10/27/11 Rangers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Haters can't see me, nosebleed seats.

Rangers against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Rangers are finally making there home debut in the new and improved Madison Square Garden. Everyone is abuzz with want to know how the new Garden looks from the inside, along with the new player accommodations like the locker rooms and spas among other things. But tonight is just another night where the Rangers need to lay it on the line in order to get some points so they can gain some ground in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers capped off their Canadian road trip with a 3-1 record beating the Flames, Canucks, and Jets. The Rangers managed to pull out these wins all without two key defensemen in Michael Sauer and Marc Staal. However, on the brighter side of things, Michael Sauer will be making his return to the lineup tonight, so that'll alleviate some pressure on defense.



As far as the Maple Leafs go, they are not the same team that the Rangers beat 3-out-of-4 times last season. Phil Kessel has... how do I word this nicely... ah, screw it, finally decided to be worth the trade for two first round picks and leads the league in both goals with 9, and points with 15. Along with godsend, James Reimer in net, the Leafs are trending in the right direction for the first time it what seems like a long time. Do not expect another 7-0 rout with four Marian Gaborik goals again Rangers fans, this is a new and improved Leafs team that will be a competitor all year.

The Diagnosis


While I do think the Leafs are a very competitive team this year, there are still some holes in their game. As a fan, I really wish Marc Staal was back so he could contain Phil Kessel with Dan Girardi, but the Rangers will have to make due tonight. So long as they can control the pace of the game, and make sure Kessel does not get too much space, they can close down the Leafs' game. It won't come as easy as it did last year, but I think the Rangers can pull it off at home tonight.

The Prediction


Rangers win 2-1

Marian Gaborik will get the first goal for the Rangers late in the 1st.
Brandon Dubinsky will get the second goal coming in the 2nd.
and Joffery Lupul will get the lone Leafs goal coming in the 3rd.

Enjoy the game!