2/9/12 Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

She's my cherry pie, cool drink of water, such a sweet surprise.

Rangers against the Tampa Bay Lightning

The Rangers are in need of a rebound desperately after their brutal loss to the New Jersey Devils where they were shut out 1-0. Accoring to many fan recounts, the Rangers could not get anything going at all. The Rangers managed to hold their first place in the Eastern Conference, but their hold is slimming quickly, and a win tonight could propel them ahead of the pack just a bit. The Rangers have not been playing like they did in the beginning of the season, where their intensity peaked, and they were winning five games in a row at times. Obviously, it's ridiculous to ask any team to perform that well for that long, but in order to compete, they are going to need to start getting things going. Mainly, Brad Richards needs to get going, big time. Richards was clutch for the Rangers early on in the season, but has fallen off in the goals catergory. In order for success to come to the Rangers again, they are going to need to get some production out of Richards. The goals are not coming as easy as they were during those win streaks, and players who are expected to step up in times when it is needed have to come up now.

The Lightning have picked up their play after an abysmal start to their season. They are 6-3-1 in the standings, but still very far from an 8th place slot. Injuries to many players on the lineup have hurt the Bolts, and a hole in goaltending has not helped. But that does not account players like Vinny Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos, and Martin St. Louis. These players are game-breakers, and can bust out at any moment to give the Lightning an advantage. If the Rangers are going to win this game, neutralization of those players is going to be key.

The Diagnosis

This is the toughest game I've had to call in a while. The Lightning always seem to be on their game when they play the Rangers, and the struggles for the boys in blue have not helped their odds in this game. I really have no idea which way to go tonight, but I have a good feeling this gane will end in the overtime period.

Enjoy the game!