Minnesota looks to go Wild on Rangers at MSG (MIN at NYR 7PM)

Dan Girardi and the Rangers defense will need to step up against Minnesota (Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)

Dan Girardi and the Rangers defense will need to step up against Minnesota (Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Minnesota Wild are clicking on all cylinders in the the early going. That’s bad news for a NY Rangers team coping with injuries and a lack of cohesion. Tonight, the Wild head in to the Garden to grab two points from the Blueshirts.

Game 9: Minnesota Wild vs. New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden, Monday  at 7PM

Daily Faceoff Goalie Matchup:

MIN vs. NYR via Daily Faceoff

MIN vs. NYR via Daily Faceoff

Rangers to Watch:

Rick Nash's offense is needed- GETTY

Rick Nash’s offense is needed- GETTY

1. Rick Nash – The Beast of Broadway was held off the scoresheet in Montreal. Is this the start of a goal dry spell or can Nash cash in on a very tough opponent.

2. Marc Staal – He’s without defense partner Dan Boyle, who’s puck moving ability and on-ice smarts are sorely missed. Staal needs to pick it up as he and Kevin Klein seem to be off as a pairing.

3. Mats Zuccarello – I’ve put him on this list to raise an alert. If you see Mats Zuccarello please contact Madison Square Garden immediately.

Eye on the Enemy:

Darcy Kuemper

Darcy Kuemper

 

1. Darcy Kuemper – Just read this stat line and you will understand: (5 GP, 0.81 GAA, 4 W, 1 L, 3 SHUTOUTS, .966 SAVE%) It will take lots of traffic in front to beat this kid.

2. Zach Parise – He was a thorn with NJ so why would it change now. He leads the Wild with 7 POINTS in 6 GAMES.

3. Jared Spurgeon – He is a small and unassuming player for the Wild on defense, unless you have to face him on the PP. Spurgeon is only 5’9″ but can put up man-advantage points with the best of them.

 

Fulltilt Forecast:

My record is now 5-3, and I’m going against the odds here by picking the Rangers to win. However, it won’t be easy. Expect a nail-biter by the tune of 2-1. This is a game Lundqvist steals for the Rangers who will be outshot tonight by at least 5 or more.

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at YardBarker, and MSN. Features have been linked on Sportsnet, NBC, TFP, NY POST, NEWSDAY and more.