Game Preview: Improved Kings should provide test

October 14, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

The other night was a walk in the park. The Rangers didn’t play their best game against the Maple Leafs but it didn’t matter because of how poorly Toronto’s started. Speaking of which, they lost again last night 4-1 to the Avs and will be searching for their first win in Saturday’s rematch- the only game they have in 10 days. Hope our guys remember to show.

Getting to tonight’s game at MSG, they’ll get a good test against an improved Kings squad that features a hot first line. Since being put together, Ryan Smyth, Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams have combined for 15 points in four games. All wins. In fact, the trio has nine of 19 goals while adding 14 assists thus far in helping LA get out to a 4-1-0 start, sitting atop the Pacific. That’s without a goal from captain Dustin Brown, who always brings it. Keep an eye on Jarret Stoll, Michal Handzus, Alexander Frolov, Teddy Purcell and Wayne Simmonds.

They’ve also gotten contributions from second-year D Drew Doughty, who blasted home the winner in a 2-1 triumph over the Islanders on Columbus Day. Doughty leads a young corps that includes Jack Johnson with six points. Rob Scuderi should also be quite familiar to the Rangers. After Jon Quick got the first five starts, it will be Erik Ersberg in net. He had the job last year before Quick overtook him. The Swede should have plenty of incentive facing King Henrik.

This game should be much more challenging due to the Kings’ defensive style under vet coach Terry Murray. They also forecheck with vigor which makes the match-up all the more intriguing because the Rangers play a similar game. Whoever can establish themselves will probably have the edge. One thing that’s guaranteed is either the Rangers’ win streak or Kings will end. Both lost their openers but the home club has won five in a row while LA has taken four straight. Something’s gotta give.

Sean Avery faces his former team. He’s been awfully impressive in the first two games notching two goals in the Toronto win while setting up the first two in a 3-0 shutout of Anaheim. The best aspect is he’s stayed out of the box while continuing to play his aggressive game, earning praise from John Tortorella. In the 7-2 dismantling of Toronto, Aves maintained control after Jason Blake ran our goalie. He immediately went to him but didn’t take a retaliatory penalty, instead hurting the old nemesis where it mattered most on the scoreboard.

One thing the Rangers do need to watch is that kind of aggression from opponents. The Leafs took liberties with Henrik Lundqvist, running him three times, including a blatant missed goalie interference on Jamal Mayers. That’s what Donald Brashear is here for. Granted. He earned a decision over Colton Orr in an entertaining scrap. But that was early on. Brash can’t allow that to happen. Tortorella must stick him out there to send a message.

Tort also has liked what he’s seen from Wade Redden (1-2-3, +4)  and improving rookie Artem Anisimov (1-3-4). Both are coming off good games with Tinman putting up three points while Artie notched his first two-point game, setting up a pair. The coach also discussed Christopher Higgins, who has yet to score a goal despite hard work. Higgins has played hard, contributing on the PK which hasn’t lost much minus Blair Betts and Freddy Sjostrom. But the Smithtown native only has a pair of assists and is pressing. We feel a goal shall come soon. Once it does, he’ll loosen up.

Enver Lisin is another player without a marker. While he’s done some sound work down low, the Russian enigma needs to finish to stay in the lineup because his lack of attention to detail is obvious. There was a scary sequence Monday in which he went for a hit taking him out of the play, permitting a mini-break which luckily, Lundqvist stopped. The ex-Yote who was dealt for Lauri Korpikoski, doesn’t always make wise decisions with the puck. When you have a lead, get it deep. If he wants to stay in, we advise switching jersey numbers. Wearing Marcel Hossa’s old No.81 isn’t working. If Lisin can’t score, there’s not much reason to have him in. Look for Evgeny Grachev (3 pts in 4 GP for Hfd) to challenge for a spot early next year.

WHO’S HOT:

Dan Girardi-3 goals in last 2 GP incl. 1st career 2-goal game

Sean Avery-2-1-3/0 PIM in 1st 2 games

Marian Gaborik-six-gm point streak (5-4-9) & points in last 13 (12-12-24)

Vinny Prospal-five-gm point streak (1-6-7)/+5

Ales Kotalik-four-gm point streak (4-1-5) incl. 4 PP points (2 PPG)

Ryan Callahan-2-1-3 in last 4 GP

Michael Del Zotto-5 Pts (2-3-5) last 6 incl. 4 PP points (PPG)

Wade Redden-3 Pt game vs Leafs

Artem Anisimov-1-2-3 last 2

Chris Drury-2 A in Monday win

Henrik Lundqvist-2 GA in 3 of last 4 starts

WHO’S NOT:

Michal Rozsival-0 Pts last 4, 1 assist in 6 GP

Christopher Higgins-pointless in 4/0 G on 17 shots

Matt Gilroy-0 Pts last 3/only 3 SOG

Brian Boyle-0 Pts in 6

ON AIR-MSG 6:30 Pregame, 7:07 start