From Blueshirt Banter, here's how the Rangers lines are expected to look tonight:
Marian Gaborik - Brad Richards - Rick Nash Carl Hagelin - Derek Stepan - Taylor Pyatt Mike Rupp - Brian Boyle - Benn Ferriero Arron Asham - Jeff Halpern - Stu Bickel Ryan McDonagh - Dan Girardi Marc Staal - Michael Del Zotto Anton Stralman - Matt Gilroy Henrik Lundqvist Scratches: Chris Kreider (ankle), Steve Eminger
With Ryan Callahan hurt, once you get past that first line there's not a lot of scoring threats. But man is that top line pretty potent with 3 all-star caliber players. Brooks Orpik and Paul Martin better get their pre-game nap in today.And how about that look at ex-Penguin Mike Rupp and ex-Penguin farm hand Benn Ferrerio holding down spots on the 3rd line. Bickel, it should be pointed out, is a defenseman by trade. That almost makes the Pens lower lines look good by comparision.
Defensively, the Rangers look good on paper with all their top players in the lineup and ready to go. Lundqvist isn't used to getting chased from games, so we can expect him ready and focused to shut down the Pens tonight.