The Rangers swept the Devils in their two preseason games, and now head to Detroit to see if they can continue that success. The Rangers victory last night was especially impressive, considering their top forward line and top defensive line weren’t playing. This year’s Detroit team seems to be stronger with Jiri Hudler back in the fold, so the Rangers will need to bring that continued intensity if they want to win today’s game. Also, several Rangers will be cut after tonight’s game, so expect those on the bubble to give it everything they have.

OPPONENT: Detroit Red Wings

2009-2010 RECORD: 44-24-14

2009-2010 LEADING SCORER: Pavel Datsyuk (27-43-70), Henrik Zetterberg (23-47-70)

GOALIE: Jimmy Howard, 2.26 GAA and a .924 save percentage

RANGERS LINES:
Alex Frolov-Derek Stepan-Marian Gaborik
Brandon Dubinsky-Erik Christensen-Mats Zuccarello-Aasen
Sean Avery-Todd White-Evgeny Grachev
Brian Boyle-Artem Anisimov-Brandon Prust

Dan Girardi-Alexei Semenov
Matt Gilroy-Ryan McDonagh
Pavel Valentenko-Michael Sauer

Martin Biron/Chad Johnson

STATE OF THE BLUESHIRTS: The Rangers won their first two preseason games in dramatic fashion, and the powerplay looks as if it’s clicking in the early preseason. There is still plenty of work to be done, and there are still a lot of battles in camp to be fought. With Wade Redden officially gone, the Rangers are going to look to some of their younger defensemen to try and fill that void, specifically Ryan McDonagh and/or Michael Sauer, so it will be interesting to see how they play tonight. Pavel Valentenko may have a leg up in this race, as he played a solid game last night and provided a physical presence that the Rangers simply haven’t had in a while.

CRAZY THOUGHT: Stepan outscores Gaborik.

ON THE iPod:Sinatra – Fly My To The Moon

FINAL PREDICTION: Red Wings 4, Rangers 3

Game time is 5pm. So watch and discuss here. Let’s go Rangers!

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