Big Bad Bruins Visit MSG

As Chadwick would phrase it, "it's going to be a dandy Jim," tonight at the Garden. At least I hope it's a dandy. The Rangers must bring their "A" game. What's that old line? Go first class or stay home. The Rangers, who have not done well against the top teams in the East have a chance to make a big statement tonight. "We believe that we can beat anybody," said Lundqvist. Well, here is your chance baby. Go do it.

The Bruins come in on a 8-1-1 roll and are making their move in the Atlantic, eight points behind Tampa Bay, with two games in hand. In the only meeting of the year, the Bruins won decisively 3-0. They are big, strong and tough. But the game is not about the Bruins, it's about the Rangers.

After going 16-2-0, the Rangers have floundered going 2-2. Successive shutouts by the Islanders and Canadiens were followed by two so-so wins against the Canes and Panthers. The Rangers were awful in their 6-3 win over the Panthers. They blew a 3-1 lead before coming back to beat the Panthers with a third period rally.

Once a rock the defense has struggled. Ryan McDonagh was a big culprit against the Panthers and his game this year has been lacking the crispness he has shown in the past. The defense has to return to its rock solid past. Lundqvist needs to be protected, not screened. The D has to stop chasing the puck and players and play positional hockey, clearing rebounds.

Offensively the forwards must pressure, pressure, pressure. Sixty minutes of fast paced hockey. Sixty minutes. Don't take a minute off. Don't miss a shift. This could be the game of the year for the Rangers, Let's make a statement tonight.

Let's Go Rangers!

Update, Lundvist out:
Rangers Report:  Cam Talbot will start against Boston .... Lundqvist has upper-body injury

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