Will the real NY Rangers please stand up? (COL at NYR 7PM)

Anthony Scultore Nov 13, 2014

Rangers will look to get at Varlamov tonight (Getty)

So, what version of the 2014-15 NY Rangers will we get tonight? Will it be the hapless buffoons that sputtered for 60 minutes versus Edmonton or the well oiled machine that took down the powerhouse Penguins?

The reeling Avalanche come in tonight and the Rangers better not play down to their opponent if they hope to get 2 points.

Game 16: Colorado Avalanche at New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden – 7PM

Daily Faceoff’s Goalie Matchup

– Note click the Daily Faceoff link throughout the day for confirmed starters

NOTES:

AV says that Anthony Duclair is “a part of this team” and that right now he’s “day to day” whether or not he’ll be in lineup #NYR

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 12, 2014

AV on Dan Boyle: “I think he’s going to play tomorrow”…Boyle said doctors told him bone in his hand is healing well #NYR

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 12, 2014

Boyle also quarterbacking top power play unit, with Derek Stepan, Rick Nash, Derick Brassard and Marty St. Louis #NYR

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 12, 2014

RANGERS TO WATCH

1. Dan Boyle – Another sight for sore eyes returns to the Rangers lineup. Dan Boyle will resume his place on the top PP unit and the Rangers will be so much better for it. Expect an immediate impact tonight.

2. Derek Stepan – He now has a few games under his belt and is looking really comfortable out there. With 3 assists in 3 games since his return, it looks like a good time to get one in the goal column.

3. Jesper Fast – You know for a young kid, he just does so many things right with and without the puck. Tonight, he could get rewarded for those efforts on the scoresheet.

EYE ON THE ENEMY

1. Semyon Varlamov -Talk about a step back! Varly has a GAA over 3 and the Rangers need to get on him early. The big goalie is fighting the puck, NY needs to make him uncomfortable with lots of shots and traffic in front.

2. Ryan O’Reilly– Remember when everyone wanted him as a Ranger and wanted to trade Stepan to get him? He has 9 points in 17 games and is a -12. Still, he could lay a hurt on somebody and put one in the goal.

3. Patrick Roy – The league wishes they had John Tortorella. When Roy loses it, he’s a sideshow. He’s only on here to see how he blows up next.

[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y2OOc6WTrg”]

FULLTILT FORECAST

The forecast is now at 8-7 after predicting a loss to the Pens – glad I blew that pick.

I expect the Rangers to handle their business tonight. Although Lundqvist is not confirmed yet, he should be in the pipes.

NYR 4 – AVS 1