Monday, November 30, 2009

Game #28 - at New York Rangers

Game 28
Penguins (18-9-0, 36 pts) at Rangers (13-12-1, 27 pts)

Why does it matter?
The Pens just plastered the Rangers on Saturday, while Matt Cooke drew a two game suspension for a hit on Anisimov. Those two factors will make the Rangers especially chippy tonight.

What has been happening lately?
  • Pens - After starting out 7-0 on the road, the Pens are just 2-5 in their past 7 road games. The team has been generally playing well lately, however.
  • Rangers - Things are pretty bleak for the Rangers. They were out scored 13-4 in their past two games. Maybe some home cooking will be the remedy that cures their ills.
Questions to be answered
  • Can the Pens avoid the cheap shots that are sure to come from the likes of Brashear, Voros and (especially) Avery?
  • Which offense will show up - the one that looked bad on Friday night or the one that dominated on Saturday night?
  • Can the Pens break their string of poor play at MSG?
Keys to the game
  • Don't get wrapped up in the nonsense from Avery and Brashear. The Pens are usually pretty good at channeling emotion into their game and working harder (specifically Sid).
  • Find a way to control Gaborik. He has 19 goals in just 22 games, which is an incredible pace in the league today.
  • Stay away from the shootout - Lundqvist has won both SO games this year.

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