Rangers take on Avs tonight at 9

In just under an hour from now, the Rangers will look to rebound from last night's debacle against the Colorado Avalanche. The game can be seen on MSG2 for anyone in the New York area.

I've been holding off on putting out a pregame to try and get a lineup, but I haven't found anything yet. I would assume that Nigel Dawes saved his roster spot for the time being with his timely goal last night, and that Henrik Lundqvist will be back between the pipes, even though there was a thought of giving Stephen Valiquette the start.

One thing is for certain, the Rangers will not be facing Ryan Smyth or Joe Sakic, as both are out of tonight's game due to injury. The Avs will dress five rookies for the first time this season. I don't know who will be in net tonight, but I would think Peter Budaj.

Marcel Hossa is healthy again, and Marek Malik has been itching to get back into the lineup, goiing as far as having his agent talk to Tom Renney to find out his place on the team. Supposedly he was given a vote of confidence that he'll get back in the lineup, so we'll see what happens. There were also some rumors that the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning and Atlanta Thrashers could entertain taking him and his contract on, which would be a good move for both sides at this point. Jason Strudwick has played well with Paul Mara, and having Struds on the bench is like having another coach. It's good to see.

Here's to hoping the Rangers can dent the 13-3 home record of the Avalanche and hold each player under five goals (had to throw it in there.)