It might not have been pretty, but the Rangers thrilling 4-3 shootout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes was a huge win. The two points helped propel the Rangers into a three-point cushion over Carolina, and maintained their six point cushion over Buffalo (although the Sabres have three games in hand).
Tonight the Rangers will face a very tough test in the Washington Capitals, at the Verizon Center. The Rangers are six points behind the Capitals, but Washington has one game in hand.
A win tonight, would go a long way in helping the Rangers continue their playoff surge.
The Rangers will go for that win without Marc Staal tonight, he's still out from a twisted ankle he sustained against the Capitals.
No Marc Staal tonight, he's still out from a twisted ankle he sustained against the Capitals. This is what Staal had to say via Andrew Gross:
"It just wasn't where Rammer (trainer Jim Ramsey) liked it so we decided to take it off," said Staal, who rode a stationary bike and walked with a slight limp. "It's more of a day to day thing. Jim didn't want to risk hurting it more unnecessarily if I'm not ready to go."
The trade deadline is rapidly approaching, so keep an eye out for any players being "showcased" by their respective teams. It will also be interesting to see the evaluation process that John Tortorella goes through over the next few days.
Notes:
- The Rangers will be watching the scoreboard tonight, with the New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres and Hurricanes playing tonight the Rangers have a chance to gain ground on four different teams (if they can beat the Capitals).
- On the other hand, the Rangers will have Ruslan Fedotenko return to the lineup.
- Henrik Lundqvist will get the start tonight. If he can get the win it will be his 25th of the year.