Pens vs Rangers Preview (4/5/12)

The Pens are 49-25-6 on the season with 104 points in the 4th seed of the Eastern Conference. The Rangers are 51-22-7 with 109 points in a 1st seed spot of Eastern Conference.

With a win over the Flyers on Tuesday, the Rangers have clinched both the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference lead.

The Rangers have won five games in their last six games, pulling them firmly into the lead.

Marian Gaborik has points in those last six games, getting six goals, four assist for a total of ten points. He has racked 41 goals for the current season.

His linemate Brad Richards has been a steady for the Rangers getting nine points in his last six games (one goal and eight assist).

Tortorella will probably rest goaltender Lundqvist. He has a injured right arm after absorbing a hard shot from Giroux during Tuesday's game. Giving the goaltender rest to gear up for the playoffs. Biron will likely start in the net.

More than just the Rangers top line has been producing. Third line centerman Brian Boyle has been good as the season whines down. The Rangers have gone 20-1-1 when he records a point in the game. He has started to get his scoring touch back at a key moment and wants to carry that to the playoffs. He is a great shot blocker also for the team. He will be a key factor in tonight's game.

For the Pens there is Geno. He is on a six-game point streak with three goals and seven assist. He has at least one point in twelve in his last thirteen games. He has pulled ahead of Stamkos by ten points in the NHL points lead and has all but clinched the Art Ross Trophy. He is still shy of his 50 goal mark and would only become the ninth player in franchise history to do so.

Sid has been on fire since his return with three goals and six assist to total nine points in his last three games. He has goals in four of his last seven games. Eight multiple point games in twelve games since his return. Has reached 604 points and now has sole possession of fifth place of the franchises all time points list (passed Jean Pronovost).

The Pens need two wins to clinch home ice advantage in the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. With a win tonight the Pens would have 50 wins for the second time in franchise history. Totaling a 106 tying last seasons. It would be the second highest total in franchise history, which is in 1992-93 with 119 points.

The Pens are 13-3-4 in last 20 games against the Rangers and 22-10-8 in last 40 overall meetings.

Brian Striat was recalled from WBS. Could be a sign that Niskanen will not play tonight.

Vitale is questionable for the game after taking a puck to the face from a Chara shot. Good news he is at practice today.





Injuries

Pens
Lovejoy with knee injury

Rangers
Mats Zuccarello with broken wrist
Steve Eminger with lower body injury
Michael Saver with concussion

Pens take on the Rangers tonight at 7:30pm at the Consol Energy Center!

Lets Go Pens!

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