Surging Rangers Could Enter Elite of East with Win vs. Sidney Crosby's Penguins

The New York Rangers to this point have proven they are more than just a “good” hockey team. During their seven-game win streak, critics wrote them off by stating the wins came against “fluff” teams that lined the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Obviously, the streak came to an end and the Blueshirts lost two straight. After that game, a change was made. Carl Hagelin and John Mitchell were called up from the Connecticut Whale of the AHL to replace a suspended Andre Deveaux and a healthy-scratched Erik Christensen.

The Rangers then faced two tough tests. They squared off against the Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers. This was a make-or-break opportunity for the Blueshirts. They had a chance to make a statement, and they succeeded by dispatching of the Caps by a score of 6-3 and the Philadelphia Flyers 2-0 in back-to-back games.

Tonight is one of the most entertaining and important games in the entire NHL. It is a matchup that could prove to the entire world the Rangers are finally for real.

The Rangers will square off against the Pittsburgh Penguins in an Atlantic Division showdown. The Penguins enter the contest with a record of 14-6-4 with 32 points. The Pens hold the top spot in the Atlantic Division and the Rangers sit in third place with a record of 12-5-3 for 27 points. What is impressive is the Rangers have two fewer wins than the Penguins but they have played in four fewer games.

So far, the Rangers have been one of the best defensive teams in the league. The Rangers are second in the league with the lowest goals-per-game average. On average, the Rangers only give up 2.05 goals. The league-leading Blues edge the Blueshirts by 0.1

There are three keys to the game that can help to ensure a Rangers victory.

1. Take a lot of shots on Marc-Andre Fleury

The Rangers have won every game in which they have outshot their opponent. If they can take a lot of shots on Fleury, they can generate rebounds and multiple scoring chances. The Rangers need to capitalize on extra scoring chances when they have an opportunity in order to beat the Penguins.

2. Stay out of the penalty box

The Penguins are ninth in the league with a power play efficiency rate of 18.9 percent. With top guns like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, James Neal and Kris Letang on the power play unit, the Rangers could really dig themselves into a hole by taking penalties. 

3. Shut down Crosby and Malkin

Malkin and Crosby always pose a threat to the Rangers. In 37 career games against the Rangers, Crosby has 20 goals and 32 goals for 52 points. Eight of his markers have come on the power play.

Malkin is not as lethal, but he has 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points in 30 games. Like Crosby, eight of his markers have come on the man advantage.

If the Rangers can continue their momentum and follow these keys to the games, they should be able to ward off Crosby and the Pens. Henrik Lundqvist will be in goal and he will look to continue his career success against the Penguins. In 38 career games, Lundqvist has posted a 20-13-5 record with a 2.41 goals against average and .913 save percentage.

The Rangers are expected to roll out the same lines, but they are subject to change.

Artem Anisimov | Derek Stepan | Marián Gáborík

Ruslan Fedotenko | Brad Richards (A) | Ryan Callahan (C)

Sean Avery | Brandon Dubinsky | Brandon Prust

Brian Boyle | John Mitchell | Carl Hagelin

Ryan McDonagh | Dan Girardi (A)

Michael Del Zotto | Michael Sauer

Jeff Woywitka | Steve Eminger

Henrik Lundqvist

Martin Biron

Pittsburgh Penguins starting lineup 

Chris Kunitz | Sidney Crosby (C) | Pascal Dupuis
Steve Sullivan | Evgeni Malkin (A) | James Neal
Matt Cooke | Jordan Staal (A) | Tyler Kennedy
Craig Adams | Joe Vitale | Arron Asham

Kris Letang | Brooks Orpik
Paul Martin | Zbynek Michálek
Matt Niskanen | Deryk Engelland

Marc-Andre Fleury
Brent Johnson

*subject to change

What are some of your keys to the game? What will the final score be?

If the Rangers win this game, they would have won 10 out of their last 12 and three straight over top Eastern Conference teams. Keep in mind this is a Rangers team with a lot of young players and a group that has stepped up in the absence of All-Star defenseman Marc Staal.

Can you imagine how far the Rangers could go if they add some finishing pieces and get Marc Staal back before the playoffs? Tonight should be a very exciting game, so sit back relax and enjoy!

Leave a comment, question or prediction below to get the conversation going.

Tom Urtz, Jr. is an NHL featured columnist and New York Rangers featured columnist. For NHL news, updates and alerts about players: