Rangers will need the big hooks to catch these Sharks
“You’re gonna need a bigger boat” as the 4-0-1 Sharks come swimming into MSG. Make no mistakes,San Jose is a better team right now than the Rangers. However, this will be their 3rd game in 4 nights, and it’s a late afternoon start.
GAME 6: San Jose Sharks at New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden, Sunday at 5:00 PM
Daily Faceoff Goalie Matchup:
Rangers to Watch:
Kevin Hayes- It looks like Hayes is going to be given a big chance to shine today. He will be in the middle of BC buddy Chris Kreider and red-hot Rick Nash. Each member of the line is a big man and if they click, will give SJ fits.
Marty St. Louis- He’s been good, but thus far this season looks weighted down with the responsibility of playing center. With the move back to RW, MSL needs to step up in a big way and give the Sharks another line to think about.
Carl Hagelin- The speed demon winger has been nowhere to be found. If there was ever a game for Hags to burn a team with his speed, it would be the Sharks. Look for the fleet footed Hags to burn the slower Sharks defense for a breakaway or two.
Eye on the Enemy:
Patrick Marleau- Maybe stripping him of the A was the way to go? He leads the Sharks in goals and points on the year, so expect Girardi and McDonagh to try and shut his line down.
Brent Burns- He is a beast on the blue line. Burns is ties with Marleau in points with 7 and can really rip it from the point. The Sharks have the weapons to hurt you on the PP, so stay out of the box.
Tomas Hertl– I probably chose him because of his 4 goal performance against the Rangers last season. He may only have 2 goals on the season, but we are only 5 games in. His speed will give the Rangers fits, so it will be up to the forward to help slow him down.
FullTilt Forecast:
So far the FullTilt forecast is 3-2 on the season with predictions. Now it’s time for Hockeydamus (yours truly) to build on that record.
The New York Rangers may have lucked out here with the SJ Sharks playing their 3rd game in 4 nights. Add that this is game 4 of a 5 game road trip and the Rangers may be catching a break.
Alain Vigneault will have pressed all the right buttons with his lineup by scratching Duclair and getting both Tanner Glass and Ryan Malone into this physical matchup. Expect a stellar performance in goal by Lundqvist, buoyed by offense from Marty St. Louis and yes, Rick Nash.
The Rangers will edge the tired Sharks 3-1 and even their record to 3-3.
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