New York Rangers Try To Continue Win Streak As They Take on the Penguins

Tonight, the New York Rangers will pay a visit to one of their division rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins. The game will be the teams first meeting of the 2010-11 NHL season, and it should be a good one.

Both teams are currently tied with 19 points on the season, the Rangers in fourth place (in their conference) and the Penguins sixth.

Last season the Rangers and the Penguins played six games against each other, the Penguins winning five of the games (one in overtime). The Rangers have struggled against the Penguins in recent years, especially last season.

But this is a new season, new teams, and a new set of games.

The Rangers are carrying a two game win streak into Pittsburgh, and the Penguins hold a two game win streak of their own.

The Rangers hold an impressive road record of 5-2-0, and the Penguins have a record of 3-5-0 on their home ice.

That may be a major advantage for the Rangers, especially if they can get off to another quick start like they did against the Oilers (when Marian Gaborik scored about one-in-a-half minutes into the game).

Another advantage for the Rangers is that they are expected to get their starting goalie back. Henrik Lundqvist was forced to miss two games due to an illness, and he is ready to get back to action tonight for the Rangers.

Marian Gaborik and Alexander Frolov are both coming off of huge games Sunday afternoon against the Oilers; Gaborik scored a hat-trick, and Frolov scored two goals for the Rangers.

The only problem that the Rangers may run into is suspensions.

Both Sean Avery and Brandon Dubinsky may receive suspensions due to altercations during Sundays game against the Edmonton Oilers.

If any suspensions are given, expect them to be announced around noon.

If their are any suspensions the Rangers may be forced to call upon a prospect from their affiliate team, the Connecticut Whale.

Possible call-ups would be Mats Zuccarello, Dale Weise, Kris Newbury, Jeremy Williams, and newly acquired Chad Kolarik.

If there are any lineup changes, expect an update around three-o'clock.