Where We Are: I didn't see the first meeting with the Isles but have to imagine that the Rangers are in far better shape than they were during that loss. The Rangers have remarkably won six in a row despite many, many flaws in their game and their roster.
Where They Are: The Isles have just one win in their last 10 games (1-6-3) so they are, of course, more dangerous than ever. Despite an alleged three-headed goaltending monster, they have given up 14 goals over their last three games.
Who To Watch For: The Isles are hoping for another Swiss savior in rookie Nino Niederreiter, who they just called up in time for the game. The other native of the neutral country on their roster, Mark Streit, is the cornerstone of their defense (while Wade Redden, the guy we got instead, is in the AHL). That John Tavares nerd doesn't suck while P.A. Parenteau is still proving the Rangers wrong by showing that he can indeed play in the NHL - he has 12 points in 15 games. Michael Grabner and Matt Moulson have been mediocre at best while Kyle Okposo and Blake Comeau have been positively terrible. The Isles don't have a single player on the positive side of their plus/minus.
What To Watch For: A loud, pro-Ranger crowd. The Rangers' intensity and discipline levels. Comeau - if he plays - to break out; he could be scratched since he is pointless in 12 games this year but he does have 18 in 19 career games against the Rangers. Rickie D to try to step up his play - seeing as Nabby gave up this hilarious atrocity in the Isles' last game, DP is sure to get the call. Or maybe it will be Monty. Whichever one of them ends up starting, the guy has cause to hate the Rangers. What We'll (Hopefully) See: The Rangers make Jay Pandolfo and Brian Rolston miss their years on the Devils. Dan Girardi playing less than 26 minutes, Sean Avery playing more than 10. Andre Deveaux beating up meathead Matt Martin. The Rangers not giving up any shorthanded goals to Frans Nielsen. The GAS line getting back to their scoring ways. Brian Boyle following his new linemates' (Cally and Dubi) lead by starting to play as hard as he can. Dubi starting a goal-scoring streak now that he broke his donut.
Also Check Out: Schultzy took over Point Blank so head over there to make fun of him.
3 comments:
I'm heading to MSG east and I expect to see the Rangers win easily!
Interesting post, I am so glad that I have visited your site. Really useful information!
It's really going to suck when the Islanders break our streak. Because you know it's going to happen. We are the Rangers, after all.
Post a Comment