Rangers vs. Hurricanes Preview

Tonight the New York Rangers (32-24-8) visit the Carolina Hurricanes (33-28-5). The Rangers will try to earn a point in their eighth straight game and are currently tied with Boston for sixth in the East, five points behind fifth-place Montreal. The surging Rangers are 5-0-2 in their last seven games, including Sunday’s 5-0 win against Florida. The Hurricanes picked up center Tuomo Ruutu from Chicago at Tuesday’s deadline for Andrew Ladd. Ruutu made it to the RBC Center minutes before a 2-1 overtime win over East-leading New Jersey. Ruutu picked up an assist in his debut, but was cut by the stick of the Devils’ Patrik Elias and is doubtful for this game. Right wing Patrick Eaves, activated off injured reserve two weeks after he was acquired in a trade with Ottawa, also made his Carolina debut on a line with Matt Cullen and Sergei Samsonov. Samsonov, who was acquired on waivers from Chicago on Jan. 8, scored both of Carolina’s goals, including the game-winner with 3:24 left in overtime. Samsonov scored in Carolina’s 3-1 win over New York on Jan. 29, and has nine goals and nine assists in 22 games with the Hurricanes, who are looking for a season-high fourth straight win. Carolina is 7-0-1 in its last eight home games. For a full preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

...thankfully another Ranger game. I am hating this schedule right now. Play two games in a row, then five days off, two more games in a row, three days off. This is ridiculous. Although, its got to be nice for the players. I'd venture to guess that we're probably the freshest team in the Eastern Conference, which should be very beneficial down the stretch.

...this series has been pretty nasty so far this year starting with Orr's hit on Cullen which has lead to a number of fights. However, this Carolina team looks very different from the last time we saw them. No Brind'Amour, Ladd, Commodore or Stillman. And now, as mentioned above, the recently aquired Ruutu is out.

...despite all the movement this Carolina team is hot right now and if we don't come out ready to play we could be in trouble.

...looks like both Backman and Sjostrom will be in the lineup tonight. Interested to see what they can bring. From what I've been reading Sjostrom has the most upside and could be an important part of this team in the future. But for this year, I really only see him on the fourth line.

...another positive Backman and Sjostrom bring is a calming influence on Lundqvist. I'm sure its nice to have fellow countrymen on the team. The New York Post has an article on this today.

...we're not getting much help in the standings as Boston and Buffalo have been winning so we need to make sure there are no letdowns because a few loses in a row could put us out of the playoffs.

...I'll have updates throughout the day.