Rangers Vs. Jets Preview: Rangers Meet Jets As The Playoff Push Begins

The New York Rangers will look to take back home ice tonight as they finish off their season series with the Winnipeg Jets at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers are right in the midst of the playoff race, and they currently cling to the 8th seed, with tons of teams only a few points back. The Rangers have had two tough games in Ottawa and Montreal, as they dropped the final two games of their road trip.

VS.

Winnipeg Jets (18-16-2) vs New York Rangers (16-15-3)
Madison Square Garden - New York, NY - 7:00 PM
Television: MSG | Radio: ESPN NY 98.7
Opponent's Blog: Arctic Ice Hockey | Tickets: New York Rangers Tickets

Some Quick Thoughts:

• The Rangers needed something to challenge them this season, something to send them out onto the ice with an edge to their game. Last year it was Joe Thornton calling the Rangers soft, and this year it's Sean Avery calling out his former coach. With the Rangers standing behind Tortorella 100%, based on their statement, they need to make an even bigger statement on the ice tonight.
• There was no morning skate for the Rangers, which doesn't give us any signs of a starting goalie. But, it's safe to suggest that Henrik Lundqvist will make his return as the Rangers look to grab two crucial points in the standings tonight.

Projected Lineup:

Carl Hagelin - Derek Stepan - Rick Nash
Mats Zuccarello - Brad Richards - Chris Kreider
J.T. Miller - Brian Boyle - Ryan Callahan
Taylor Pyatt - Kris Newbury - Marian Gaborik

Ryan McDonagh - Dan Girardi
Anton Stralman - Michael Del Zotto
Steve Eminger - Roman Hamrlik

Henrik Lundqvist
Martin Biron

Scratches: Matt Gilroy (healthy), Arron Asham (healthy), Darroll Powe (healthy), Marc Staal (eye)