New York Rangers Vs. Tampa Bay Lightning-Gameday Preview (Update)
Time: 7:00 pm EST
Location: Madison Square Garden-New York, NY
Tonight’s game marks the final matchup between the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning this season. The Lightning have beaten the Rangers twice in their previous two meetings. In both games, former Rangers captain Ryan Callahan has scorched the Blueshirts for four goals in two games (two goals in each game). Will the Rangers answer back and put an end to the Lightning’s supremecy this season?
Entering tonight, the Rangers are coming off a 5-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on home ice this past Saturday. Previous to that, the Rangers played the Flyers in Philadelphia, shutting them out 2-0. A bit of confidence should be flowing through the room after back-to-back wins. In their previous meeting, the Rangers traveled to Tampa Bay and were able to corral the Lightning for part of the game. Unfortunately, it proved to be too much as the Rangers were edged 4-3. This time around, Ryan McDonagh will be in the fold on the blue line, alongside partner Dan Girardi. He should provide more of a challenge to Callahan who has been planting himself in front of the net, pushing the likes of Girardi out of the way to screen the goalie or have tip-in goal opportunity. With question as to the availability of Dan Boyle/Tanner Glass, expect to see the same lineup as Saturday. J.T. MIller will remain with the team and defenseman John Moore will occupy the sixth spot on the blue line. Another lineup change will be the return of Chris Kreider, who missed last game to the passing of his grandfather. Prospect Anthony Duclair will not be in the lineup tonight. In net, it’s the King, Henrik Lundqvist making his 19th start of the season. He brings a record of 9-6-3 with a 2.57 goals against average with four shutouts. He looks to make amends for being winless against the Lightning this season.
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For the Lightning, they remain in first place in the Atlantic with a record of 16-6-2 with 34 points. To counter, the Bolts will have Ben Bishop in net. He brings a record of 14-3-2 with a 2.27 goals against average. But the important stat is that Bishop is 6-0 against the Rangers in his career. Not a good sign if you’re a Rangers fan. But, there is a first time for anything. Coming back to the lineup against the Rangers will be defenseman Victor Headman. Much like Dan Boyle who suffered a broken hand, Hedman is coming back from a broken finger, while blocking a shot early in the season. The injury caused him to be unavailable for 18 games, including two versus the Rangers. Before his injury, Hedman had seven points (three goals, four assists) in the first five games. His return to the lineup means another obstacle for the Rangers to encounter to find the back of the net. The two giants, Hedman and Bishop, are certainly big obstacles to get around. We haven’t even mentioned the scoring lines the Lightning have, which tells you how much talent is on this team.
A difficult assignment for the Rangers, but one that is not impossible.
Players to watch are Ryan McDonagh for the Rangers and Ryan Callahan for the Lightning. McDonagh is appearing in his third game, since suffering a separated shoulder last month. It will be interesting to see how he treats his former teammate and captain in the trenches. Callahan has been a Rangers killer this season. He has been a factor both games, most notably in the goal column. McDonagh is sure to reacquaint himself with Callahan and ensure the crease is clear for Lundqvist to make the save. However, Callahan is savvy around the net and will find a way to strike at the right moment.