1/17/12 Rangers vs. Nashville Predators

Never drink the milk from a coconut you found in the dark.

Rangers against the Nashville Predators.

The one and only meeting between these two teams this seasons is gearing up to be quite the interesting bout. The Rangers are coming off of a hard loss to the Montreal Canadiens after a back-to-back series with them and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Coach John Tortorella blamed the lack of structure defensively, which has not been a problem for most of the year. The Rangers have done a good job limiting, and shutting down opposing forces this year, but it appeared the Canadiens were a bit more hyped, and just found a way to squeeze through the cracks. For injuries, Brandon Dubinsky and Ruslan Fedotenko are both questionable for tonight's game, with Feds having back spasms and Dubiwith a sore left shoulder, and on defense, Jeff Woywitka, Steve Eminger, and Michael Sauer are all sitting as well. The Rangers have managed to fair quite well despite some blaring injuries early on in the season, and it isn't a doubt they can overcome said injuries once again tonight. Players like John Mitchel, Carl Hagelin, and backup goalie Martin Biron have managed to carry some of the extra weight they need to when it's been crunch time. The Rangers are always dangerous, and the Predators are going to see that tonight.



On the Predators side of the ice, they have some scratches tonight as well, only theirs are a bit more serious. Starting goalie Pekka Rinne will be shelved for tonight, which leaves the Predators putting in 6'6 Swedish goalie giant Anders Lindback in net for the Preds. Along with Rinne, cornerstone defenseman Ryan Suter will be sitting tonight as well. These two players are the core of this Nashville's teams success. Not having them in the lineup could be a huge blow to the Nashville performance, or they can potentially use it to propel them more.

The Diagnosis


It is noted that the Nashville Predators are a team that should be taken seriously in the NHL. They've had some recent success in the postseason, and are looking to make a name for themselves here in the NHL. The Rangers have a history of making backup goaltenders look like All-Stars. Put these two factors together, and it's sure to be a fun show tonight in New York. I'm calling this game gets settled in overtime. Looking at the stats of both of these teams, it appears they are going to seriously lock horns tonight. The Rangers penalty kill is going to match the Predators awesome power play, and structurally, these two teams are practically identical. It is going to be a fun game tonight, ladies and gentlemen.

Enjoy the game!