2012-2013 Records: Flyers (3-3-0), Rangers (3-3-0)
NYR Leading Scorer: Marian Gaborik (5-3-8)
PIT Leading Scorer: Sidney Crosby (3-3-6)
NYR Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (6 GP, 2.75 GAA, .905 SV%)
PIT Goaltender: Tomas Vokoun (2 GP, 2.59 GAA, .917 SV%)
Rangers Lines:
Rick Nash-Brad Richards-Marian Gaborik
Carl Hagelin-Derek Stepan-Taylor Pyatt
Mike Rupp-Brian Boyle-Benn Ferriero
Stu Bickel-Jeff Halpern-Arron Asham
Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Marc Staal-Michael Del Zotto
Matt Gilroy-Anton Stralman
Henrik Lundqvist
Martin Biron
Probable Scratches/Injuries: Mike Sauer (concussion), Chris Kreider (ankle), Steve Eminger (healthy), Ryan Callahan (shoulder)
Preview: The Penguins are an intriguing team. They had two decisive wins to start the season, including a 6-3 dominance of our Blueshirts. Following those wins, they have lost three of four, losing by a combined score of 13-5 in those three losses to Toronto, Winnipeg, and the Islanders. Their one win in that span was a 2-1 win against the Senators, who are off to a hot start.
To summarize, the Pens three wins have come against likely playoff teams. Their three losses have been in embarrassing fashion to three non-playoff teams. Goes to show that anything can happen on any given night.
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. It’s a style that many believe the Rangers should start adopting.
Fun Fact: Crosby cries.
Crazy Thought: It’s a power play goal!
Opposition Blog: The Pens Blog
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