12/13/11 Rangers vs. Dallas Stars

We just put Sir Isaac Newton in the drivers seat.

Rangers against the Dallas Stars.

This is the first and only meeting of these two clubs this season. Last year, the Rangers beat the Stars in the shootout 3-2. The Rangers and Stars were two completely different teams last season, which makes this years matchup that much more interesting. For one, Brad Richards returns to his former team for the first time where he played four seasons. He scored more points than games he played here, and now he looks to add to his points total with the Rangers. Brad Richards has been doing it all for the Rangers. From assists, to much needed goals, Richards has been doing some good work when he's on the ice. Having a guy like Richards around is a benefit because he is so multifaceted in his skills that he can just make players around him better by playing on their line. As corny as that may sound, he's a real lightning rod for positive energy for this team, and it's showing by this team winning games. The Rangers trounced the Panthers 6-1 two night ago, one of their best offensive performances of the season so far. In the 2nd period, the Rangers capitalized on quite a few rebounds to score four goals in one period to cap a victory off. A good performance like that is needed against a team like the Stars who has been a surprise so far this season.



The Srats started off good, until goalie Kari Lehtonen got hurt. Andrew Raycroft stepped in for a bit, but tonight, rookie Rich Bachman steps in for the Stars to make his first ever start in the NHL. And, knowing the track record of the Rangers making rookie goalies look like hall of fame inductees, the kid chose the rght team to play against. However, I think this team of Rangers is better than those of earlier seasons, and I think the boys in blue will give this kid a test tonight.

The Diagnosis


As I said before, the Stars are in a rough spot because of Kari Lehtonen's injury. The Rangers are playing with an air of confidence about them, and I think that will carry over into tonight's game where I believe they can outwork the Dallas Stars in regulation.

The Prediction


Rangers win 2-1

Brad Richards will get the initial goal for the Rangers half way through the 1st.
Ruslan Fedotenko will get the game winner for the Rangers also in the 1st.
And finally, Mike Ribiero will score the lone goal for the Stars late in the 3rd.

Enjoy the game!