New York Rangers Return Home To Face Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins

Tonight, the New York Rangers will host the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second game of their season series. The Rangers won the first game by a score of 3-2.

The Rangers are taking a two-game winning streak into tonight's showdown, both wins coming at the end of a three game road trip. The most recent victory being a shoot-out win Saturday night, against the Nashville Predators.

The Penguins will bring an impressive six-game winning streak into tonight's game at Madison Square Garden.

Here are a few pregame notes to think about:

Henrik Lundqvist or Martin Biron?

Lundqvist has started in each of the Rangers previous three games, winning two of them, including a shut-out against the Florida Panthers.

Later this week the Rangers will play in a home-and-home series against the New York Islanders (Thursday and Friday). It is expected that Lundqvist and Biron will split the two games against the Islanders, but whether or not Henrik Lundqvist will get his fourth straight start tonight is still unknown.

Marian Gaborik

Gaborik did not play Saturday against the Nashville Predators due to an illness (believed to be the flu), and it is currently unknown whether or not he will play tonight against the Penguins.

Derek Boogaard

Boogaard is still day-to-day with a sore shoulder, but there is a chance that he will return tonight against the Penguins.

Line Combinations

Expect to see similar forward lines to the ones the Rangers played with Saturday night, but coach John Tortorella will continue his search for the perfect combinations.

Defensemen

If either Marian Gaborik or Derek Boogaard returns to the lineup for tonight's game, one of the Rangers seven defensemen, most likely Matt Gilroy will be scratched.

Expect the same defensive combinations as well.

If there are any lineup or roster changes before tonight's game, expect an update around four-o'clock.