It’s all come down to this. One game is all that separates the Rangers from making history. In a series they once trailed 3-1 and were left for dead, they have shown tremendous character and heart to force Game 7 against the Pens tonight.

Facing a team that boasts two of the best players on the planet, they have given themselves a chance to complete a great comeback. In franchise history, they have never rallied from a 3-1 deficit or defeated the Pens. One more complete 60-minute effort will accomplish both. The Rangers are here because they have dug deep rallying around Martin St. Louis following the death of his Mom France. In outscoring the Pens 8-2 the last two games, they have all the momentum. It’ll take plenty of guts and sacrifice to pull it off.

The pressure is on the Pens. They are facing another crisis. Since winning the Stanley Cup in 2009, they’ve failed in their quest to deliver a fourth championship to Pittsburgh. Aside from last year’s Conference Finals appearance in which they were swept by Boston, the Pens have been eliminated in the first two rounds by heavy underdogs. That included the ’10-11 Lightning who came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Pens in the first round. Two current Rangers Dominic Moore and Martin St. Louis were part of it. It was St. Louis along with Brad Richards who called a team meeting after Game 4 reminding their teammates to forget about everything and that it could change in an instant.

Here they are following Game 5 and Game 6 victories in position. Henrik Lundqvist has stopped 67 of the last 69 shots giving his team confidence entering tonight. His performance along with the team’s in elimination games should provide a mental edge. What they must remember is that momentum is a strange thing. As last round proved, it truly can be game to game. The Rangers bounced back from a blowout Game 6 loss to edge the Flyers in Game 7 on home ice.

They know how dangerous their opponent is. Facing the prospect of Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma splitting up Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, they must be prepared for a more balanced Pens attack. If that happens, it’ll put more emphasis on Rangers coach Alain Vigneault having his top four defensemen out. That means plenty of Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal and Anton Stralman. With Bylsma getting the last change, Vigneault can’t afford to let him dictate match-ups. How well they defend along with the play of Lundqvist should go a long way to determining the series outcome.

Offensively speaking, the Rangers want to get off to a fast start. Similar to Game 5 when they scored early, take the crowd out of it. They’ll be looking for a reason to get down on their team. That’s how much pressure is on the Pens. Early Ranger pressure is exactly the recipe. Scoring first helps too. In Game 7 history, the team scoring first is 112-40 (.737). This will be the 153rd Game 7. In the previous 152, the home team has a 91-61 record (.599) all-time. If it reaches overtime, it won’t favor either side. Thirty-eight Game 7’s have needed sudden death. It’s dead even at 19-19.

For the Rangers to win, the line of Derick Brassard, Benoit Pouliot and Mats Zuccarello must continue to be a factor. In the series, the dynamic trio have combined to score 6 of their 13 goals. The other seven goal scorers are Carl Hagelin (2), Kevin Klein, Chris Kreider, Ryan McDonagh, Brad Richards, Martin St. Louis. That list excludes Rick Nash and Derek Stepan. Both of who with one big game can put their imprint on the series. Nash and Stepan make up two-thirds of the top line. Each has been held to one assist so far. Game 7 would be as good as any for that to change.

The other notable is the fourth line haven’t scored. Brian Boyle and Dominic Moore have contributed defensively. Their penalty killing and faceoff work are invaluable. Boyle’s hustle in Game 5 during a Pens’ 5-on-3 proved pivotal. Moore’s done a solid job on draws giving Vigneault an effective two-way pivot who can win them defensively. On a team that doesn’t boast a consistent faceoff guy, that can’t be underestimated. After sitting out, Derek Dorsett returned for the last two. He only received five shifts in Game 6 but contributed four hits. Daniel Carcillo also can sub in but AV has shown loyalty to the guys who got them here. John Moore has also played the last two with Klein on the third defensive pair. Why mess with a winning formula?

If there is something to watch, it’s the power play. Sure. They followed up a miraculous 2-for-3 Game 5 performance by going 0-for-6 in Game 6. But that was at home. For whatever reason, the Rangers are better on the road. That includes the man-advantage. I got a funny feeling they’ll score one if they win. The Kreider net presence could be a factor.

All year they have been a better road team. With a win tonight, they can go 3-1 in four games at Pittsburgh. That would be symbolic of how the season’s gone. We’ll hold off on the nickname. Win tonight and it would mean a lot to not only the franchise but every Rangers fan. For years, we’ve heard how they can’t get it done against the Pens. How they’re not in their class. All that can be thrown out the window with a win. Of all the opponents, the one I want to beat the most is them. Earlier in the series, I stated how sick and tired I am of losing to that team. To have a chance to rally from a 3-1 deficit and beat the Pens is a dream scenario. They must finish bury their chances, finish every check and get every big save. A win here would be bigger than 2012. Get it done.