Battle Of Hudson

It ended a little while ago in Saskatoon. Despite largely controlling play with a huge SOG edge (49-22), Team USA still had to grind out a 3-0 win over the feisty Swiss in their second preliminary, improving to 2-0. The guys in classic American road dark blue jerseys with the red, white and blue USA logo did alright in a back-to-back, earning a much needed rest before the third game Tuesday against a Latvian team that got roasted 16-zip by Canada on the tourney’s first night.

Before we get to our side, let’s heap plenty of praise Benjamin Conz’s way. The Swiss netminder was outstanding, stoning American players in a busy second to keep his team afloat, trailing by just one into the third. He finished with 46 saves, deservedly tabbed as the Player Of The Game to cheers from a biased Canadian crowd that booed our guys at every turn. I’ve always disliked their fans for how they treat our players. Openly rooting against us is one thing. But booing when we score and win is pathetic. It lacks class. I can just see our fans treating their players such a way when it comes back to The States in Western New York next year. Kudos go out to Conz for a virtuoso performance that opened eyes. Can he repeat it against heavy favorite Canada? One can only hope. I’d love nothing better to see them lose and watch their self-centered fans have egg on their faces.

As for the game itself, credit the Swiss for making things interesting. They played well in a seesaw first where they outshot the Americans 14-11. Conz made some good stops but Jack Campbell was superb facing some dangerous chances that included two mini-breaks off great seam passes. In his first start, he did fight the puck early, just getting a piece of a Swiss shot that trickled through before being swept away by a teammate. He also got help from an inspired penalty killing unit that thwarted an extended 5-on-3 thanks to some stellar work from defenseman David Warsofsky, who kept Swiss players away from the front of the net. The effort from the forwards was excellent too with nice work from team captain Derek Stepan, Ryan Bourque, Jordan Schroeder and Tyler Johnson, allowing Campbell to see the shots in escaping early penalty trouble.

Following an even stanza, Team USA began to dictate with their superior skill and puck pursuit style. Stepan had a great chance but a lightning quick Conz right glove robbed him point blank. Earlier, teammate Kreider also was denied off some good work behind the net. However, the 2009 Ranger No.1 pick got on board for the game’s first goal while on the power play. Stepan helped set it up, dishing across to defenseman Cam Fowler, whose one-timer was redirected past a fooled Conz.

Up one, they kept coming in bunches but couldn’t beat Conz, who wouldn’t allow his team to fall down more despite being outshot 23-5. He was strong against Stepan, Danny Kristo and in particular Schroeder, who he flat out stoned twice in succession. That calibre of goaltending also forced shots high and wide like a mini-break Ryan Bourque got, eerily reminding us of Slovakia’s Jaroslav Janus last year. That’s how good Conz was in this one, giving hopes to the anti-American sentiment. 😛

What we observed with the Swiss is that they are a good skating club who can find the seam. However, they’re just not as developed offensively. It was pretty evident on their bland power plays which made it easy for USA. Even with returning captain Lucas Sbisa running the point, it didn’t matter. I can only recall one instance where a player made a great individual effort, coming with a full head of steam and skating around the net before firing a good tester which Campbell calmly gloved. One name which did standout was Nino Niederreiter, who went to the box. When I heard the Atlanta announcer say it, it sounded like Niedermayer. Cool name.

Due to Conz, Switzerland hung around until offensive defenseman Matt Donovan buried a Bourque backhand feed for his second of the tournament for a little breathing room with 7:25 left. The play was made possible by Smithtown’s Kyle Palmieri, whose breakaway was stopped. But Bourque followed up, finding an open Donovan, who slammed one home from the right circle. If the first 40 were about the studs, the third featured the supporting cast with Jerry D’Amigo, Philip McRae, Jason Zucker, Jeremy Morin and A.J. Jenks putting together effective shifts. One of which resulted in the third tally when Jenks easily putback a Morin rebound on a play started by Warsofsky with just over three minutes remaining.

In a period which saw USA limit the Swiss to three shots, Campbell earned the shutout with 22 saves as teammates congratulated him. Defenseman John Carlson also got chances offensively but it was Kreider who received Offensive Player Honors, rewarding him for some strong play which had to impress panicked Ranger fans, who already were unfairly labeling him the next Jessiman. He opened some eyes with his quick wheels and willingness to get dirty. Something the current roster doesn’t have enough of. Hopefully, it’s a good sign of things to come.

3rd Star-Cam Fowler, USA (assist, 3 SOG, +1)
2nd Star-Chris Kreider, USA (GW-1st of tournament, team best 5 SOG, +1)
1st Star-Benjamin Conz, SUI (46 saves incl.22/23 in 2nd)

In case anyone’s interested, Team USA is playing their second game in the WJC already. Last night, they beat Slovakia 7-3 paced by Ranger prospect Derek Stepan’s goal and two helpers. The Wisconsin Badger is the captain, donning the familiar No.21. He’s a solid overall center who uses size well, makes heady passes and smart in own end, as evidenced during extended PK shift in first where he gave his stick to a D to help kill off 5-on-3. The kid’s style is similar to Travis Zajac. A lot to like. The Rangers are also well represented with 2009 top pick Chris Kreider (#20), Ryan Bourque (#17) and unsigned Luke Walker (#14) all participating.

Smithtown product Kyle Palmieri (Ana ’09 No.1) is also participating, playing with Jordan Schroeder (Van ’09 No.1) and Bourque. There is no score so far with superb coverage on NHL Network for anyone interested in checking out the future. Swiss are a pretty good team with solid skating and good passing as evidenced by a few seam passes for breaks. Lucas Sbisa is the team captain and looks like he should still be up with the Ducks. Their goalie has played well too.

We’ll give more of a review later. Second is on. Also, the Isles are about to drop the puck versus the Flyers looking to end the Philly domination at The Coliseum.

1. Alexander Ovechkin (goal, two assists, +3)
2. Nicklas Backstrom (goal, two assists, +3)
3. Michael Neuvirth (29/30 saves)

The Islanders continued to dominate the Rangers at MSG, winning for the ninth time on Broadway over a lucky 13 (9-3-1). The hero was Kyle Okposo, who snapped an 18-game drought by netting the overtime winner with 47 seconds to spare, lifting the Kings of 33rd and 7th to a 3-2 win over their bitter rival.

“It felt like a pretty big relief. To get the win that way, it felt pretty good,” the pleased 21 year-old Islander forward said after a goal and two assists in a dominant performance versus his favorite opponent. Figures that I didn’t start him. “I’ve played pretty well. I think I’ve been playing like that for quite some time, but the puck was just not going my way. Tonight it did.”

It looked like the Isles would take care of business in regulation. Especially after getting a goal in each of the first two periods, taking a two-goal lead to the locker room thanks in large part to Okposo, who entered last night with only one assist in his last half dozen. Nothing stopped him from tormenting a weak Ranger D which couldn’t deal with his line flanked by Frans Nielsen and Josh Bailey all night. The former 2006 seventh overall pick’s size wreaked havoc as he and linemates combined for six points (2-4-6) and a plus-six on a night John Tavares was relatively quiet without a shot.

In the game’s opening shift, the Rangers came much harder than they did over a week ago. However, Dwayne Roloson was sharp and remained that way throughout, finishing with 36 saves. His goaltending along with an odd call on Sean Avery for unsportsmanlike after he took a hit from behind before pounding Bruno Gervais allowed the road team to get their post-Christmas legs. What ensued were some sloppy play from the hosts, who turned it over at the blueline to setup the Isles’ first goal. Off a Dan Girardi one-timer that had no chance, predictably getting blocked, the Rangers never recovered, allowing the trio of Bailey and Okposo to easily feed Nielsen for a tap-in at 7:45.

It only turned uglier as the Rangers continually turned the puck over in the neutral zone while not testing Roloson in an odd stanza that saw each club register five shots, making paint dry on the old Garden walls behind us. In between, there also were two more bizarre calls, including a Brian Boyle delay of game which canceled out a Jon Sim hold of the stick. I realize there was only one referee due to the dreary rain storm, but if he held Boyle’s stick first, how does our two-bit scrub wind up in the box as well? Anyway, the latter was another from the Avery Rules in which he got nabbed for goalie interference despite being pushed into Roloson outside the paint. Something John Tortorella alluded to later. Bettman hockey.

I didn’t see much of the second due to a lengthy and more interesting debate with one of the best fans in our section about how screwed this team really is due to the contracts Slats can’t get out of. We discussed pretty much everything from not bringing back Zherdev to our failed drafts along with the lack of a No.1 center who could help a ton. I won’t bother naming the guy who came up. While the fun debate heated up with even a cool security guard weighing in along with my Dad, the Rangers butchered a power play- somehow permitting a shorthanded goal to scrub Blake Comeau. That half his markers and three of just 11 points have come at our expense would be so sad if it wasn’t so predictable. Apparently, Mike Del Zotto and Ally (new female name for this joke) Kotalik turned it over at center and Okposo sprung Comeau for a clean break, which he cashed with a nice backhand deke five-hole for 2-zip with less than 16 minutes left in regulation.

Almost immediately, the “Fire Sather” chants started which we paid no mind to. What’s the point? At this rate, the inept Slats will never lose his job. But the cost will continue to go up even if they miss the playoffs. Normal in Loser Vi$ion. With Roloson shutting the door on 15 Ranger offerings, it looked like we’d suffer another humiliation. But that quickly changed as our guys decided to put their hard hats on and make a game of it, outshooting the Isles 15-5 in the third. They got results thanks to hard work with Brandon Dubinsky playing one of his best games as a Ranger, scoring twice to force OT. His first came off some solid work from Chris Drury, who teamed with a shaky Michal Rozsival to get the puck to the net where it rebounded out to Dubi for a gimme, cutting to 2-1 with 13:53 left.

Suddenly, the Blueshirts came in waves, making life difficult for Roloson, who still dealt well with the traffic getting a piece of tougher shots and also having a post or two on his side (Dubinsky and Del Zotto).The Islanders took two penalties including an undisciplined bench minor with over three minutes remaining. But our power play couldn’t cash. When Tort opted not to pull Henrik Lundqvist for a six-on-four, it looked like the effort would be wasted. But as I stood there with a nice family with kids watching downstairs near the Play By Play, some great work from Dubinsky resulted in the equalizer.

With Henrik off for an extra attacker, Del Zotto hustled to keep the puck in with over a minute to spare, pushing it into the right corner. Dubinsky then outmuscled Andy Sutton for the puck, eventually getting it to Ryan Callahan. Cally then worked a give-and-go with Rozsival before firing at the left circle, which an open Dubi deflected home with 46.6 to go, giving the kids something to cheer about. It was the only chance they had because Rollie was stopping everything. Nice to see some of our core guys get rewarded on a night Gaborik was held in check despite five shots.

“It makes it a little harder,” Dubinsky pointed out. “Your juices are flowing, you’ve got the momentum, you’re excited about tying the game and getting a point. You want to fight to get that second one and use that energy.

“We had some chances, but unfortunately they found a way to get one past Hank.“

Unlike most typical four-on-fours where the damn gimmick determines the extra point, both New York clubs went for it, giving us an entertaining five minutes. The way these games should be decided. The Rangers pressed but a sliding Roloson made a great stop on a Callahan redirect and got some help from snake bit Chris Higgins, who overskated a gimme. We talked a lot about him and everyone agreed that the guy has a tremendous work ethic, winning tons of battles at even strength or PK. It’s a shame he can’t get one because he really gives great effort. His luck must change if this team is to make a push over this next six weeks prior to the Olympic Break.

Unfortunately, as usually happens when you miss opportunities to win it, it comes back to bite ya. With the kids thinking shootout (even I was), the Ranger tandem of Rozsival and Marc Staal backed in too much, allowing Okposo and Nielsen to gain the blueline. What followed was a nice pass play with Mark Streit working as a forward down low, quickly feeding a vacated Okposo for an innocent looking wrist shot from 45. But the puck changed direction off a sliding Gaborik fooling Lundqvist for the winner. Still one he should have had. Just watching the replay and seeing his reaction afterwards, you could tell how much it burned him inside. Sometimes, it’s those kind of shots that decide these games.

While Tortorella was right that his team didn’t quit, fighting hard to comeback from two to earn a point, it wasn’t enough. Against the Islanders in our building, it isn’t about silver linings. Once they tied it, they had to win it, making it five straight. Instead, a sour taste was left with again the little brother stealing our thunder. Even if a whiny Isle fan bitched about getting a bloody nose (probably cause he was mouthing off), we came out losers. Four of six games have been played against the guys from Long Island and the Rangers only have one win to show for it. Three lousy points and 0-2 at MSG with one more left. Islander fans who went cheered loudly and should because once again, even on a night their team got only 22 SOG, they found a way to win.

Okposo’s big night.

3rd Star-Dwayne Roloson, NYI (36 saves incl.28/30 in periods 2 & 3)
2nd Star-Brandon Dubinsky, NYR (2 goals incl. GT w/47 secs left in regulation, 5 SOG, 2 hits, 12-4 draws, +1 in 23:59)
1st Star-Kyle Okposo, NYI (OT winner-snapping 18-gm goal drought, 2 assists, 3 SOG, 2 hits, 2 blocked shots, +2 in 17:05)

Later tonight, the Rangers and Islanders do it again at MSG in a Christmas Spectacular. Well, albeit a day late due to the holiday break. Still, it’s as good as it gets in this town as the two bitter rivals do battle for a third time in two weeks with each splitting a home-and-home last time out.

For the Blueshirts, they should have the embarrassing 2-1 Garden defeat weighing on their minds. Ever since, they’ve won four straight playing better hockey- particularly the last two. The Isles finally ended their losing skid prior to the break thanks to rookie John Tavares. They can take solace knowing that MSG is their home away from home, bringing an 8-3-1 record over the past dozen. Home ice never matters in this heated rivalry. So, the Rangers must come ready.

As Hasan noted, this is Act II of a topsy turvy Olympic year. If each wants to be taken seriously, they must come out quickly before the Vancouver Olympics hit in early February. We’ll be in our Sec.411 Row F seats for this one with a full recap coming later.

Don’t forget the WJC starts up today with Team USA battling Slovakia at 8 tonight!

Getting into the holiday spirit, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Channukah, Kwanza and Festivus during the best time of year! Appreciate what you have and celebrate life. Enjoy all that it gives us. I’m very appreciative for a loving Mom, Dad and the best brother anyone could ask for. Plus all my friends who enjoy my chaos. I love being able to have fun and raise the roof and give ’em some proof cause ya ‘ll know I speak the truth like Babe Ruth! 😉

Haha. Okay. That crazy ass rhyme was for Channukah Harry and Santa and his little helpers. Now, to other things puck related. So, when we went to Freehold with our quite jovial Buffalo blogger, we hit up Dick’s Sporting Goods and I bought an Eric Lindros stick and puck for 17 and change. Yes. I’ve never played hockey before. However, I am getting fit and want to also get a net and tape for my first ever stick and fire some shots in the back during this icy winter. Maybe me and Just can play catch like the good ‘ole days. 🙂 I’m really in a good mood. It all feels right. Speaking of puck, it’s time to honor those who haven’t been naughty the most through the first chunk of the season. In our first annual All Battle Christmas Team, we’re going to select those players who deserve the best this holiday season has to offer. So, get out your Sabre, Devil, Islander and Ranger stockings!

1st Annual All Battle Christmas Team

G-Ryan Miller, Sabres 31 GP 21 Wins 1.99 GAA .935 Save Pct. 4 SHO

D-Andy Greene, Devils 32 GP 5-16-21 4 PIM +11 4 PPG 3 GW 

D-Tyler Myers, Sabres 36 GP 3-16-19 10 PIM +6 PPG 5 PPP 

LW–Zach Parise, Devils 35 GP 15-25-40 8 PIM +20 2 PPG 13 PPP SHG

C-John Tavares, Islanders 38 GP 16-12-28 10 PIM 8 PPG 15 PPP 2 GW

RW-Marian Gaborik, Rangers 35 GP 26-23-49 14 PIM +10 12 PPG 19 PPP SHG 2 GW

Since we were accounting for all four Battle clubs, we did our best to balance it out. Miller over Marty because he’s the reason Buffalo is where it is. If it ended today, he’d sweep the Hart and Vezina. Something, sadly Jose Theodore last did. Sabre fans recall a certain Dominator owning the sport a decade ago. Brodeur is having another fantastic season and will be in the hunt. Also tough was taking JT91 over the trio of Prospal, Roy and Zajac. All have had good seasons but the Wiz Kid is pacing his club in key offensive categories as a teenager, keeping them afloat which must be factored in. Greene was a no-brainer for how well he’s performed, going from a healthy scratch to the Devs’ most valuable player so far, beating out MB30 and The Zach Attack. Myers was a better choice than Del Zotto due to playing on a better team. Plus he’s a little better overall. Rounding out our list is the Great Gabby, who’s been everything advertised, earning every cent. The Rangers are four over with the Big Ticket in the lineup. Without, they’d be dead last.

Congratulations to all. May they get everything on their Christmas Wish List tomorrow!

Recently, our NJD blogger Hasan was pondering what was really up with defenseman Paul Martin. Apparently, he knew as yesterday the Devils’ top blueliner underwent minor surgery for the broken forearm he was recovering from. The 28 year-old who can turn unrestricted next summer suffered the injury two months ago in a game versus Pittsburgh after blocking a Bill Guerin shot.

In nine games this season, Martin has tallied two assists with no penalty minutes. The Devils have been fine without him thanks to inspired play from Andy Greene along with surprising Mark Fraser. Helping ease the loss, Johnny Oduya just returned last week, adding more insurance for big minute men Greene, Bryce Salvador and Colin White. With the Devs atop the NHL standings with 53 points in three less games than the Pens, Martin doesn’t have to rush back. However, his Olympic aspirations of participating in a second straight Winter Games for Team USA took a hit.

No question that My Favorite Martin was expected to be one of the staples on the American blueline with former Devil ‘mate Brian Rafalski. Hopefully, he’ll return in time. Otherwise, maybe Keith Ballard replaces him. Another possibility might be Greene. We’ll have more Team USA discussion as it gets closer. A few of Martin’s American teammates should be represented in top sniper Zach Parise, potential captain Jamie Langenbrunner and possibly a resurgent Brian Rolston.

Last week’s humiliation feels like a long time ago. Perhaps the Rangers took it to heart. Since, they’re a perfect four-for-four including tonight’s big 4-1 home win over the Panthers, tying them for eighth in the East with 39 points. It allowed them to Prosp into Christmas feeling a lot better about themselves than seven days prior. Vinny Prospal snapped a 14-game goal drought, tallying twice and Chris Drury scored for the third time in four while also assisting on Marian Gaborik’s highlight reel shorthanded goal as the Blueshirts got the last four- improving to 18-16-3 with smiles all around.

“These games before the break, you don’t want them to think it’s Christmas too early,” said an almost smiling John Tortorella. “I thought we played well. Everyone contributed. It was more of a complete game than we’ve had in a while.”

Amazing what a few wins can do for a team’s psyche. It was also vital to do it again on home ice. Amazingly, they’d gone a month having entered with the league’s second worst home record (7-9-1). Predictably, the bitter 2-1 defeat to the Islanders was fresh in their memory banks and something many players admittedly emphasized. The No.1 Star of the game Henrik Lundqvist certainly didn’t flinch when answering John Giannone’s question after another stellar night, finishing with 33 saves. That’s six consecutive games he’s permitted two-or-less. Most notably, the emotional leader of the team has been unbelievable during the win streak, stopping 136 of 141 (.965 save percentage). Quite a statement from the affable Swede we critiqued earlier. The difference. Now, he’s making momentum turning saves like a trio when the game was hanging in the balance with each club deadlocked at one.

“He’s the most important player on our team,” praised The Big Ticket. “If he comes up with the big saves, it gives us confidence and gives us a boost. He gives us the chance to win every night.”

The Panthers came out quickly getting nine of the first 13 shots, including Victor Oreskovic putting in the game’s first goal just 4:09 in. Dominic Moore went wide on Mike Del Zotto and backhanded a low shot off Lundqvist which caromed out. But Michal Rozsival fanned on clearing, allowing Oreskovic to rebound it home. But the Rangers bounced back thanks to some superb work from Enver Lisin, whose hustle negated an icing. Eventually, he and Sean Avery helped setup an open Drury for a one-time blast past Tomas Vokoun to tie 2:13 later. A great response. By the end of the period, shots wound up Florida 10, Rangers 9.

With the game knotted, Lundqvist did his best work in the second turning aside all 15 Panther shots, including two sizzlers on Rotislav Olesz and a great kicksave on a dangerous Greg Campbell chance. While he was taking care of business in front of his own net, Prospal finally scored for the first time in 15 games. On a power play, he worked a give-and-go with Del Zotto getting the puck to Gaborik who was stopped point blank by Vokoun. However, the rebound was still there and a sneaky Ryan Callahan kicked the puck to Prospal for the putback, leading to him raising his arms and thanking the heavens in relief. Certainly a good sign because they need him to get going again. He’d been too quiet during the malaise. It would get even better for Vaclav later.

“It was great to see Vinny score a couple of goals,” the Great Gabby added of his linemate.
 

“It’s just special every time you score two goals,” a pleased Prospal explained while looking forward to a snowy Christmas rather than Florida sunshine. “I’m not a guy who scores 40 every year. It feels great to finally come out of it, and not just score one, but two in a game like this.”

Once again, the middle stanza was similar to the first with both clubs attacking and getting chances as they combined for 29 total shots (Fla-15, NYR-14). While the shot totals were high, encouraging for the Rangers was that they didn’t make many glaring mistakes and gave Lundqvist a chance to see every one, including a sliding stop to rob a Panther on the doorstep. The D held up with John Tortorella opting to re-team Marc Staal with Dan Girardi, helping silence Florida’s top line of Michael Frolik, Stephen Weiss and Nathan Horton. The strategy paid off with the trio going a combined minus-six despite 14 of their club’s 34 shots.

The Rangers came close to scoring near the second’s conclusion before I headed out to a classic ice cream parlor for some mint chip and cookie dough. As I drove back, it was nice to discover that Prospal had increased the lead to two only 23 seconds into the third off some nice work behind the net by Brandon Dubinsky, who played another assertive game. That must continue post-Christmas when they host the Islanders at The Garden Saturday and beyond. Staal also got another reward with a secondary helper. He really has played much better and is starting to look like the shutdown guy who was so confidence in his second year.

As I got in with it still 3-1 thanks to some splendid PK work that held a lethal Florida man-advantage in check (0-4), I had some ice cream and then watched a great sequence started by Callahan and Drury. Their effort was exceptional. Forcing turnovers, a persistent Drury finally stripped the puck and looked ready to get a breakaway drawing a delayed penalty. With Callahan changing quickly, Gaborik flew off the bench and retrieved the puck, going wide before somehow finding a hole via a backhand for his league-leading 26th. A back breaking shorty that put it out of reach. How he scored from such an angle still baffles. If there’s a video, we’ll put it up. Here it is:

Great PK Effort Leads To A Great Gabby SHG

To their credit, Florida didn’t quit but none of the nine they took bothered Lundqvist, who heard the more familiar, “Hen—rik, Hen—rik, Hen—rik” chants from the Garden Faithful. His 158th career victory allowed him to pass Dave Kerr for fifth winningest all-time on the franchise list.

“The last four games we have been more physical, more aggressive. The puck is starting to bounce our way a little bit,” Lundqvist noted after giving fans a brief scare when Florida D Keith Ballard accidentally kneed him in the head. “I think I am playing really well, but the guys playing in front are playing really, really well. They are making really good decisions.”

With the Isles coming in along with the Flyers before a New Year’s Eve tilt in Raleigh, the coach knows how big it is to reestablish a home ice advantage.

“We are not going to get where we want to be if we don’t establish our game at home,” Tort accurately expressed. “And I thought we did it the right way tonight in our home building. We have quite a few home games coming up here, so hopefully this is a step in the right direction.”

Hopefully, that trend will continue.

3rd Star-Vinny Prospal, NYR (snapped 14-gm drought w/2 goals incl.PP GW, 4 SOG, 3-3 draws, +1 in 16:53)
2nd Star-Chris Drury, NYR (tying goal, assist, 3 SOG, 2 takeaways, 2 blocked shots, 11-12 draws, +2 in 19:15)

1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (33 saves incl.15/15 in 2nd, 136/141 stopped during win streak)

In half an hour, the Rangers will skate against the Panthers in what amounts to an important swing game. Florida’s been hot lately winning four of five to launch into the eighth spot with 39 points- two ahead of the ninth Blueshirts. After sweeping a three-game road trip against the Islanders, Flyers and Canes, it should be a good measuring stick to see where they are. Especially in a topsy turvy East that changes daily. Indeed, every point counts. Winning’s the thing. Can they get it together on home ice where their 7-9-1 mark is second worst in the league. That remains to be seen. Florida isn’t a bad road team going 10-9-2 thus far, including a 3-2 win at MSG on Nov.21. The Rangers did take the second one in the gimmick four days later. This is the third of four meetings with the final one coming in Sunrise April 3.

Florida has some good forwards with speed that can make life difficult. Stephen Weiss is following up his best season with an even better one. Though nobody talks about him for Team Canada, which is already stacked to the decks. Weiss has company in Nathan Horton, who finally is shooting the puck and seeing results. He’s always had power forward potential but has never been consistent. Is this the year it comes together? A good cast includes second-year Czech Michael Frolik, Rotislav Olesz and savvy vet Steve Reinprecht. Scary aspect is Cory Stillman has been out a month and David Booth has missed almost the whole season due to a concussion.

The Cats also boast an underrated blueline that features Team USA hopeful Keith Ballard, who does a lot of things well. There’s also Bryan McCabe to watch on the power play. Dennis Seidenberg has been solid and Russian freshman Dmitry Kulikov is a future star. Tomas Vokoun is healthy again in net and will likely oppose Henrik Lundqvist, who’s been much better lately permitting two-or-fewer in eight of his last nine starts. So, it figures to be a good test for the Big Ticket and Co. Brian Boyle returns. Erik Christensen and Aaron Voros are the scratches. Hopefully, these are the lines:

Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Avery-Anisimov-Callahan
Higgins-Drury-Lisin
Brashear-Boyle-Kotalik

Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy