New York Rangers
vs Carolina Hurricanes
7 p.m., Wednesday
Madison Square
Garden
Rangers Record: 22-15-3
Hurricanes Record: 18-15-5
Tonight, Jan. 5, the Rangers take on the Carolina Hurricanes
at home. The Rangers, 1-2 over their most recent road trip, are playing their
first home game of the new year and still looking for their first win of 2011.
They are coming off two tough losses in Florida, one each against the Panthers
and the Lightning. After two days off, however, the Rangers should be ready to get
back in gear and back on the winning track.
The Hurricanes are coming off a disappointing overtime loss
against the Panthers on Monday. Carolina squandered an early lead to ultimately
result in overtime and a loss. The loss was particularly disappointing for the
Hurricanes because of the playoff situation, where they sit in ninth place,
four points out of a spot but with Florida only three points behind. The ‘Canes
will be looking to make up some points against the Rangers tonight, a team
which they have been successful against in the recent past. Carolina has beaten
the Rangers in the teams’ last three consecutive meetings, spanning the past
two seasons, all of which occurred at the Garden.
New York continues to suffer from injuries to forwards Derek
Boogaard, Ryan Callahan and Vinny Prospal. Additionally, forward Ruslan
Fedotenko suffered an injury to his hand while blocking a shot in Sunday’s loss
to the Panthers. He is listed as day-to-day, but not expected to play against
Carolina tonight.
Rangers’ sophomore defenseman Michael Del Zotto was sent
down to the Connecticut Whale, prompting the recall of defenseman Ryan
McDonagh, drafted in the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the
Montreal Canadiens. The 21-year-old defenseman has yet to make his NHL debut.
McDonagh, however, will not be playing in tonight’s game, as Matt Gilroy gets
the start instead.
Tonight’s goalie match-up should feature the Hurricanes’ Cam
Ward against Henrik Lundqvist. Ward has been solid against the Rangers
throughout his career, posting a 2.12 GAA in 17 games against them.
Be sure to tune in as the Rangers look to attain their first
win of the new year!
