Standings: Jets (35-33-8), Rangers (48-21-7)

NYR Leading Scorer: Marian Gaborik (38-31-69)
MIN Leading Scorer: Blake Wheeler (17-43-60)

NYR Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (57 GS, 1.93 GAA, .930 SV%)
MIN Goaltender: Ondrej Pavelec (63 GS, 2.86 GAA, .910 SV%)

Rangers Lines (probable):

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

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Anton Stralman
Marc Staal-Stu Bickel

Probable Scratches/Injuries:  Mike Sauer (concussion), Mats Zuccarello (wrist), Steve Eminger (ankle), Jeff Woywitka (healthy), John Scott (healthy), Tim Erixon (healthy)

Preview: For every Pittsburgh and every Chicago, teams that rebuild by blowing up their rosters, there is a Winnipeg. For all intents and purposes, the Jets should be better. They have a solid young core of talent, but they can’t put it all together. Maybe this just wasn’t their year, but this team is way too talented to be this mediocre. They aren’t bad, but they just aren’t good.

Their top threats are the usual suspects: Wheeler, Evander Kane, Dustin Byfuglien, and Tobias Enstrom. They have solid young talent that can certainly put the puck in the net. The weakness is on the blue line and in net. Pavelec hasn’t been consistent enough for them, period.

Puck possession and shots on goal are critical here. Let’s make it three in a row and five out of six tonight please. It’s my birthday, don’t let me down.

Crazy Thought: Three, yes three, powerplay goals.

Opposition Blog: Winnipeg White Out

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