Standings: Pittsburgh (14-6-4), Rangers (12-5-3)

Leading Scorer: James Neal (13-10-23), but let’s get real…it will be Crosby faster than I can say bespoke suit.

Goaltender: The most overrated goalie in the league, Marc-Andre Fleury (2.07 GAA, .925 SV%)

Rangers Projected Lines (projected):

Artem Anisimov-Derek Stepan-Marian Gaborik
Ruslan Fedotenko-Brad Richards-Ryan Callahan
Carl Hagelin-Brian Boyle-John Mitchell
Sean Avery-Brandon Dubinsky-Brandon Prust

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Mike Sauer
Jeff Woywitka-Steve Eminger

Scratches/Injuries: Marc Staal (concussion symptoms), Mike Rupp (knee), Wojtek Wolski (groin), Andre Deveaux (suspension), Anton Stralman (healthy)

Suit’s Take: When the Penguins fired former coach Michel Therrien one season after taking the Penguins to the Stanley Cup and replacing him with little known Dan Bylsma, a lot of hockey people were scratching their heads. Little did they know Bylsma would go on to win the Stanley Cup and two seasons later, the Jack Adams.

You have to give the guy a lot of credit. This team didn’t miss a beat in Crosby’s absence and now that he’s returned they are becoming scary good. Much like the Rangers, Bylsma has the Penguins aggressively hunting the puck in that familiar 2-1-2 forecheck. When the Penguins have the puck, they are one of the best teams in the NHL.

Ah and therein lies today’s scouting report.

When the Penguins don’t have the puck and are being pressured in their DZ, they become ordinary. Zbynek Michalek (their high priced defensive defensemen) and Paul Martin (their high priced puck mover) are having mediocre seasons. Staal’s faceoff skills – especially on the road – leave Penguin fans wanting more. Fleury’s rebounds are worse than Bradley Cooper’s (how does one go from being married to a model to Rene Zellwegger?)

Anyhow, matchups and winning those dump and chase battles are going to be crucial.

Crazy Thought: Ryan Callahan slewfoots Crosby, but Crosby gets the penalty! Opa!

Opponent’s Blog:  Penguin Poop (great name)

Today’s game is on at 7:30pm on MSG (Versus nationally), AM1050, and XM214.

Share: 

More About: