Photo: Star Ledger

Photo: Star Ledger

Two days ago, we saw one of the best 1-0 games we will ever see. With the win over the Wings, the Rangers improved to 9-3-1 in their recent stretch, and now have another four point swing game in Ottawa. The Sens, who started slow, are a team fighting for a playoff spot. They are just two points back of the Rangers, and will continue to be on shaky ground as they split starts between Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner. Sooner or later the Sens will start Lehner and relegate Anderson to the backup role. When that happens, watch out.

The Sens forechecking strategy is a bit complex, as they are a hybrid forechecking/lock team. When they are trailing or tied, they’ll send two or three guys after the puck in a 2-1-2 formation. When they are ahead though, they lock it up with a 1-1-3 forecheck, a variation of the 2-3 lock. They are also an overload/zone defense team depending on puck location. On special teams, they run a standard umbrella power play, but run a hybrid PK (box, diamond, wedge+1) depending on puck location and opposition formation.

Rangers Lineup:

Chris KreiderDerek StepanRick Nash
Carl HagelinBrad RichardsRyan Callahan
Benoit PouliotDerick BrassardMats Zuccarello
Brian BoyleDominic Moore-Dan Carcillo

Ryan McDonaghDan Girardi
Marc StaalAnton Stralman
Michael Del ZottoJohn Moore

Cam Talbot gets the start.

Scratches/Injuries: Derek Dorsett (broken leg), Justin Falk (healthy)

Game time is 2pm on MSG. Don’t forget to check out our Rangers Tickets link for deals to attend games.

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