Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Yea, the Rangers fell victim to the trap game last night against Edmonton. It happens. The more important thing here is that they played their stinker against a non-conference team. If there’s a silver lining, that’s it. The Rangers wrap up the pre-Olympics schedule in Pittsburgh tonight, taking on the division leading Penguins. The Pens have gotten unusually strong –and consistent– goaltending from Marc-Andre Fleury. They’ve also had a full year of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, which is helping them succeed despite dressing the blue line from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Dan Bylsma has the Penguins running an aggressive 2-1-2 forecheck in the offensive zone and encourages puck pursuit in most situations.  In the defensive zone, Pittsburgh uses a zone defense, taking out lanes and protecting the slot. The Pens are ranked 5th in the league in blocked shots and still average over 3 goals a game. Minds blown. On special teams, they run a 1-3-1 power play and  a diamond force penalty kill.

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
John MooreKevin Klein

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

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

Game time is 7pm on MSG2 (seriously?). Don’t forget to check out our Rangers Tickets link for deals to attend games

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