1/2/11 Rangers vs. Panthers

Dave Steckel called Sidney Crosby after the Winter Classic to tell him to keep his chin up.

Rangers against the Florida Panthers.

The last time these two teams met, the Rangers blindsided the Panthers 3-0. But that was back when Erik Christensen, Ryan Callahan, and Michael Del Zotto were all healthy. The Rangers have taken some harsh injuries over the past few weeks, and its evident.

Last night, the Rangers fell to Tampa Bay in overtime 2-1. The only Rangers goal came with 45 seconds left in regulation by Marian Gaborik, who has been struggling to get the points. I was not able to see the game last night, so I cannot fairly judge how they played. However, I meant it when I said that Tampa Bay is a force to reckoned with this year, and I knew they would exploit the Rangers flaws right from the get-go. However, despite quite a few injuries to key players, the Rangers are still managing to produce goals. While the defense is young, the offense has been doing its share to keep the Rangers in games, along with Lundqvist who has been playing like his old self recently.

The Panthers also lost in overtime on Friday, after giving up a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Montreal. They have gotten some key players back from injuries recently, but not much has changed on the forefront. While they have improved to +3 in the goals for/goals against ratio, their power-play rating is still a league worst 8.9 success rate. Most recently, they have placed Steven Reinprecht on waivers to make room for the injured player returning to the lineup. But on a good note for the Panthers, Stephen Weiss has three goals in his last four games. The Panthers have found a way of putting the puck in the net as of recently, so I do not expect another shutout of this team to happen tonight.

My Diagnosis


While the Panthers have been putting up the points, I don't believe they will come out on top tonight. The Rangers have more offensive weapons than the Panthers do, and overall seem they can outwork the Panthers. If the Panthers do get into playing a special teams game, that will also be one of their downfalls. While their power-play isn't stellar by any means, and the Rangers lead the league in short-handed points, it would be a tough road for the Panthers if they try to take it.

My Predictions


Rangers win 2-1

Derek Stepan will get the Rangers on the board first in the 2nd period.
Stephen Weiss will pull the game even at 1-1 late in the 2nd.
And finally, the game will be capped off for the Rangers in the 3rd period by Brian Boyle.

Enjoy the game!