Sunday, February 24, 2008

Rangers vs. Panthers Preview


Tonight the New York Rangers (31-24-8) host the Floriday Panthers (28-29-7). The Rangers have been on a roll going 4-0-2 over their last six games. New York owns one of the league’s worst offenses, averaging 2.49 goals per game, but has scored at least three goals in each of its last four games. The Rangers play three of their next four at Madison Square Garden, where they have won six of their last nine. New York beat the Panthers 5-2 at home on Oct. 4, but lost 3-2 in a shootout in Florida in the last meeting between the teams. Lundqvist is 5-1-0 with a 1.96 goals-against average in six career games against Florida (28-29-7). The Panthers ended a three-game losing streak on Saturday, winning 2-1 in overtime in Philadelphia. Jay Bouwmeester tied the game with 3.7 seconds left in regulation and captain Olli Jokinen scored 3:44 into overtime. Florida, which ended a three-game road losing streak, is trying to keep pace in a tight Southeast Division, trailing first-place Carolina by six points. For a full preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

...this is a big game for the Rangers because you don't want a letdown after such an emotional win last night. Florida has been struggling lately, especially holding on to third period leads (they've blown two goal third period leads in three of their last four games). If the Rangers want to make the playoffs they have to take care of business against inferior opponents.

...the first line of Avery-Dubinski-Jagr has put this team on its back lately including last night when each of them had a goal. I'd like to start seeing a little more production out of Gomez as he hasn't scored a goal in 5 games. However he has had 4 assists in those games.

...with Mara sustaining a head injury (where was the penalty?) last night, I'm assuming we're going to see Strudwick back in the lineup paired with Staal. Mara's injury makes it all the more likely that Sather will bring in a defenseman at the trading deadline.

...haven't seen anything mentioning who will be in goal for the Rangers tonight, but my money's Lundqvist.

...I'll have more later.

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