Rangers presented with a big opportunity against Boston (BOS at NYR 8pm)
Rangers hoping for goals tonight against Boston (Getty)
A win tonight would put the Rangers 1 point behind the Islanders for 1st place in the Metro division with a game in hand.
Furthermore, a loss by the Penguins and the Rangers would tie for 2nd place with 64 points a piece and hold 2 games in hand on Pittsburgh. Anyway you look at it, the Blueshirts have a big opportunity to make a push for the top spot in the division.
Both Pittsburgh and the Islanders are reeling. The Pens have only won twice in their last 8 games and the Islanders have lost 3 in a row. Matter of fact in the 3 subsequent games after beating the Rangers 3 times this season (that’s 9 games folks), the Islanders have a record of 3-6.
In contrast, after Rangers lose to the Islanders, their record in the following 3 games is 7-2. That’s how you respond to a loss within your division.
GAME 49: BOSTON BRUINS at NEW YORK RANGERS, MSG, NY 8PM
Daily Faceoff’s Goalie Matchup
BOS at NYR (Dailyfaceoff)
– Note click the Daily Faceoff link throughout the day for confirmed starters
COACH’S SCRUM
NOTES
Lucic missed practice w/ the flu, per Julien. Not traveling with the team today to NY but will likely join them. “Should be OK for tomorrow”
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 3, 2015
AV states that @HLundqvist30 will make his 8th straight start in goal tomorrow when #NYR host the Bruins @TheGarden
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 3, 2015
“We pride ourselves on winning… & if we lose two games in a row the mindset in here is we’re (ticked) off”-#NYR @CarlHagelin — New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 3, 2015
Per Zuccarello agent Don Meehan: “Haven’t been any substantive discussions with NY regarding extension as of this time…that may change.” — Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) February 3, 2015
Decision to place Malone on waivers likely as much a favor to him as move to perhaps clear an organizational contract slot…
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) February 3, 2015
SEASON SERIES (0-1)
This is the 2nd meeting of 3 for the season between NY and Boston. The Rangers are hoping for a much better outcome tonight.
BOS 3 v. NYR 0 (1/15/15) – Cam Talbot got a rare start and the Rangers were shutout in Boston.