Must Win Game

The Rangers enter tonight's crucial contest against a hot Carolina team who are winners of six of their last seven games. The two critical points on the table MUST be won because with 5 games left to play and teams breathing down their backs, their isn't any room for error. Now is the time for the Rangers to make a statement and put a winning streak together. Nothing is scarier than a team entering the playoffs with confidence.

A win tonight would move the Rangers into a tie for sixth place with Carolina. A loss and a Montreal win tonight in Long Island would move the Rangers down to 8th place.

Carolina has been playing great lately winning at home and on the road. The building will be loud and the Rangers need to shut them down early and suck the wind out of the building. The players need to be sharp in all three zones, aggressive on the forecheck, and play a physical road game. And yes, the power play must be a factor.

Henrik Lundqvist will be between the pipes for the Blueshirts and Cam Ward will be in net for the Hurricanes.

Keys to the Game

Henrik Lundqvist

Gomez-Avery-Callahan line

The Power Play - Sometimes Power play goals are the difference in winning and loosing games.

The Two Nik's - Both Antropov and Zherdev have been putting up points and are now being centered by Chris Drury. The team will need Antropov to continue to use his size especially around the net and Zherdev to keep shooting the puck.

Notes: Rozsival OUT Potter IN. After a hard workout in this morning's optional skate, Rozsival said, " The knee feels fine, right now it's getting back to game shape, to play at a high level, especially at this time of year. I think it's best for the team right now."