12/1/11 Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Stand back, there's a hurricane coming through!

Rangers against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Rangers beat all three of their toughest competition so far this season, after beating the Capitals, Flyers and Penguins all in succession. The Rangers have been doing what they needed to do to win in each of their last three games, they took advantage of opportunities, and played solid defense, which came to the forefront when the Rangers shut out the Flyers 2-0. The Rangers last played the Hurricanes in the midst of their long seven game win streak, when they won their 6th game, now the Rangers look to make it four in a row tonight, and start a new win streak. The additions of John Mitchell and Carl Hagelin, who were recently called up to replace Wojtek Wolski and Erik Christensen have paid some dividends so far. Both have a goal in the last two games, and the camaraderie they had in the AHL is showing with their awareness for each other here in the NHL. It is always nice to see kids in the system get called up to be given a shot, and I believe they'll keep getting these shots if they keep up the way they've been playing for the Rangers.



The Hurricanes are stuck in a bit of a rut. Having just fired their head coach and replacing him with Kirk Muller, they are fairly close to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, and are looking to break out of their slump. What is the cause of this slump? For one, Eric Staal has not played like Eric Staal as of late, and Cam Ward has been struggling immensely. These two players were the core of the successes this team had only a few season ago, and now they have to start all over and get those players back on their tracks if they want to work their way up the standings.

The Diagnosis


Considering the way both these teams have been playing, I think he Rangers can come out on top tonight if they continue doing what they are doing. The Canes are vulnerable with their new coach, and it is possible they haven't had time to all get on the same page. So, with all of that in consideration, I think the Rangers can extend their win streak tonight in Raleigh.

The Prediction


Rangers win 3-1.

Ryan Callahan will get the initial goal for the Rangers early in the 1st.
Eric Staal will get the lone goal for the Canes also in the 1st.
Brad Richards will get the leading goal in the 3rd.
And Artem Anisimov will get the empty netter to seal a win.

Enjoy the game!