Part three of the epic saga between these teams.
Rangers against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The last meeting between these two was in the middle of Pittsburgh's 12 game win streak. The last time the Penguins had lost before last nights loss to Filthadelphia was their 3-2 overtime loss to the Rangers on November 15th.
The Rangers now have an important key back in their lineup for the first time since the second game of the season. Captain Chris Drury returns in hopes of leading this team to more wins, and hopefully more goals on top of that. The Rangers penalty kill has been lacking when needed most, sitting at 16th in the league with an 82.3%. Drury, who is an avid penalty killer, can hopefully bolster that, and move the penalty kill percentage up a little more. Oh, and lets not forget, the Rangers lead the league with 7 short handed goals this season. So with the addition of Captain Drury, hopefully there will be more to come.
The Penguins streak has just ended at 12 wins last night against the Flyers. They have also just recently brought back Evgeni Malkin from injury who helped the Pens get on the board twice last night. The last two times they have played against the Rangers, they have been a formidable foe like always. But, how badly has this loss of their 12 game win streak effected the locker room of the Penguins? The Rangers have proven they can beat them this season, and have proven they can beat teams like them such as the 7-0 shutout win over Washington earlier this week. Only time will tell what kind of teams we will see on the ice tonight.
My Diagnosis
Prepare to see some scrapping going on between these two teams right from the get-go. Crosby's alleged slew-foot of Ryan Callahan with a call against Callahan instead of Crosby has left a sour taste in the Rangers mouths. Now, they'll be out to really stick it to Crosby tonight. I expect a tough fought game by both teams, and in the end, I do see the Rangers coming out on top.
My Predictions
Rangers win 2-1
Chris Kunitz will get the only goal for the Penguins tonight early in the 1st.
Dan Girardi will pull the Rangers even in the 3rd period.
And finally, Marian Gaborik will cap off the game with a late 3rd period goal.
Enjoy the game!
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