The New York Rangers have been making national headlines lately, but not for reasons that would please a fan of The Broadway Blueshirts. They have lost two straight, and many have them slated to lose yet again tonight at Ball Arena against the vaunted Colorado Avalanche. Colorado still hasn\u2019t lost a second game in regulation, and at this point, we shouldn\u2019t have any reason to expect them to go without at least a point at home. Will the Rangers make a statement, or will the Avalanche add to their win total?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been all business for this year\u2019s Avalanche squad, which has made a habit of scoring early in the first period. That habit is a fresh one as the 2024-25 Avalanche team, which was notorious for starting slow, and it has really fueled this season\u2019s success. Jared Bednar has been openly proud of Colorado\u2019s commitment to checking and defensive responsibility, which becomes the focus when you have the lead. The Avalanche have led their opposition for a whopping 88% percent of the time (1,034.8 minutes out of ~ 1,170 possible minutes), which is best in the league. That\u2019s called a recipe for success!<\/p>\n
Scott Wedgewood will get the start in net for the Avalanche tonight as they continue to work MacKenzie Blackwood back into the lineup and into a groove. All the while, Scott Wedgewood has been putting on a show, making save after save. Let\u2019s hope that continues this evening.<\/p>\n
Nathan MacKinnon somehow had no points against the Islanders in Colorado\u2019s last game out, so I\u2019d imagine he\u2019s due for a multi-point outing this evening. I boldly predicted on this week\u2019s edition of the Mile High Hockey Lab<\/a> that Gabe Landeskog would score an unorthodox hatty. You know the infamous, one real goal, one goal off the shin guard, and one empty netter. I say this because his story this season has been all about disallowed goals\u2014time for the universe to balance things a bit.<\/p>\n Artturi Lehkonen \u2014 Nathan MacKinnon \u2014 Martin Necas Devon Toews \u2014 Cale Makar Scott Wedgewood The New York Rangers are undoubtedly unsatisfied with their current position in the division standings. Still, our very own Jackie Kay mentioned that it may have more to do with optics rather than an absolute lack of success. They are 6-4 in their last 10 despite losing two in a row, still employ Igor Shesterkin, and have plenty of scoring talent. That combination could lead to a surge of wins sometime this season. We\u2019ve seen lots of teams rebound from a poor start, and having one of the game\u2019s best netminders helps.<\/p>\n
Ross Colton \u2014 Brock Nelson \u2014 Gavin Brindley
Gabe Landeskog \u2014 Jack Drury \u2014 Victor Olofsson
Parker Kelly \u2014 Zakhar Bardakov \u2014 Tristen Nielsen<\/p>\n
Josh Manson \u2014 Brent Burns
Sam Girard \u2014 Sam Malinski<\/p>\n
MacKenzie Blackwood<\/p>\n