Rangers look to right the ship against the Hurricanes
The Blueshirts continue their not so home sweet home stand against the reeling, battered and bruised Carolina Hurricanes.
GAME 5: Carolina Hurricanes at New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden, Thursday at 7:00 PM
Daily Faceoff Goalie Matchup:
Rangers to Watch:
Alain Vigneault- yes, the coach has made the list! He’s been forced to juggle his lineup since the season opened due to Stepan’s injury and it was further complicated by Dan Boyle’s broken hand. The musical chairs game on D continues with Matt Hunwick back in the lineup. All eyes on the coach tonight to see how he manages Hunwick’s ice time. Old story, but how about using a timeout when things go bad? Two opportunities versus the Isles and he refused to take it (after goal 3 or 4).
Anthony Duclair- The kid is playing on the top line and has looked good. Tonight, against a weak Hurricanes team he should make a statement by scoring his 1st NHL goal.
The Rangers Defense- We know what they are capable of both good and bad. All eyes on the blue line and in particular Ryan McDonagh. It’s early in his tenure as captain but he’s already being tested. He needs to settle the boys down and take control on the ice. Baptism by Fire for the young man with the C.
Eye on the Enemy:
Jeff Skinner- Is back on the ice after suffering a mild concussion. That’s good news for the Hurricanes as they could continue to be without Eric Staal who missed the last contest (Tuesday, vs. Buffalo) to an upper body injury. Deploying McD and Girardi against his line should do the job.
*Update: Skinner is at practice but not taking line rushes which means he may not play.
Justin Faulk- He is the Canes key man on the blueline. Keeping a man high on him during the PP would be wise.
Jiri Tlusty– With 3 goals and 4 points in 3 games this year, it’s an easy selection here. Don’t let him burn you.
FullTilt Forecast:
I’m riding .500 this year. Predicted the 1st two games right and got the last two wrong. I don’t want to go below even so I have to make this count.
Regardless of their recent play, I just can’t see them losing to a Hurricanes team missing Eric Staal, Jordan Staal and Andrej Sekera (hurt vs. Buffalo). Carolina has given up 13 goals in 3 games and only scored 9. They’re 0-2-1 and look extremely beatable.
Although Lundqvist isn’t confirmed it won’t sway my thought process if Talbot gets the nod. This is a game the Rangers win easily by 3. Looking for a much better effort for a full 60. Final score: NYR 4 – CAR 1.
Bold prediction: Rangers get a PP goal or 2 tonight. Duclair scores 1. Yes, I’m nutty like that.
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