Rangers against the Florida Panthers.
For the final time this season, the Rangers and Panthers will meet at MSG. The Rangers are currently in the midst of a four game win steak, their first since December of 2009. The Rangers have turned on the jets at the most opportune time to separate themselves from the 9th place Carolina Hurricanes. The Rangers managed to face down adversity in the form of an nasty illegal elbow dealt to defenseman Ryan McDonagh from Penguins forward Matt Cooke, as well as giving up a shorthanded goal to the Penguins shortly after to pull out a decisive 5-2 victory over the Pens two days ago. The Rangers were without defenseman Marc Staal for that game, and it's been reported that he did not practice after that game either due to a knee injury. Along with him, Matt Cooke elbow recipient Ryan McDonagh also did not practice on Monday. Both defenseman are questionable for tonights game. However, watch for Bryan McCabe to be a factor in the Rangers' game tonight. the former captain of the Panthers who came over o the Rangers at the trade deadline will probably inform the team of a few in's and out's of his former team.
The Panthers have managed to beat the Rangers twice so far this season. Tomas Vokoun has played strong against the Rangers in the wins for the Panthers, and tonight might not be any different. However, the Panthers are down quite a few players. Scott Timmins, Rostislav Olesz, Jack Skille, Shawn Matthias, and Alexander Sulzer are all out for the Panthers. Many of those players are forwards, so that may prove to be a big weak spot in the scoring department for the Panthers.
My Diagnosis
Tonight is a crucial game for both of these teams. The Rangers need this win in order to stay head of Buffalo and Carolina who both play tonight, and the Panthers need this win in order to keep themselves in the playof hunt, for they are not mathematically eliminated yet. However, I believe this game will head in the Rangers favor tonight because of the relentless pressure they have been putting on lately, and the injured lineup of the Panthers will have a hard time containing that.
My Predictions
Rangers win 3-1
Ryan Callahan will get the initial goal for the Rangers half way through the 1st period.
Stephen Weiss will tie the game also in the 1st.
Erik Christensen will pull the Rangers ahead early in the 2nd.
And Brian Boyle will cap the game off in the 2nd as well.
Enjoy the game!
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