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Rangers going for 4 in a row with a big game in Columbus

By Steve Paulus

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Brendan Lemieux #48 of the New York Rangers skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2020 in New York City. The Blue Jackets defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Brendan Lemieux #48 of the New York Rangers skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2020 in New York City. The Blue Jackets defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 19: Matiss Kivlenieks #80 of the Columbus Blue Jackets tends net in his first NHL game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2020 in New York City. The Blue Jackets defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 19: Matiss Kivlenieks #80 of the Columbus Blue Jackets tends net in his first NHL game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2020 in New York City. The Blue Jackets defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

3 keys to winning

  1. Don’t underestimate the Blue Jackets – They’ve lost three in a row and are reeling from injuries. You look at the starting lineup and see a bunch of names you have never seen before.  It would be easy to take this one for granted, but they are a well coached team and they play a strong, disciplined defensive game.  The Rangers should be riding a high from the win last night, but they need to keep it up.
  2. Score first – The Blue Jackets are 22-7-4 when they score first.  They are 8-12-7 when they don’t score first.  With the shut down style that they play, getting the first goal is crucial for Columbus.  The Rangers need to get off to a good start.
  3. Keep riding Panarin and Zibanejad –  While being dependent on their two best players is dangerous, Panarin and Zibanejad are so good and so dangerous, riding them is a sure recipe for success.  Without Seth Jones and Ryan Murray, the Columbus defense will have a hard time keeping up with the duo.

About the game

Puck drop should be right after 7pm.  The game will be televised on the MSG Network and radio coverage will be on ESPN 98.7FM.

Blue Line Station’s live thread will be up about a half hour before gametime.   Be sure to check it out and talk about the Rangers with your fellow Blueshirts faithful.

Related Story. How the Rangers have been winning. light

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