Winnipeg, Manitoba- MTS Center - Capacity a deafening 15,004- Opponent = Jets 13-11-2 (28 points) Tied with Rangers for 8th in the Eastern Conference
Game 25 Overview: It is safe to say that this is the biggest game of the season thus far for the New York Rangers. Tonight the Rangers will be playing the team they are tied for the 8th and final playoff spot with, the Winnipeg Jets. With a game in hand on the Jets as well as most of the other teams in the Eastern Conference playoff race, this becomes an extremely critical game for the Blueshirts. The thing with the shortened season is that teams are only playing Inter-Conference games which means that even when you are winning, teams are still gaining on you.
The Home Crowd: The MTS Center in Winnipeg is the smallest arena in the NHL, but it is also known as one of the loudest and toughest places for an opposing team to play. With just a 5-6 record at home this season the Jets don't seem to be responding to the home crowd as well as one would assume they would be. The Rangers need to show that "Road Warrior" mentality they have come accustomed to in years past, and battle it out for a gutsy win tonight.
Who's Hot? Winnipeg- Andrew Ladd (Captain), He has points in 4 out of his last 5 games. In 26 games this season he has notched 13 goals, 12 assists for 25 points, and is a +7. Ladd is a heart and soul type of player with top end skill. He won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in '09-'10, and has played virtually under the radar since being traded to the Atlanta Thrashers then relocating to Winnipeg.
Rangers- Derek Stepan has quietly been heating up for the Rangers with Points in 6 out of his last 7 games. This is a welcomed sign of relief for the Rangers who, with the injury/struggling play of Richards, were in desperate need of someone stepping up for them at the Center position. Stepan has rebounded very well from his slow start to get his season stats totals to 7 goals, 10 assists, and a +9 rating in his 25 games. If he can continue to play at this level, and the rest of the team finds it's form the Rangers will have a great 1-2 punch with their top offensive lines.
How Will the Rangers Respond? After and extremely lackluster performance against the lowly Buffalo Sabres, Head Coach John Tortorella blasted his Rangers squad. A two word summary of Torts' post-game remarks following the 3-1 loss is as easy as, "they sucked" (referring to the Rangers). Are the players beginning to tune John Tortorella out? Tonight's game will give us a good indication as to whether or not they are still responding to Torts' motivational tactics, or if it's starting to wear thin on this Rangers team.
Regardless, it's game night, and the Rangers desperately need this win. Hopefully they come out with a sense of urgency and get the job done.
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