Rangers Look Primed For Penguins To Exact Some Revenge Tonight
It was just 6 months ago when the Rangers turned their post season around at the expense of the Penguins. Down 3 games to 1, Lundqvist literally and figuratively sprayed all over the faces of Crosby & Co. en route to the Stanley Cup Final. Fast forward a month into this regular season & it’s looking like the perfect time for Pittsburgh to march into MSG and beat up on the inconsistent, depleted Blueshirts for a little revenge. NY is struggling after a couple of bad weekend losses while the Penguins have been world-beaters. They’ve won 7 in a row – 6 by 3 or more – thanks to a combo of unstoppable offense & unbeatable netminding. Patric Hornqvist has filled the James Neal role to perfection & a healthy Letang has last year’s top power play unit clicking at over 37%. Sure, it’s just an early November game – but this could get ugly considering what the Rangers have shown recently.
I’ve said all along that all they needed to do was float at .500 until all hands were back on deck. Stepan returned this weekend, John Moore comes off suspension tonight and Dan Boyle should be back within the week. Still, what they’ll bring most isn’t necessarily gonna cure the Rangers woes. Offensive contributions aren’t the real problem. Although the power play is anemic as usual, Nash/Brass/Marty are getting them on the scoreboard. Problem is, they’re just one of 4 teams in the East giving up over 3 per game. Hank’s been mediocre to start and Talbot, last year’s early season savior, has been awful in his 3 starts. Their penalty kill has been poor after being one of the best units in ’13-’14 and it’s easy for fans to regret letting Boyle & Stralman join Cally down south. Balance & depth was a strength they simply don’t have right now. The kids have shown promise but aren’t ready to deliver consistent, two-way minutes (it’s Fast’s turn tonight as Duke takes a seat) and Tanner Glass on the 4th line immediately squashes any hopes of contributions there.
This could be a turning point though. Starting tonight, the Blueshirts next 10 games are mostly against opponents they should get up for. Maybe playing the likes of Winnipeg, Toronto & Edmonton caught them a little flat. Maybe a run of Pittsburgh (twice), Philly (three times), Bolts (twice) and the Habs will help bring out the best in the Rangers, starting with the King. So let’s go. Fuck the Penguins. Fuck ‘em.