The Pre-Game:How Sad Ales Kotalik & Oli Jokinen Can't Make It

The Rangers are returning home after splitting two games on the road with a loss to the Aves and a win against the Wild. It will be quick breather for the Blueshirts as they'll head out for three games on the road after tonight. After smoking the Stanley Cup Champions 7-2 on Friday night, the Flames lost in OT to the Detroit Red Wings.

What could have been a nice homecoming for Oli Jokinen was spoiled by the commissioners office as Jokinen is serving a three game suspension. Unfortunately for Oli, he will not have the opportunity to receive a warm reception from the Garden Faithful. The same can be said for Ales Kotalik, who despite being a fan favorite was unceremoniously traded to the Flames at the deadline last season. Kotalik is currently injured and is not traveling with the team.

The State of the Rangers:
The Blueshirts will be looking for Henrik Lundqvist to have a strong outing after two sub-par games. Hank has had a little bit a let down after standing on his head and carrying the Rangers to a win against the Penguins last Monday.

Derek Stepan put on one of his best performances of the season against the Wild. He generated numerous scoring chances and found Michael Del Zotto for a pretty goal on the power play. Stepan has a three game point streak going & he will be looking to make it four against the Flames.

Brandon Prust is a warrior. The day off yesterday likely did him a whole lot of good as he was in obvious pain against the Wild. Prust was a great pick up in the deadline trade that saw Kotalik and Chris Higgins sent packing.

The State of the Flames:
Even though they handed out a beating against the Blackhawks and nearly picked up a win against the Red Wings, the Flames have been putrid for most of the season. They're 2-7-1 in their last ten games and just made a deal with the Hurricanes to shake things up. Father/son love doesn't get in the way of business as Darryl Sutter sent his son Brent packing along with Ian White for Anton Babchuk and Tom Kostopoulos.

Jarome Iginla is smokin' hot. He has 5 goals in his last two games and has finally broken out of his season long slump. He's been the subject of trade rumors (including ones that have him going to the Rangers) but the Flames have come out and said he is going nowhere this season.

Look for updates prior to the game. I'll make sure to post anything important.

Agree? Disagree? Feel free to email me @ tmrangerblog at gmail.com.
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