Rangers look to build on last game against Penguins

The Rangers continue their homestand tonight at 7pm against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The game can be seen on Vs. The Rangers will need to continue and build upon the great play that got them a 4-1 win against the Montreal Canadians on Saturday night. Pittsburgh is 9-1-1 since their last game against New York, which New York won, and has gotten stellar play from surprise fill-in goaltender Ty Conklin.

The Rangers have played the Penguins well over the last couple of seasons, but tonight will still be a test. Sean Avery isn't expected to be in the lineup, and Brendan Shanahan is questionable. A second line of Chris Drury, Marcel Hossa and Brendan Shanahan could be effective against the top line of Pittsburgh, as they can be defensive and yet still hammer the puck at the net. Conklin has stopped at least 35 shots on goal in five of his last seven games, so getting the puck at the net and crashing hard will be key.

John Dellapina of the Daily News has a good article online and in the paper today on the whole Marek Malik situation and why it just blew over. It's a good read so head over to read it.

There is also a chance that the Rangers will be playing an outdoor game next season in Yankee Stadium. It's a good idea, I just don't want to see every team doing it. Same with playing overseas games. If it happens too much, it will start to lose the luster and excitement that a once a year event creates.

I'll be away from the computer until just before game time, so I probably won't be able to check in with line combos and whatnot. Expect the same lineup on Saturday, and if Shanny is back expect Greg Moore to sit and possibly be sent down. Enjoy the game.