Rangers vs. Hurricanes: Gameday Preview
By Mike Vecchio
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Madison Square Garden
After what were two atrocious ways to open up at home, the Rangers look for a better effort in today’s contest against the Carolina Hurricanes. They’ll be going up against a team who has not won a game yet this season, and who is considered one of the worst teams in the National Hockey League. Their injuries don’t help either, as both Jordan and Eric Staal are injured, along with Andrej Sekera and Jeff Skinner. That is a pretty big bulk of Carolina’s lineup, and most of their scoring is taken away. However, it is possible that Skinner could be ready to play tonight, but he will be a game time decision. Nevertheless, the Rangers defense should (stress on should) be able to step up to the task. As for their injuries, they still have Derek Stepan and Dan Boyle out for a few more weeks due to leg and hand injuries, respectively. Also, Matt Hunwick will be back in the lineup to replace Mike Kostka, as he didn’t necessarily play well in his Rangers debut.
The Hurricanes lack the offensive depth that you need to be a good team in this league. Without the Staal brothers and Skinner up front, Alexander Semin and Jiri Tlusty are left with carrying a big load. Semin has a great shot and knows how to score goals, and Tlusty is a player who can score with a playmaking touch. However, behind those two, there really isn’t much to look at. They’re not bad players by any means, but they’re not the right type of players to replace the big guns up front. They need to look to some rookies, like Elias Lindholm and Ryan Murphy on the back end to try and pull some of the weight. Both these players are young, so it’s understandable if they can’t get it done right away. Also, their goaltending has been a huge problem the past few seasons. Last year, backup Anton Khudobin stole the starting job from Cam Ward. Now, Ward seems to have the advantage. It still has not been announced which goaltender is starting, but don’t be surprised if it’s Ward. He is just the better of the two right now, even if that doesn’t go a long way anymore. Other than that, the Hurricanes need to do something to bolster their offense. Against a faster team like the Rangers, they won’t fair too well without some firepower.
As for the Rangers, this game is pretty much a must win. They simply cannot let the Hurricanes waltz in and beat them on home ice. After losing the last three games by a combined score of 17-8, they need a solid defensive and goaltending outing. I am not the one who blames Henrik Lundqvist for everything, but he needs to be better. Yes, a lot of those Islanders’ goals he could not stop, but he was not good against the Leafs. Since we’re on the topic of not being good, the Rangers’ defense men are also guilty. None of the eight defense men the Rangers have dressed have really looked impressive. As the new captain, Ryan McDonagh needs to stand out if he wants to be a leader. So far, his play has not shown it. Without a point, McDonagh and the rest of the Rangers’ defense need to get their acts together. Otherwise, it will be a long season.
As for line combinations, the Rangers practiced with the same lines as Tuesday’s game, which means Ryan Malone and Kevin Hayes will stay in the lineup, but Matt Hunwick will go in for Mike Kostka. J.T. Miller and Jesper Fast were the extra forwards.
Players to Watch:
Rangers- Mats Zuccarello
Zuccarello was the Rangers’ leading point scorer last season with 59 points in 77 games. After not having a system that worker for him, he has finally found his game under Alain Vigneault. This year, he has yet to score a point, and has even been split from last year’s line mate Derick Brassard. If Zuccarello wants a nice big contract next season, he better start playing like he wants one. With his new linemates, he should be breaking out in no time. Look for him to have a big night tonight against this Hurricanes team.
Hurricanes- Alexander Semin
Alexander Semin has one of the game’s best wrist shots, and he likes to use it often. Like a gun slinger in the Old West, you don’t know when it’s coming and sometimes you’re not prepared for it. That being said, his play has dipped since he has come to Carolina. After reaching the 70-point plateau three times in Washington, he barely registered over 40 points in his first full season with Carolina. He is making $7 million a year for the next four years, so he needs to start producing like a $7 million player. However, the Rangers need to keep an eye on him because he can strike at any moment. The Rangers should always watch out for him whenever he’s on the ice.
Final Score:
Rangers- 4, Hurricanes- 1