New York Rangers hopeful for victory against Pittsburgh Penguins – NHL Preview
After facing a humiliating defeat against Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins will have to work really hard against National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference’s leaders, New York Rangers.
The unexpected defeat faced by the Penguins has made Rangers favourites to win the game on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Since both the teams are in the safe zone, a thrilling matchup is on the cards. Here is a look at both the teams.
Penguins
Penguins entered this month with an eight-game winning run, which was snapped as soon as they played the first game this month.
After maintaining the long commendable run, Penguins failed to live up to the expectations and have lost five out of nine games played in this month.
Against Sabres, they were miserable and scored their first goal when the Sabres had already got three.
Penguins tried to hit back and scored another to reduce the deficit to only one goal, but Sabres managed three more goals to get the decisive four-goal advantage.
Penguins’ coach, Dan Bylsma, said after the game:
“It was a letdown for our team. We knew exactly what team we were playing and what they could do and how they were going to play. We didn't execute and play that way. And early on, we gave up good opportunities, which they capitalised."
Penguins are ranked at sixth spot in the Eastern Conference with 71 points after 59 games.
Rangers
Rangers have only lost two games this month and do have a strong justification for holding the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
After playing 57 games, they have 81 points.
The last victory came against Columbus Blue Jackets, who scored a goal in the final period to add spice to the game.
Rangers got a lead in the first period with the help of Brad Richards’ goal. Both the teams got a goal each in the second period, while the Blue Jackets were the only one to score in the final period as they levelled the score, 2-2.
In overtime, however, Rangers scored a goal to get the victory.
Rangers’ coach, John Tortorella, said after the game:
"We handled ourselves well. I don't think there was any panic, and we make a h**l of a play in the overtime to score the winner."
Predictions
Rangers are favourites.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams is expected to be more than six.
If Penguins’ win, the winning margin will be two goals or less.
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