Where We Are: Coming off of one exciting win against the Habs and 4-2-3 since the calendar change. But at the same time, just one point ahead of the eighth place Islanders. The Islanders. Ugh.
Where They Are: Playing the second half of back-to-backs after beating Carolina 3-2 tonight. They sit in 13th place with 48 points but are just four back of the Isles. Parity and all that crap I guess. Tampa is 4-4 in 2010 and lost a home and home against the Panthers before beating the Canes. Who To Watch For: Dustin Tokarski played a perfect period in relief in one of those losses to Florida but has yet to start a NHL game. I'm not quite sure an organization even as dysfunctional as the Bolts would throw the kid in to make his first start in MSG so we will likely see Antero Niittymaki play for the second straight night (Mike Smith is hurt). You never know though. Outside of the crease there are the usual suspects in mighty midget Marty St. Louis, Vinny04 Lecavalier, Seen Steve Stamkos, Ryan Bugsy Malone and Steve Downie Syndrome.
What To Watch For: Donald Brashear possibly getting back in the lineup if only to justify his existence by fighting Zenon Konopka. But, seeing as Z is the NHL leader in PIM, Brash will go back to his role as the Cowardly Lion allowing Aaron Voros to play. Which is ok too for your fisticuff folks as Voros and Malone have a history. See if the Ranger D step up and keep Bugsy away from Hank. See if any Ranger forward is bold enough to throw themselves in front of a Kurtis Foster slap shot from the point. See how they were able to fit "Szczechura" on the back of a jersey.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: A Ranger effort on par with that of the second two periods on Monday. The scoring binge continuing, and perhaps Vinny Prospal putting one (or two or three) in against his former team. Hank not letting fellow Swede Mattias Ohlund to score and out-dueling the Finny Niitty. Jewish Jeff Halpern eating too much at Katz's and snapping his four game point streak. Ohlund being exhausted after skating for more than 25 minutes - including five on the penalty kill - against Carolina.
Also Check Out: The Hockey Bay, the MSM Lightning Strikes and SBN's Raw Charge are worth checking out.
Peepin' Foes: Tampa Bay Lightning - A Rivalry Renewed
The rivalry between the New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning has grown in intensity over the past few seasons, thanks in large part to some memorable playoff matchups. As these two teams prepare to face off once again, let's take a deep dive into the history of their rivalry, the key players to watch, and the implications of their upcoming clashes.
The Rivalry's Origins
The Rangers and the Lightning have met several times in the playoffs, most notably in the 2015 Eastern Conference Final, where the Lightning emerged victorious in a closely contested seven-game series. This series left a lasting impression on both fan bases and added fuel to the rivalry's fire.
Playoff History
2015 Eastern Conference Final:
The 2015 matchup between the Rangers and the Lightning was a hard-fought battle. The Lightning ultimately advanced to the Stanley Cup Final, but not without some dramatic moments and unforgettable plays.
2020 Stanley Cup Qualifiers:
In the unique circumstances of the 2020 Stanley Cup Qualifiers, the Lightning and the Rangers faced off once again. The Lightning dominated the series, sweeping the Rangers in three games. This defeat stung for Rangers fans, but it added another layer of intensity to the rivalry.
Key Players to Watch
Rangers:
Artemi Panarin: Panarin's offensive prowess makes him a constant threat. His ability to create scoring opportunities and deliver in clutch moments will be essential.
Adam Fox: Fox is the Rangers' defensive anchor. His ability to move the puck and contribute offensively, along with his sound defensive play, will be crucial.
Igor Shesterkin: The Rangers' success often hinges on Shesterkin's goaltending. He has the potential to steal games with his exceptional saves.
Lightning:
Nikita Kucherov: Kucherov is one of the league's most dynamic scorers. His combination of skill and scoring touch makes him a constant danger.
Andrei Vasilevskiy: Vasilevskiy is widely regarded as one of the NHL's top goaltenders. His ability to make critical saves in high-pressure situations can be a game-changer.
Victor Hedman: Hedman is the anchor of the Lightning's defense. His ability to contribute offensively and shut down opponents makes him a key player to watch.
Implications for the Season
Playoff Positioning:
The outcome of these matchups can have a significant impact on the playoff positioning for both teams. As the regular season progresses, securing points against a strong opponent like the Lightning becomes crucial.
Mental Edge:
Beyond the standings, these games carry a psychological component. The Rangers will aim to prove they can compete with and potentially overcome the Lightning, while Tampa Bay seeks to maintain its dominance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the history of the Rangers-Lightning rivalry?
The rivalry intensified following playoff matchups in 2015 and 2020, with memorable moments and hard-fought games.
2. Who are the key players to watch for the Rangers?
Players like Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, and Igor Shesterkin are essential to the Rangers' success.
3. Who are the key players to watch for the Lightning?
The Lightning boast stars like Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Victor Hedman.
4. What are the implications of these matchups for the season?
These games can impact playoff positioning and carry a psychological component for both teams.
5. How have recent regular-season games between the Rangers and Lightning gone?
Recent regular-season matchups have been closely contested, showcasing the competitive nature of this rivalry.
In conclusion, the rivalry between the New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning has evolved into one of the most compelling storylines in the NHL. As these two teams prepare to clash once again, fans can expect intense, high-stakes hockey filled with memorable moments. Whether you're a Rangers fan hoping for revenge or a Lightning supporter looking for continued dominance, the matchups between these teams never fail to deliver excitement and drama. Keep a close eye on these games, as they are sure to shape the playoff picture and provide plenty of highlights and talking points for hockey enthusiasts everywhere.
No comments:
Post a Comment