Standings: Panthers (19-11-7), Rangers (22-9-4)

Leading Scorer: Kris Versteeg (17-21-38)

Goaltender: Scott Clemmensen (7 GP, 2.80 GAA, .890 SV%)

Rangers Lines (probable)

Artem Anisimov-Derek Stepan-Marian Gaborik
Brandon Dubinsky-Brad Richards-Ryan Callahan
Carl Hagelin-Brian Boyle-John Mitchell
Ruslan Fedotenko-Mike Rupp-Brandon Prust

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Anton Stralman
Jeff Woywitka-Stu Bickel

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start tonight.

Scratches/Injuries: Marc Staal (concussion symptoms), Wojtek Wolski (groin), Mike Sauer (concussion), Erik Christensen (healthy), Tim Erixon (healthy)

Preview:  The Southeast Division leading Florida Panthers are STILL a good team. They are a one line offensive machine, but new lines in Miami have them trying to find balanced scoring despite a rash of injuries to their forwards.

The Rangers have been labeled by many as a hockey club that can’t handle smaller, quicker teams, but that’s not necessarily true anymore. With more speed in the lineup, the Rangers have found ways to beat teams that are quick, including these Panthers by a score of 6-1.

The key, as always is consistency in all three zones. The Rangers have struggled with that the past few games. It’s also important to get some semblance of a powerplay going again, as they haven’t scored in what seems like the month of December.

Crazy Thought: Boyle gets more than 3 offensive zone starts. No, seriously, all he does is start in the defensive zone. Let’s get this guy some offensive chances.

Opponent’s Blog: The Rat Trick

Game time tonight is 7:30pm on MSG, AM1050 and XM214.

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