Where They Are: They lost goaltender Erik Ersberg to a groin injury in their last game, an impressive 3-2 shootout loss to the mighty San Jose Sharks. It is a good thing for the Rangers as the young Swede has been pretty damn good. In his place will be former Ranger Jason Labarbara, who has failed at most every chance to secure the starting goaltender position. But stepping back for a second, they took the Sharks to a shootout! The team many thought would be the worst of the West is actually above .500 (13-12-5) and have just one regulation loss in their last six games.
Who To Watch For: Where the Rangers pretended to rebuild through youth, Los Angeles really did it so there is a LOT of good, young players. There is the older kids - skillful Anze Kopitar and the rough and tumble captain Dustin Brown - and then there is the younger kids - Calder candidate Drew Doughty, the surprising Oscar Moller and the recently recalled Teddy Purcell (who has three points in three games since he was recalled last week). L.A. also got the biggest steal of the season in defenseman Kyle Quincey, who was left out in the numbers game in Detroit and picked off of the waiver wire by the Kings. What To Watch For: Keep an eye on Derek Armstrong. The longtime Ranger farmhand has been their Blair Betts working in the trenches and popping up with big goals. Where we have the enigmatic Nik Zherdev, they have Alex Frolov but Frolov seems to be growing into a more consistent offensive threat and can make the Ranger defense look foolish if they aren't careful.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: While I was a little saddened not to see George Parros' mustache get rearranged by Colton Orr, if Orr doesn't battle Raitis Ivanans tonight I won't lose any sleep. The guy is a monster - in size, not skill - so unless the game play dictates it, there is no reason for Colt to lower himself to goondom.
Also Check Out: The Battle of California, Life in Hockeywood, A Queen Among Kings and the MSM Inside the Kings.
As always, I recommend people check out Sam Weinman's Ranger Report for up-to-the-minute updates on our boys and the latest news on Sundin, who may or may not admit he will be a Ranger on Thursday (damn, I had Friday night in the pool).
Peepin' Foes: Los Angeles Kings - A Rivalry on Ice
In the world of professional ice hockey, rivalries add an extra layer of excitement to the game. One such rivalry that has captured the hearts of fans and created unforgettable moments is the matchup between the New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings. While the Rangers and Kings may not be traditional rivals, their storied history and intense battles on the ice have created a unique and compelling rivalry.
I. A Tale of Two Coasts
The New York Rangers, hailing from the bustling metropolis of Manhattan, and the Los Angeles Kings, representing the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, couldn't be more different in terms of geography and culture. However, it's precisely these differences that make their clashes on the ice so intriguing.
II. The 2014 Stanley Cup Final
The pinnacle of the Rangers-Kings rivalry came in the 2014 Stanley Cup Final. It was a seven-game series filled with drama, heart-stopping moments, and unforgettable performances. The Kings ultimately emerged victorious, clinching their second Stanley Cup in franchise history.
III. The Heroics of Henrik Lundqvist
One of the defining narratives of the 2014 Final was the incredible performance of Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. His acrobatic saves and unwavering determination captured the hearts of fans on both coasts. While the Rangers fell short, Lundqvist's heroics solidified his status as one of the game's all-time greats.
IV. The Justin Williams Factor
For the Kings, Justin Williams, affectionately known as "Mr. Game 7," played a pivotal role in their 2014 championship run. His clutch performances in crucial moments earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs' Most Valuable Player.
V. A Rivalry Rekindled
The 2014 Final reignited the rivalry between the Rangers and Kings. While the teams only meet a few times each season due to the NHL's conference-based scheduling, there's a palpable intensity whenever they face off.
VI. Memorable Regular-Season Encounters
Beyond their playoff battles, the Rangers and Kings have delivered memorable regular-season games. Overtime thrillers, high-scoring affairs, and goaltending duels have all been part of this captivating rivalry.
VII. Shared Star Power
Both teams have been home to some of the biggest stars in NHL history. The Rangers boast legends like Mark Messier, Wayne Gretzky, and Brian Leetch, while the Kings have seen the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, and Marcel Dionne don their iconic black and white jerseys.
VIII. Off-the-Ice Drama
The rivalry between the Rangers and Kings isn't limited to the ice. Off-the-ice drama, including trades, free-agent signings, and front-office moves, has added intrigue to their matchups.
IX. Mutual Respect
Despite the fierce battles and memorable moments, there's a sense of mutual respect between the Rangers and Kings. Players from both teams have spoken highly of their counterparts, emphasizing the competitive but respectful nature of the rivalry.
X. The Future of the Rivalry
As the NHL continues to evolve, so too does the Rangers-Kings rivalry. New stars emerge, coaching changes occur, and the dynamics of the league shift. However, the history and memories created by these two franchises ensure that their rivalry will remain a cherished part of hockey lore.
The rivalry between the New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings may not be as storied as some of the NHL's traditional matchups, but it has produced its fair share of unforgettable moments. From the 2014 Stanley Cup Final to regular-season clashes that keep fans on the edge of their seats, the Rangers and Kings have created a unique and enduring rivalry that adds to the rich tapestry of NHL history. Whether you're a fan on the East Coast or the West Coast, when these two teams face off, you're guaranteed an exciting and memorable game of hockey.
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