Rangers vs. Penguins
7:00pm, Mellon Arena
Rangers Record:
26-27-7
Penguins Record:
36-22-2
With only two games remaining
before the Olympic break and Sundays matchup against Tampa, wins are crucial.
The Lightning who is just four point in front of the Rangers and tied for 8th place can be caught with a win here in Pittsburgh and the again on Sunday at
The Garden.
However, the Pens have found
their stride and are 6-3-1 over their last ten games and with a Devils loss
tonight they will be playing for first place in the division. Pittsburgh has
handled the Rangers this season, putting up a 3.39 GAA for Henrik.
The big question for the
Blueshirts tonight is if Gaborik will be available to play. Having suffered a
laceration on his leg in practice the other day and missing the last game; Tortorella
expects have him in the lineup.
Getting Gaborik back with
Prospal, who has been strong, will hopefully spark the Rangers game. They will
also need a conscious effort in team defense as the Penguins have a very balanced
attack from the big names of Crosby and Malkin to one of the best third lines
in the NHL, centered by Jordan Staal.
This team is reaching a point
where desperation must set in if they plan to make the playoffs.
As reported via our Twitter, the Rangers have traded an undisclosed draft pick to the San Jose Sharks for hard-nosed left winger Jody Shelley.
Shelley has played in 36 games this season with three assists and 79 PIMs.
This would ultimately signal the end for Donald Brashear who cleared waivers today. The Rangers also brought in young scrapping winger Brandon Prust as part of the Olli Jokinen trade with Calgary.
It wouldn't be surprising if this move also spelled the end for Aaron Voros.
More prior to tonight's game.
