Rangers go Shark Hunting

October 19, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Tonight, the Rangers go Shark hunting in search of an eighth straight win. Since dropping the season opener in Pitt, they’ve won seven in a row to start 7-1, tied with the Pens for the league’s best record. Despite the good start, their play has slipped lately which John Tortorella warned against following an ugly 4-1 win over hapless Toronto.

As evidenced last year when they started 10-2-1 aided by the shootout on a more offensively challenged team, it can change pretty quickly. So, when bad habits creep in, you have to make adjustments before it takes a toll. Especially in a challenging week that starts tonight with talented San Jose, who boasts Dany Heatley, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. The Rangers will be tested. They’ll need to come up with a similar performance to the perfect 3-0 shutout of Anaheim two weeks prior in which Steve Valiquette got his first start. Vally will be in again as the club gives King Henrik a rest in preparation for Thursday’s second Hudson Battle.

It also is Michael Del Zotto’s ninth game. Undoubtedly, the gifted 19 year-old defenseman who’s posted a rookie leading eight points (3-5-8) will not be going back to London (OHL). Indeed, his eight points lead John Tavares by one. More impressively, the tally paces all blueliners. Of course, that will change. But it’s remarkable how poised the 2008 first round pick is. He makes some unbelievable reads and runs the team’s much improved power play like a savvy vet. What was Team Canada thinking not including him for the WJC? There’s an awful lot of egg on their faces.

Marian Gaborik (6-6-12) looks to continue his hot start that’s seen him get a point in every game with his dozen tied for third best, trailing just Jumbo Joe (2-11-13) and Alexander Ovechkin (9-7-16). Bargain linemate Vinny Prospal (3-8-11) has been a godsend teaming with Gabby and Brandon Dubinsky to form a potent top line. But while most of the attention centers around that on the league’s highest scoring team (32 GF, 15 GA), it should also be noted that 15 different players have already scored with the defense contributing mightily thanks to Tort Reform.

Christopher Higgins is still goalless and will play with Artem Anisimov and Ales Kotalik on the third line tonight. Getting him untracked would be a huge sigh of a relief. Especially with a HNIC visit to Montreal coming up. Matt Gilroy has also been quiet since netting his first NHL goal in a win over New Jersey. He’s capable of more.

Here are tonight’s lines:

Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik

Avery-Drury-Callahan

Higgins-Anisimov-Kotalik

Lisin-Boyle-Brashear

Staal-Girardi

Redden-Gilroy

Del Zotto-Rozsival

Valiquette

Lundqvist

Out: Voros

Rangers vs Sharks 7 ET Versus