1/24/11 Rangers vs. Winnipeg Jets

Arguing with thermometers.

Rangers against the Winnipeg Jets.

The final game before the All-Star break comes home as the Rangers take on the new Winnipeg Jets for the third time this season. The Rangers have taken the first two of the four meeting this season, both coming off excellent performances by backup goaltender Martin Biron, who has only let in one goal against the Jets all season. Tonight though, Henrik Lundqvist will venture between the pipes with Biron sitting due to the flu. The Rangers are coming off of a huge overtime win against the Boston Bruins where the Rangers vaulted ahead of the second place team to claim the top spot in the Eastern conference standings. Marian Gaborik edged out the game-winning goal in overtime to win the game. Tonight, the Rangers look to leave a good impression at the half-way mark of the season before their long break. The key to the Rangers having success against the Jets this season has been their defense. They have not given the Jets any opportunity to get anything going in the past two games, and that is why Biron has been able to hold them to one goal. A new hit on the injury front is the Ryan McDonagh, who received a board from Andrew Ference in the late part of overtime against the Bruins, is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. That leaves him, Michael Sauer, Jeff Woywitka, and Steve Eminger all out for the Rangers on defense.

11/6/11 Rangers vs. Winnipeg Jets

It's my happening baby, and it freaks me out.

Rangers against the Winnipeg Jets.

The Rangers meet the Jets again for the second time in two weeks, this time on MSG ice. The Rangers capped off a "scratch and claw" game yesterday against the Montreal Canadiens to the score of 5-3. Dan Girardi, Brad Richards, Michael Del Zotto, Ryan Callahan, and Erik Christensen all chipped in for the Rangers on their goals as the scoring for the Blueshirts is spreading onto all fronts and line.

The last time the Rangers played the Jets, Martin Biron was in net, and he lead the Rangers making 27 saves. Along with that, both the Rangers goals by Ruslan Fedotenko and Ryan Callahan wee scored on the powerplay. That is another good sign for the Rangers: their powerplay is clicking. That can be attributed to the addition of Brad Richards, who is undoubtedly in my mind, the smartest mind on the ice for the Rangers. His passing is smooth, and he has been able to chip in for the Rangers at times when it is needed.

The Jets are also gaining ground after a lame start to their season. They have not been completely left behind in the standings yet, but they failed to pull two points from New Jersey yesterday as they lost in overtime. Former Ranger Nik Antropov has done well for his team, as he leads the Jets with three goals and eight assists as the Jets look to do some consistent winning in this league.

10/24/11 Rangers vs. Winnipeg Jets

For the first time in 15 years, "Rangers vs. Jets" is a relevant statement.

So I'll just say it again for continuity's sake: Rangers against the Winnipeg Jets.

The Rangers are making their return to Winnipeg tonight, and it's a completely different picture than it was 15 years ago. New stadium, new jerseys, and a much more revved up fanbase. It's a whole new ballgame up in Winnipeg. The ex-Thrashers managed to beat the Rangers in 3-out-of-4 meetings last season, and much of their players have stayed put, so Rangers fans can expect the same level of competitiveness that they saw in Atlanta.

The Rangers failed to get anything going two days ago against Edmonton as they were shut out 3-0. On top of that Henrik Lundqvist left in the middle of the 3rd period due to discomfort in his foot. He is fine, but the Rangers are giving Martin Biron his first start of the season to let Lundqvist rest.

The Diagnosis


If todays post seems short, it is. I have a bit of homework to do and I want to fulfill my obligation to my readers first. I think the Rangers can certainly pull out a win tonight in Winnipeg. Unlike the Oilers, the Jets haven't retooled at all, and therefore are still vulnerable. I think the Rangers will walk out of Winnipeg with a proud win tonight.

The Diagnosis


Rangers win 4-1

Brad Richards will get the first goal early in the 1st period.
Brian Boyle will scored the second also in the 1st.
Alexander Burmistrov will get the lone goal for the Jets late in the 1st.
Marian Gaborik will get the third Rangers goal half way through the 2nd period.
And finally, Ryan Callahan will get a goal coming late in the 3rd to seal a victory.

Enjoy the game!