Here we go - another first for the New Blue Review - my first Blue Preview where I'll give you a little information about the Rangers and their opponent prior to that night's game, including who to watch for.
Tonight, the Blueshirts travel to Hollywood...OK, Los Angeles and take on a team that many people are considering as Stanley Cup Contenders. The Kings come into tonight with a 1-1-0 record, defeating Minnesota on opening night in a shootout and losing to the Winnipeg Jets 5-3 last Friday. The Kings are one of the biggest teams in the league, so the Men In Blue have made some lineup adjustments. In comes Arron Asham, who earned his way back onto the roster with a strong training camp, and out goes Jesper Fast for tonight.
Also in tonight is the Captain, Ryan Callahan. He makes his debut after recovering from off-season shoulder surgery. The Rangers will certainly welcome back his overall Callahan-esque play on the PK, the PP and even strength.
This caught me by surprise, but the Rangers have sent down forward JT Miller after the Phoenix loss. AV wants him to get steady minutes, and apparently he is, as he scored 2 goals in the Hartford WolfPack (which is a much better name than the Connecticut Whale ever was) victory the other night, a 4-1 win that also saw Chris Kreider and Danny Kristo score. Granted, Miller didn't distinguish himself the other night in Phoenix, but the whole line struggled. Either way, the 20 year old should get a little seasoning and be ready for when he's inevitably called back up.
WHO TO WATCH - LOS ANGELES KINGS
Jonathan Quick - Goaltender. There are many who thought Quick should have won the Vezina 2 years ago when a certain King (not in LA, but in NY) won it. Quick is one of the best in the business, and will more than likely lead the USA contingent in the Olympics. The Rangers will have to work to get their offense on one of the premier goalies in the game.
Anze Kopitar - Forward. All around, the Kings best skill player is the Slovenian Kopitar. Silky smooth, plenty of size, Kopitar is the real deal.
Drew Doughty - Defense. It's a matter of when, not if, Doughty will win the Norris trophy. Ridiculous offensive skills, can hold his own defensively. The Rangers have their work cut out for them.
Mike Richards - Forward. No matter who he plays for, he is a pesky player with a high skill level. May even drop the gloves - he used to fight Brandon Dubinsky all the time when Dubi was a Ranger and Richards was a Flyer.
WHO TO WATCH - NEW YORK RANGERS
Henrik Lundqvist - Goaltender. The King wants to rebound from a very pedestrian effort in Phoenix and who better to do it against than Quick?
Ryan Callahan - Forward. Welcome back Captain Cally. The leadership of the Captain should be front and center.
Arron Asham - Forward. You know the aggressive Asham wants to make a statement in his first game of the season. Expect Asham to throw the body, and the hands if need be.
There you have it - drink your Red Bull or coffee because the game starts at 10:30 PM EST.
Until next time....BLEED BLUE.
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