Record:23-14-3
Leading scorers: Nikolai Zherdev (12G, 23A, 35pts), Markus Naslund (14G, 13A, 27pts)
Blogs: NY Rangers Blog | Beyond the Blueshirts
Since the last time these two teams met on December 3, the Rangers have received a reality check by dropping to second in the Atlantic Division. Following that 3-2 shootout win at Madison Square Garden, the Blueshirts have posted a rather unflattering 5-6-1 record (not that the Pens can talk with a 5-10 record of their own).
Regardless, the Rangers are home tonight at Madison Square Garden after dropping a 2-1 game to the Capitals on Saturday that included a Marc Staal beatdown by a bongo-playing Alexander Semin (video).
Something to look out for: forward Nikolai Zherdev fairs well against the Penguins this season, scoring a goal in each of the meetings.
In the event the Rangers win remember to switch away ASAP. That stupid stick raise crap at center ice is worthless.
I think it's safe to say tonight's game isn't so much about beating the Rangers as it is an attempt to try and right the wrongs of the past two weeks. Here's the Penguins' chance to pick up a few points in the Atlantic and get themselves back into the playoff hunt. If all else fails, we can at least hope for a Crosby/Semin fight. That could easily provide some entertainment on the night. [Edit: Um, I'm an idiot. I meant to say Colton Orr since he bugged the hell out of Sid last time but I was caught up in this whole bongo thing. Mah bad.]