Avalanche @ Rangers

Madison Square Garden, 7:00 p.m. Monday

Rangers record: 1-1-1

Avalanche record: 3-2-0

Monday night the shorthanded Rangers will take on one of the league’s most exciting young teams, the Colorado Avalanche.  The Rangers will have to overcome adversity in the coming weeks with injuries to key players Chris Drury, Marian Gaborik and Vinny Prospal.  Without them, the Blueshirts will be forced to count on the line of Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov and Ryan Callahan to carry the offense.  The trio will be the only line left intact, and many of the team’s other forwards will be thrust into bigger roles in the coming weeks.  Erik Christensen is expected to return to the Rangers’ lineup in between Derek Boogaard and Todd White who will be making his season debut. 

The free-wheeling Rangers have displayed an improved offense this season and solid secondary scoring, but that will be put to the test without the three veterans up front.  The Rangers certainly appeared to have depth at forward coming into the season, but they couldn’t have expected to need it this soon.  With such important players out, the Blueshirts would do well to re-focus on their own end where defensive lapses have become too frequent.  It will be difficult for the team to consistently outscore opponents especially without three of its stars, so playing positionally sound, mistake-free hockey will be essential.  Henrik Lundqvist has been as good as always thus far, but his numbers have suffered as a result of the Rangers’ defensive inefficiencies. 

The Avalanche surprised a lot of people last season with a playoff appearance and near-upset of the San Jose Sharks.  Colorado struck gold with its signing of veteran goalie Craig Anderson and several out-of-nowhere performances from young forwards.  Obviously the team expected a lot out of No. 3 pick Matt Duchene, but guys like Chris Stewart and Brandon Yip emerged to play big roles for the Avs.  The Avalanche will provide a serious test for the Rangers, as they are arguably the fastest skating team in the league.  It will be difficult for New York to shut down wave after wave of the swift and talented Avalanche forwards, but the Rangers may have a chance to exploit an aging and declining Colorado defense.  For the Rangers to stay with the Avalanche, they’ll have to be very careful with the puck, as one or two turnovers could put the game out of reach quickly.  One key for New York tomorrow and in the next few weeks will be to capitalize on power play opportunities.  There’s no doubt the Rangers will struggle to score as much with Gaborik out, but making the most out of man advantage situations would go a long way.

Probable Rangers lines per Andrew Gross:

Brandon Dubinsky-Artem Anisimov-Ryan Callahan
Alex Frolov-Derek Stepan-Ruslan Fedotenko
Sean Avery-Brian Boyle-Brandon Prust
Derek Boogaard-Erik Christensen-Todd White

Marc Staal-Michal Rozsival
Michael Del Zotto-Dan Girardi
Matt Gilroy-Steve Eminger

• Also, if you haven’t seen it yet, check out this piece on Wade Redden.  The guy couldn’t live up to the expectations that came with his contract, but it seems like his heart is in the right place.

• As always follow @NYRBlueBulletin and @KevinBaumer on Twitter for the latest updates