ruslan Fedotenko
Brandon Prust-Erik Christensen-Andre Deveaux

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Mike Sauer
Jeff Wywitka-Steve Eminger

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

Scratches/Injuries: Marc Staal (concussion symptoms), Mike Rupp (knee), Wojtek Wolski (groin), Anton Stralman (healthy)

Preview: The Rangers are the hottest team in the NHL (six wins in a row), and the Islanders are the coldest (ten losses in a row). It’s amazing what a month can do, when the Rangers were travel weary and lost to a red hot Islanders team. This is a different story, and a different game. However, this has let down game written all over it, even if it is the Islanders. The Rangers can’t afford to be caught looking ahead to their showdown with Montreal on Saturday. The Islanders always come out strong against the Rangers, and will eat them alive if the Rangers overlook them.

Suit’s Take: It’s Rangers/Islanders, systems and self discipline always seem to go out the window when these two teams meet. Hopefully the Rangers avoid the BS and just get the job done.

Side note, I’d really like to see Avery avoid the box tonight and show everyone he still has good hockey left in him. Against this team though, his will is going to be tested.

Anyway, though the Islanders are struggling in all facets of the game, they are still a very, very quick team. Turnovers along the boards and in the neutral zone can bite us big time and the Rangers have had problems containing these transition rush-type teams in the past. Every Ranger from Arty down to Christensen is going to have to get the puck deep and finish their checks tonight. Get ‘er done.

Crazy Thought: Dubi starts lighting up the scoreboard, beginning with a three point night tonight.

Opponent’s Blog: Lighthouse Hockey

Today’s game is on at 7:00pm on MSG, AM1050, and XM213.

Share: 

More About: