Goal Horn on Hold: Rangers Seek Breakthrough Against Minnesota
It's hockey night tomorrow in MSG once again, and the pressure is certainly on for the New York Rangers. Three straight shutouts at home to begin the season, a new NHL record, and the Blueshirts have yet to snap the streak. The goal horn at MSG feels like a distant memory these days, as fans grow tired of waiting to hear. New York has yet another chance to break the scoreless streak as they host the Minnesota Wild at home tomorrow night at 7:00 EST.
On the Rangers side, there's reason for much optimism. Their recent win against the Montreal Canadiens was one of their good ones to start the season. Falling 2-0 early in the first, New York found their footing and came back in the third. More importantly, key stars showed up in that game, such as Artemi Panarin with the game-winning goal, Mika Zibanejad with a nostalgic goal, and J.T. Miller with a tip-in. To top it all off, the absence of Vincent Trocheck continues to challenge this team's depth up front.
From the Minnesota Wild's perspective, they come to New York looking to break out of an early slump. Their overall record is nothing to worry about since it is still early. They have a few promising figures, leading the NHL in power-play goals with 10. Momentum has certainly been lacking, though, with losing their third game in a row after last night's loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. They, too, must overcome a key injury, as New York's old pal Mats Zuccarello is out for 7-8 weeks with a lower-body injury.
It's hard to tell what could decide this game. New York needs to find consistent production at home and maintain that late-game push they showed in Montreal. Their penalty kill continues to impress; if they keep Minnesota's power play from finding the back of the net, they'll be in good shape. Minnesota, on the other hand, will hope on their special teams and try to exploit the Blueshirts' lack of production in MSG. If they get going five-on-five with the Rangers, they'll have a chance to get back in the win column.
Fans should expect a tight and competitive night at MSG tomorrow night. The Rangers' attempt to break the home win drought and the Wild's effort to get back in the win column should make this game quite worth watching. From the way they've been playing, the Blueshirts may have the upper hand, but let's not count Minnesota out on a chance to steal two points on the road. It's a good one in MSG tomorrow night. Can the Wild get back into the win column, or will the Rangers power through and at last reward fans with the sweet sound of that goal horn?
