Blue Line Station
Fansided

New York Rangers looking to take the crown from the Kings

By Andrew Steele-Davis

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 10: New York Rangers Left Wing Artemi Panarin (10) score the Rangers' only goal late in the third period against Los Angeles Kings Goalie Jonathan Quick (32) on December 10, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rob Curtis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 10: New York Rangers Left Wing Artemi Panarin (10) score the Rangers' only goal late in the third period against Los Angeles Kings Goalie Jonathan Quick (32) on December 10, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rob Curtis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 07: Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers shoots the puck during warmups prior to the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden on February 7, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 07: Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers shoots the puck during warmups prior to the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden on February 7, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /

3 Keys to the Game

  1. Beat up on the bad – The LA Kings are rebuilding and they are a bad team. They are 30th in the entire NHL and they are starting to shed a lot of their more high-profile players. As a result, they are very much a bottom-feeder and the New York Rangers need to beat up on teams such as the Kings. After dropping a tough one to the Buffalo Sabres on Friday, this is the perfect opportunity for the Blueshirts to bounce back, restore some confidence and end this homestand on a high.
  2. Power Rangers – The Blueshirts have been absolutely clicking on the power play as of late. They rank sixth in the NHL in power play efficiency (23.6%) and are tied for fifth in the NHL in power play goals with 41 this season. Also, the Rangers’ 39.1% efficiency on the man advantage since Dec. 27 is the best in the NHL over that span. So, with all that being said, the Rangers should be rubbing their hands together in glee knowing that they are going up against the 27th ranked penalty kill in the NHL tonight. They have to take full advantage of that.
  3. Let Panarin do his thing – When Artemi Panarin goes, the New York Rangers normally go. So, as a result, the Blueshirts should just let Panarin do his thing tonight. After all, the Kings are devoid of any real talent on the blueline, apart from Drew Doughty, and the stage is set for Panarin to wreak absolute havoc and do what he does best.

Next. Lack of hustle, other takeaways from Buffalo loss. dark

About the game

Faceoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET with television coverage of the game on ESPN+ and MSG+, while radio will carry the game on ESPN 1050AM.

Blue Line Station’s live thread will be up about a half hour before gametime.  There is a lot to talk about ranging from the game itself to the latest rumors and speculation.   Join your fellow Rangers fans and let them know what you think!

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