New York Rangers vs. St. Louis Blues- Gameday Preview

Time- 7:00

Location- Madison Square Garden

Tonight, the Rangers look to bounce back from Saturday’s shootout loss in their contest with the St. Louis Blues.  This is the second and last meeting between the two teams, as the Rangers won in St. Louis on opening night, 3-2.  With the Rangers being down four defensemen (yes, you read that right) it will be interesting to see how their recent call-ups play in their first game back.  Here is what to look for in tonight’s game:

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Recent Defensive Call-Ups

During the game against the Winnipeg Jets, both Ryan McDonagh and Kevin Klein left in the first period with injuries.  McDonagh will be out 3-4 weeks with a separated shoulder, and Klein is day to day with a bruised foot.  That left Alain Vigneault with some tough decisions to make in terms of who to call up.  In the end, he decided on Conor Allen and Dylan McIlrath, two young defensemen who have played a few games at the NHL level.  It will be interesting to see how these two play.  They will probably play on the third pair together, and they are a great contrast to each other.  Allen likes to skate, move the puck and join the rush, while McIlrath is a big tough defenseman who isn’t afraid to throw his body around.  They’ll be going up against a tough St. Louis team, but I can see them rising to the challenge.

Cam Talbot Starts Tonight

For the first time since the second game of the season, Cam Talbot will start between the pipes.  He had a rough first outing, allowing four goals in the game against Columbus.  However, he has been given plenty of time to rest, as Henrik Lundqvist has started every other game.  The Blues have won four in a row, and Talbot needs to come up strong tonight.  As a rookie last year, he stunned the league and become one of the game’s best back-up goaltenders.  He is in the last year of his contract, so if he wants to a big pay raise, he needs to replicate his performances.  Look at this game as a bounce back for Talbot.  He is still one of the league’s best backups, and he will prove it tonight.  Brian Elliott will start for the Blues, so look for it to be a solid goaltending matchup.

Players to Watch

For the Rangers, watch for Martin St. Louis to step it up tonight.  He is back on the wing with Kevin Hayes and Chris Kreider, so he is back to his normal position.  One could give him an excuse for the first ten games because he was constantly being moved back and forth between center and wing.  Now, with two much bigger line mates, the Blues defense maybe doesn’t pay as much attention to him.  Plus, it allows him more room with the puck.  Look for him to have a big game.

For the Blues, watch out for Vladimir Tarasenko.  At only 22 years of age, this kid looks like a stud already.  He has 11 points in 10 games, and he looks like he is on his way to a career year.  Most people should expect that when you are on a line with Alexander Steen, but Tarasenko has some serious talent.  With plenty of years ahead of him, he has a huge chance to make a name for himself with the Blues.  The Rangers need to keep an eye on him.

Final Prediction: Rangers 3, Blues 2 (OT)