Where We Are: Whether you agree with me or not that the penalties that were called in Chicago yesterday were fair, there is no disputing that the Rangers played one helluva game to escape the Windy City with a 3-2 win. That makes three victories in a row, all on the road. Not too shabby.
Where They Are: Marc-Andre Fleury has finally proven that he is a fraud, so the Pens just picked up Mathieu Garon from the Oilers. There is no word on if he will start on Sunday just yet so keep an eye on Goalie Post for the lastest news. Outside of the crease, it seems like half of the Pens roster is hurt. The Pens homepage updated their injury situation this afternoon, and apparently we will get away without having to face the thug Brooks Orpik but the Cole Harbour Crybaby Crosby will be back in action. It's a nationally televised game, of course the limelight lover will miraculously get healthy in time to play ...
Who To Watch For: Matt Cooke put together a two goal performance in the last Pens game, a 3-1 win over the Ducks. Miro Satan, as always, steps his game up against the Rangers and that Gina Malkin sure is something when the Blueshirts are on the other side of the ice. What To Watch For: If you thought that the ice was slanted towards Chicago on Friday, just wait for this one as there is no way that the refs will let anyone touch Cindy with the 'world' watching.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: I will continue to pray for a Staal vs. Staal bout at center ice, but since that isn't likely to happen, how about a nice blowout performance? The Pens are reeling ... of course that makes them more dangerous but they simply are not a top-tier team this season and the Rangers are attempting to prove that they are. So let's prove it already.
Also Check Out: Empty Netters, which is the Pittsburgh Post Gazette's stellar link-happy blog, the recently-relocated snarky photoshop-heavy awesomeness of The PensBlog, SBN's Pensburgh and with Sean Leahy
And, as always, head over to Weinman's Ranger Report and Zipay's Blue Notes. Zipay is saying that Dan Girardi is good to go for tomorrow after yesterday's tilt with Cam Barker.
Peepin' Foes: Pittsburgh Penguins - A Rivalry Renewed
In the world of professional sports, few rivalries can match the intensity and history of the New York Rangers versus the Pittsburgh Penguins. These two NHL franchises have a storied past, filled with memorable moments, playoff battles, and passionate fan bases. In this article, we'll dive into the history of this rivalry, examine the current state of both teams, and explore what makes Rangers vs. Penguins matchups so special.
A Historical Rivalry
The Rangers and Penguins have a rivalry that dates back to the early days of the NHL. While not as old as some other rivalries, such as Canadiens vs. Bruins or Red Wings vs. Blackhawks, the battles between these teams have been just as fierce.
1992 Patrick Division Final: One of the defining moments of this rivalry occurred in the 1992 Patrick Division Final. The Rangers and Penguins faced off in a series that went the distance to a decisive Game 7. The Penguins, led by Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr, would go on to win the Stanley Cup that year.
Sidney Crosby vs. Henrik Lundqvist: In the 2000s and 2010s, the rivalry took on new life with the emergence of Sidney Crosby for the Penguins and Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers. These two future Hall of Famers would face each other in multiple playoff series, adding fuel to the fire.
Winter Classic: The NHL Winter Classic on January 1, 2018, featured the Rangers and Penguins facing off at Citi Field in New York. The game, played in front of over 41,000 fans, showcased the rivalry on a grand stage.
The Current State of Affairs
As of the 2023-2024 NHL season, both the Rangers and Penguins find themselves in different phases of their respective journeys.
New York Rangers:
The Rangers have been on an upward trajectory in recent years, thanks in part to a talented young core that includes Alexis Lafrenière, Kaapo Kakko, and Vitali Kravtsov.
Igor Shesterkin has emerged as one of the league's top goaltenders, providing stability in net.
The team has been in playoff contention and has aspirations of making a deep postseason run.
Pittsburgh Penguins:
The Penguins, led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, continue to be a force in the Eastern Conference.
They have a history of success, with multiple Stanley Cup championships in recent years.
While their core players are aging, they remain competitive and a threat in the playoffs.
What Makes Rangers vs. Penguins Special
Intensity: Every time these teams meet, the intensity level is through the roof. Rivalry games often bring out the best (and sometimes the worst) in players, resulting in physical play and emotional outbursts.
Historical Context: The rich history of this rivalry adds depth to each matchup. Players and fans are well aware of the legacy of Rangers vs. Penguins games.
Star Power: Over the years, both teams have featured some of the biggest names in hockey. From Mario Lemieux to Mark Messier, and Sidney Crosby to Henrik Lundqvist, these matchups have showcased the best in the game.
Playoff Drama: Perhaps the most significant aspect of this rivalry is the playoff drama. Whether it's a Game 7 showdown or a series that goes the distance, Rangers vs. Penguins in the playoffs is must-watch hockey.
The New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins have a rivalry that's steeped in history and filled with unforgettable moments. While the dynamics of the teams may change over the years, the passion and intensity of their matchups remain constant. As both franchises continue their journeys in the 2023-2024 NHL season, fans can look forward to more thrilling chapters in this storied rivalry. Whether you bleed blue or black and gold, Rangers vs. Penguins games are a testament to the enduring spirit of competition in the world of hockey.
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