Apparently, it's dangerous being a Canuck out there, because tons of them are hurt. Most notably, Daniel Sedin (0-4-4 in four games) is out for at least a month with a broken foot, and Roberto Luongo (.902 SV % and a 2.79 GAA in twelve games) is currently out with a cracked rib. Every year, Vancouver seems to get pegged as a Cup contender, but they always seem to fall short. After the Canucks were dismissed from the playoffs by the Blackhawks last year, the city of Vancouver collectively demanded that Luongo be traded, then collectively realized that without him, they're a bubble team with some flashy Swedes. We would never treat Hank like that! Never!
That's not to say that the Canucks (8-7) can't pull out a win. They just blanked the Avalanche 3-0 during a game in which Andrew Raycroft posted a shut out. Henrik Sedin (6-10-16), though he's struggled without his brother, is still a threat, as are Ryan Kesler (5-8-13) and Mikael Samuelsson (6-6-12). Also, the Canucks are at home and the Rangers, for some reason, have struggled in Canadian arenas the last few years.
After managing to beat Boston 1-0 following two low-scoring losses, the Rangers need to find their scoring touch again. Until some secondary scoring develops, this means that the top line of Vinnie Prospal, Marion Gaborik, and Brandon Dubinksy/Enver Lisin/Other Players need to find the time and space to produce consistently enough to put up big numbers almost every game. The Rangers will get a different look on offense than they did against Boston, who play a stifling defensive game. Much like the Rangers, the Canucks depend on production from their top line and big saves from their goaltender to win games. With 1/2 of the Sedins and Roberto Luongo sitting out, the Rangers need to capitalize on Vancouver's average blueline, and score consistenly on the power play (Vancouver's penalty kill ranks among the league's worst).
Also, in this game, someone besides Marion Gaborik will probably need to score a goal in order for the Rangers to win. One of the big questions coming into the next few games should be the status of Chris Higgins on the roster. It's a month into the season and he's yet to post a goal. P.A. Parentau potted one during his first call-up this year and no doubt Evgeni Grachev is itching to do the same thing. Higgins has been a 20 goal scorer in the past, but the main reason for the trade that brought him to New York (still not sure how Slats pulled that one off) was to unload Scott Gomez's contract, not necessarily to bring in a guy that can score. I'm surprised that Torts hasn't scratched him yet, and I'm inclined to think he will soon.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment