Standings: Senators (35-25-8), Rangers (42-16-7)

NYR Leading Scorer: Marian Gaborik (32-26-58)
OTT Leading Scorer: Jason Spezza (28-44-72)

NYR Goaltender: Martin Biron (16 GS, 2.20 GAA, .910 SV%)
OTT Goaltender: Ben Bishop (1 GS, 3.00 GAA, .890 SV%)

Rangers Lines (probable):

Artem Anisimov-Derek Stepan-Marian Gaborik
Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Ryan Callahan
Ruslan Fedotenko-Brian Boyle- Brandon Prust
Mike Rupp-John Mitchell-John Scott

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto–Steve Eminger
Marc Staal-Stu Bickel

Martin Biron gets the nod.

Probable Scratches/Injuries:  Mike Sauer (concussion), Brandon Dubinsky (nose/hand), Jeff Woywitka (healthy), Anton Stralman (healthy)

Preview: Oh Ottawa, you crazy, crazy Senators. You go from being just outside a lottery pick to being a virtual lock for the playoffs in just one year. The Senators are a nightmare matchup for the Rangers. They have a very high powered and skilled offense, and they play the 1-2-2 hybrid trap almost to perfection. There’s a reason why the Rangers have gone 1-1-1 in their first three meetings this year.

This regular season series could be a potential first round matchup for the Rangers. Ottawa is currently the #7 seed, but Winnipeg and/or Washington could catch them if either makes a run.

The Senators are a dangerous team, and are definitely no pushover. The Devils ruined the Rangers on Tuesday with their 1-2-2 trap, and the Senators play the exact same style, with an equal amount of skill. The only difference between New Jersey and Ottawa: goaltending. Goaltending is still  a big question mark for the Senators.

That said, the Rangers seem to struggle against rookies who they have never faced before. This could be a long game.

Crazy Thought: Boyle and Prust score…and Prust actually doesn’t fight this game. Double whammy of a crazy thought!

Opposition Blog: Sen Shot

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