Per a tweet from Sean Hartnett, Oscar Lindberg has been assigned number 48 by the Rangers. I can’t think of many players who wore 48. At least we know of one who shall for tonight’s game against the Flames.

By no means should it be easy. Calgary has proven they’re for real. Still in a tight Western race for one of the final wild cards, they’re currently tied with the Kings and Sharks in points (68). Each trails the Wild by a point and are three behind the Jets and Canucks. It’s worth noting that the top three teams in each division automatically qualify for the playoffs. The wildcard should be a mad scramble to the finish.

The Flames boast Norris front runner Mark Giordano and Calder candidate Johnny Gaudreau, who teamed with Kevin Hayes at Boston College to form a great line. They’re still close and had dinner out last night. It should be an interesting reunion between two rookies with bright futures. Gaudreau is second among rookies with 44 points (15-29-44) while the emerging Hayes has moved up to eighth with 26 (11-15-26). That match-up is worth watching.

We are leaving for MSG now. My first game since a nice birthday win over the Pens on 12/8. I’ll have a full recap and review later.