The Return of “The Great”

Apparently there’s a memo circulating around the NHL telling injured star players that they should come back against the Rangers.  As luck, or conspiracy, would have it, the Rangers take on the Washington Capitals tonight with Alexander Ovechkin in the lineup.  But, Alex Semin might not play…so, we’ve got that going for us!

Either way, it’s not going to be the same beat up Caps that have been struggling the past couple of weeks.  Semyon Varlamov is in net, so the Rangers go up against the Washington goaltender that doesn’t have a cute nickname indicating how many goals he typically allows.  Apparently, Jose Three-Or-More has some personal business to attend to, so he’s not on the trip.

The Rangers are 3-7-2 in their last 12 games and are beginning to fade as the Devils, Penguins, and Flyers all continue to play winning hockey.  The team is now tied for least amount of points in the Atlantic with 23.   The month of November doesn’t end easily for the team either.  To close it out, the Rangers play two against Pittsburgh, one against Columbus, and one against Tampa Bay.  There are two games in there against Florida that are must wins, but other than that it’s going to be a bumpy end to the month if the Rangers don’t get their act together.

They’ve had two days of rest since their OT win against Ottawa, so hopefully some of the minor injuries have healed.  But, the Rangers had four days of rest before Atlanta and played flat, that can’t happen tonight.  The Rangers need to come out strong and not give A.O. a chance to acclimate himself back to the ice.  Early and often is the key for the Rangers tonight.  Oh, and it wouldn’t hurt to stick it to that Varlamov kid either.