Sunday, October 2, 2011

Peepin' Foreign Foes: EV Zug

The Rangers will finish off their slate of preseason games in Switzerland. They will take on the Swiss side EV Zug.

Arena: Bossard Arena was opened just over a year ago and holds just over seven thousand fans, around three thousand of which are in standing room sections.

Team History: Zug is the youngest franchise the Rangers are facing, having been founded in 1967. Since then they have won just one championship (1997–98). Last season they came in fourth in the Swiss National League-A before being swept in the semifinals to Davos, the eventual champion.

Where They Are: In first in the Swiss National League A. Zug is coming off of a 4-0 win Saturday over Bern (the team the Rangers beat 8-1 during their trip in 2008).

Familiar Foes: Jussi Markkanen! The former Ranger netminder has started all of Zug's games this season and has helped them to the top of the table. Veteran Paul DiPietro left during the summer but they have other offensive weapons to take the load off Juuuuuuussssssiiiiii. Former Cap, Bruin, Hab and Long Island Jawz Glen Metropolit has taken DP's roll as leader and star. Other former NHLers on the roster are Andy Wozniewski, Josh Holden and Esa Pirnes.

Who To Watch For: Swiss League product Damien Brunner was never drafted by the NHL but he leads the league with nine goals and five assists so far. Woz is the most penalized player in the Swiss league and Holden was suspended for a hit to the head of former Ranger Christian Dube mid-September. And Juuuuuuussssssiiiiii, of course. Always liked that guy.

What Can We Expect: Hopefully the Rangers to show up for three full periods. But, seeing as it is their fourth game in five nights (or third in five for many of them) and the fact that Sunday saw them go from Sweden to Slovakia to Switzerland, they may start slow yet again. Marty Biron will be back in net and should do just as well as he did against Sparta. Sean Avery may get his shot after Mr. Softie saw action against Slovan. It is his and a few other guys' last big chance to make an impression as the regular season starts Friday in Stockholm.

1 comment:

Faraway Fan said...

Interesting game...Sam and Joe? Holy crap! I had to mute the TV they were so bad...Laurel and Hardy do the play by play. Pathetic.