2011-2012 Records: Penguins (51-25-6), Rangers (51-24-7)

2011-2012 NYR Leading Scorer: Marian Gaborik (41-35-76)
2011-2012 PIT Leading Scorer: Evgeni Malkin (50-59-109)

2011-2012 NYR Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (62 GS, 1.97 GAA, .930 SV%)
2011-2012 PIT Goaltender: Marc-Andre Fleury (64 GS, 2.36 GAA, .914 SV%)

New York Rangers Tickets.

Rangers Lines:

Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Rick Nash
Marian Gaborik-Derek Stepan-Ryan Callahan
Chris Kreider-Brian Boyle-Taylor Pyatt
Mike Rupp-Jeff Halpern-Arron Asham

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

Henrik Lundqvist
Martin Biron

Probable Scratches/Injuries:  Mike Sauer (concussion), Steve Eminger (healthy), Matt Gilroy (healthy)

Preview: The Penguins sure were busy this offseason. The Pens sent Jordan Staal packing in exchange for Brandon Sutter and others, although Sutter is the only player from the trade on the roster. Gone also is Zbynek Michalek, sent to Phoenix for prospects. Those are two major players exiting, and while Sutter makes the loss of Staal manageable, the loss of Michalek leaves the Pens a little thin on the blue line.

When the teams line up tonight, you’re going to see a lot of the Rangers in the Penguins in terms of style of play. The Penguins play a 2-1-2 forecheck –like the Rangers– that pressures the puck carriers in their own zone and creates turnovers. The constant pressure creates opportunities for the two best offensive players in the game: Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

The only place where the Pens really differ from the Rangers is in the defensive zone. The Rangers play a collapsing style, which aims to prevent shots from high quality scoring areas. The Penguins attack the point men, which is used to create turnovers and odd man rushes.

To win, the Rangers are going to need to exploit the Penguins relatively thin defense. Much like the Rangers, the Pens have a solid top four, but their bottom pairing leaves a lot to be desired. They will also need to keep their heads on a swivel, as Crosby and Malkin will make the Rangers pay for blown assignments.

Crazy Thought: They aren’t rusty.

Opposition Blog: The Pens Blog

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