Rangers vs Edmonton

End of period two: Excellent period by the blueshirts leads to a 1-0 deficit. What bad luck the Rangers are having recently. Shanahan took a bad retaliation penalty after a non call on a slash, he turned around and hacked the Edmonton player and the ref saw that one. On the ensuing power play, Drury blocked the shot from the point with his stick, but it fluttered over Lundqvist's shoulder. Later on in the period, Sean Avery added to the post hitting spree that the Rangers are going on, after Garon was down and out of the play. Avery's backhander hit the post or crossbar, keeping the Rangers off the board. Jagr was also stoned by Garon, who is playing a fantastic game. Other than that play, Jagr hasn't had a very strong game. The Dubinsky, Hossa, Prucha line is playing well and has generated some opportunities, and the fourth line is up to their usual tricks, working hard and creating scoring chances. The energy is there, the scoring is not. Story of the season for the Rangers.

End of period one: Good back and forth period by both teams. Jaromir Jagr and Chris Drury each hit a post, Mattieu Garon robbed Shanahan and Lundqvist made some tough saves. There were a few bad penalties called for each team, Brandon Dubinsky got called for a weak trip, and Joni Pitkinen for holding the stick. The tempo was fast paced and there were a few good hits. Let's hope the Rangers keep up this energy through the remaining 40 minutes.

The Rangers take on the Oilers in a few minutes, so let me get some info out to everyone. Henrik Lundqvist is back in net and Brendan Shanahan is back on the second line. In an even better move, Jason Strudwick replaces Marek Malik on the blueline. Malik took the news very well, by storming out of the Edmonton arena with no particular place to go.

Tom Renney was unsure of who was coming out of the lineup to make room for Shanahan as of this entry. All 13 forwards were skating in the pregame, and everyone is healthy. I say give Ryan Callahan a night off. He needs to regain confidence, so maybe a stint in Hartford would be beneficial.

I'll check in like I did the other night, hopefully between each period. A much needed win is at stake tonight. Enjoy the game.