Opponent: Anaheim Mighty Ducks

Leading Scorer: Teemu Selanne (5+9 in 12 games)

Goaltender: Jonas Hiller (4-4-2, 2.80GAA, .899%)

Rangers Lines:

Wojtek Wolski-Derek Stepan-Marian Gaborik
Brandon Dubinsky-Brad Richards-Ryan Callahan
Ruslan Fedotenko-Brian Boyle-Brandon Prust
Andre Deveaux-Artem Anisimov-Erik Christensen

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Mike Sauer
Jeff Wywitka-Steve Eminger

Henrik Lundqvist
Martin Biron

Scratches: Marc Staal (concussion symptoms), Mike Rupp (knee), Sean Avery (healthy)

State of the Rangers: In a word, mixed. The Rangers haven’t played consistent hockey all season but they are coming off a great win against the Sharks which was comfortably their most complete performance of the season. Anisimov, Stepan and Callahan all played well against the Sharks and all three will need to follow it up against the Ducks. If there is one advantage (aside from Lundqvist) the Rangers have it could be depth. Special teams have been better recently; even the power play has been effective. With two solid offensive showings within the past week the Rangers will look to get at Hiller (just an .899 save percentage) as much as possible. The King will be back in net tonight.

Detailing the Ducks:

Led by the ageless future hall of famer Teemu Selanne, the Ducks are stuck in mediocrity right now with a 5-5-2 record. Obviously one of those five wins came against the Rangers in Sweden. Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf are not yet firing on all cylinders for the Ducks so if the Rangers can keep the pair quiet all they have to do is do the same with Bobby Ryan and Selanne. Exactly. With the Ducks struggling offensively and not exactly water tight defensively this game presents an opportunity for the Rangers to even the score for the opening weekends’ defeat.

Crazy Thought: Brandon Dubinsky scores a goal. Now that’s a ridiculous concept.

Prediction: Rangers 3 Ducks 2 (OT)

Opponent’s Blog:  Anaheim Calling

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