Today marks the final game before the NHL trade deadline, and the Rangers have made the first of their moves. Bryan McCabe will kick off his New York Rangers career this afternoon, and he couldn't have picked a better time.
The Rangers matinee matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning is another vital one, as the Rangers continue to nip at the heels of their opponents and try to push the teams below them even further away.
Michael Del Zotto was the first casualty of the McCabe trade, getting sent down to the AHL last night. Rumors are that Matt Gilroy might be involved in trades by tomorrow, and if he is Del Zotto will be the first guy brought back up.
The Rangers are three points ahead of the Hurricanes, but the Rangers have four more wins. The Hurricanes don't play tonight however.
Notes:
- Henrik Lundqvist is getting the start tonight.
- The Rangers are only three points behind Montreal, with both having played 63 games. The Canadiens don't play today however, so they will have a game in hand after the matinee.
- Buffalo, who is five points back with two games in hand, also doesn't play tonight.
- Atlanta and the Devils both play today, so the Rangers will keep their eyes on those games.