Kakko back vs. Devils, Shesterkin not serious

3 keys to winning

1. Special teams win – The Rangers proved this on Thursday by stopping all four of the Devils’ power plays and by Chris Kreider scoring the crucial tying goal in the second period on the Rangers first man advantage of the game.  It’s no mystery that the Devils have the worst penalty kill in the NHL and the Rangers need to take advantage.
2. Start faster – The Rangers barely escaped the first period.  They were lucky to be down only 1-0 as they were outshot 15-6.  If not for Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers could easily have been down two or three goals after 20 minutes.  While they got away with that on Thursday, they will be tempting fate if it happens again.
3. Shoot the puck –  We don’t know who will be starting in goal for New Jersey, but smart money is on Mackenzie Blackwood.  After two stellar performances, the Rangers figured him out.  Shoot fast, shoot often and make hay in front of the net.  It really works.

East Division

Results

Bruins 5, Capitals 1

Standings

1-Washington    23  13-6-4       30 points
—Islanders          23   13-6-4      30 points
3- Boston            21   13-5-3      29 points
4- Philadelphia  20   12-5-3       27 points
5- Pittsburgh      22  12-9-1       25 points
6- Rangers          21    9-9-3        21 points
7-  New Jersey   19   7-10-2      16 points
8-  Buffalo           21   6-12-3      15 points

About the game

Game time is 1pm and it will be televised on MSG Network. If you want to hear ken Daneyko’s analysis, it will be on MSG2Plus.  The radio call will be on ESPN radio 98.7 FM.

Be sure and join your fellow Ranger fans and talk about the game on Blue Line Station’s live conversation.  The thread will be up just before game time and after last game’s roller coaster ride there should be plenty to talk about.