New York Rangers Open Thread: Rangers Vs. Red Wings
Time for some Original Six hockey!
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The Rangers are looking to start a winning streak after scoring four goals in the third period against the Hurricanes on Friday night. Martin St. Louis scored his first point as a Ranger and three Rangers forwards that really needed goals scored against Khudobin and the Canes; Hagelin, Nash, and Stepan.
Ryan McDonagh has a three game goal-scoring streak going into this afternoon's game against the Red Wings, including two straight games with short handed goals. Did you guys know that Ryan McDonagh has more goals than P.K. Subban, OEL, Mike Green, and Drew Doughty? I know that Duncan Keith has a firm grip on the Norris race but Ryan McDonagh is certainly making a case for himself with his play this season.
The Red Wings are coming off of a dominant 7-4 win over the Devils on Friday night. The Johan Franzen line carried the Red Wings and handed Cory Schneider the worst defeat of his career. The Red Wings are without Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg but don't count them out of the playoff race just yet because if the Mule can stay healthy and if deadline acquisition David Legwand can develop some chemistry with him the Red Wings won't be going anywhere. The Rangers need two points from their original six rival tonight, let's see if the Rangers come into this afternoon game with some energy off of that big win in Carolina.
Mike's Player to Watch: Mats Zuccarello
Zuke picked up an assist on Cal Hagelin's empty net goal against the Hurricanes on Friday night but he could have easily had a couple more helpers in the game. The Rangers are simply a better team with the tiny Norwegian in the lineup and having him return to the fold is almost like acquiring more talent on deadline day. Look to Zuke to continue his magic on the Rangers power play and to continue to make the players around him look better against the Detroit Red Wings this afternoon. With St. Louis and Nash on the Rangers 1A and 1B lines I would imagine that Zuccarello should flourish playing against softer competition.
