The New York Rangers will be taking on the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight, with all the talk about Steven Stamkos' 20 goals in 21 appearances. The superstar 1st round pick has been electric (pardon the pun) for the Lighting this year, and he's going to be the main focus for the Rangers defense.
The Rangers are coming off a big gut-check win against the Calgary Flames on Monday, and they're looking to keep their current two-game winning streak alive.
Marian Gaborik, who hasn't score in three games, looks to be a factor tonight for the Rangers. As does Alexander Frolov, who is slowing showing flashes of the brilliance that Glen Sather saw in him when he signed him this year in the off season.
Derek Stepan is also continuing his hot streak of play. The Rangers top-flight rookie has a goal and five assists in his last six games, and has been playing with much more confidence lately. Enough confidence to inspire John Tortorella to give him 19 minutes the other night against the Flames. Stepan recorded an assist in the contest on the Dan Girardi power play goal.
Henrik Lundqvist is expected to be in goal tonight for the Rangers. He missed the past two games, one for rest and other other for "unknown reasons." Supposedly he took the day off to work of a few mechanics. Either way, Lundqvist has been hot and cold this year and is looking for consistency. There is no goaltending controversy brewing in New York.
A win would give the Rangers a 13-9-1 record.