Zucc-da-whoop
Rangers against the St. Louis Blues.
The Blues have taken the first of two games between these two clubs, the first being a 2-0 shutout on November 7th of last year. Both Blues goals were scored by Alexander Steen, who has accumulated 14 goals this season so far.
Marty Biron was in net the last time these two teams met, so I do not expect him to be back their tonight. On the injury front for the Rangers, Brandon Prust has joined the pile with a day-to-day shoulder injury. So now the list of inactive players are Prust, Rozsival, Callahan, Christensen, Prospal, and Boogaard. While Prospal has not played all year, and Boogaard is mostly just utilized for his fists, thats quite a few holes to fill. Prust played the penalty-kill, and leads the league in short-handed points. Luckily, Mats Zuccarello has been showing his skill early, and is earning himself a spot here on the Rangers lineup every game. While it does trouble me that the Rangers have had to go to OT in their last 3 games when games should be won in regulation, its nice to have a player who is competent when it comes to sudden death.
The Blues are currently sitting at 9th in the Western Conference. A win tonight could bump them up to 5th place, considering everyone else in the division loses. The Blues are -4 in the goals for/goals against ratio, but have managed to stay in the running. The Blues also have a few injuries to important layers as well. T.J. Oshie is close to returning, but not tonight. Along with him, Andy MacDonald and David Perron both have concussions, and Dave Scatchard is suffering from a lower body injury. Basically, the Blues are in the same boat as the Rangers when it comes to injuries.
My Diagnosis
The Rangers and Blues are another close match-up. Both teams have powerful offensive weapons, but have been bitten by the injury bug lately. Another tough call to make tonight, but I feel that the Rangers can come out on top tonight. They have found an even flow amongst all their players, and continue to surprise me. I like the way some of the newcomers have shown their worth, how the sophomores have come up big, and how the veterans have continued to play to their use. Also, tonight I believe Marian Gaborik will break out of his scoring drought. Its been far too long since hes gotten a goal, and I think tonight is the night he finally pots one.
My Predictions
Rangers win 2-1
Dan Girardi will get the first goal for the Rangers in the 2nd period.
David Backes will pull the two teams even in the 3rd period.
And finally, Marian Gaborik will get the game winning goal half way through the 3rd.
Enjoy the game!
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