Rangers Pregame: Tortorella returns, Sanguinetti arrives, Scouting the Bolts
The Rangers have won two in a row. If they win tonight, in the immortal words of Lou Brown in Major League 2: "That's called a winning streak, it has happened before."
It won't be an easy task against the Lightning, who have a 5-1-4 record at home this year, and are 5-2-3 in their last ten games.
As we told you yesterday, Bobby Sanguinetti was brought up from the Hartford Wolfpack, and will make his NHL debut tonight in place of Wade Redden, who is expected to miss a week with an apparent shoulder injury. Looks like Sangs will pair with Gilroy, with Gilroy moving to the left side.
Ales Kotalik and Henrik Lundqvist are playing tonight, according to Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants.
Lines for tonight are about the same as Wednesday night, with Kotalik sliding into Voros' spot probably:
Christopher Higgins-Vinny Prospal-Marian Gaborik
Sean Avery-Artem Anisimov-P.A. Parenteau
Enver Lisin-Chris Drury-Ryan Callahan
Donald Brashear-Brian Boyle-Ales Kotalik/Aaron Voros
The Tampa Tribune has a story on John Tortorella that shows his other side.
Don't forget, while the focus has been on Torts' coming back to Tampa, Vinny Prospal will also be returning to the St. Pete Times Forum for the first time since the Lightning bought out his contract. I think we can expect him to play with a big chip on his shoulder tonight as well.
Ok. let's take a look at the Bolts after the jump.......
Lightning Leading Scorer:
Lightning Record: 9-6-7 (3rd place, Southeast Division)
Head Coach: Rick Tocchet
SBNation home of the Tampa Bay Lightning: Raw Charge
Notes from Yahoo Sports:
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After making his season debut on Sunday in Atlanta, defenseman Mike Lundin was sent back to AHL Norfolk on Monday, only to be recalled to Tampa on Wednesday to play against Toronto. Because of his contract status, Ludin is not subject to waivers until he either spends 30 days with Tampa or appears in 10 games.
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Tampa Bay suffered its first regulation loss in 10 homes games at the hands of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Lightning are the last team in the Eastern conference to suffer a home loss in regulation.
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A 4-3 loss to Toronto is the first time Tampa Bay has lost in regulation to the Leafs in 11 games. The Lightning had been 8-0-2 in the previous 10 meetings.
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The four goals allowed by goaltender Antero Niittymaki against Toronto matched a season high Niittymaki had done one other time on Oct. 17 in Pittsburgh. The loss was also the second this season suffered in regulation by Niittymaki in 11 starts.
Lightning co-owner subject to probe. (Toronto Globe and Mail)
The Lightning are coming off a loss at home to the Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-3 on Wednesday night (yikes). Cassie over at Raw Charge has the full recap.
Things to watch for:
The Rangers penalty kill is now first overall, which will make it tough on Tampa's struggling power play.
The Lightning's penalty has also been bad, they are 25th overall in the league. Rangers power play is 8th overall. Rangers look to have a big edge on special teams.
Rangers are 9-3-0 when they score first, Tampa is 6-1-2 when they get on the board before their opponent.
The Lightning have three different players averaging better than a point a game: Ryan Malone, Martin St.Louis, and Steven Stamkos. And oh yeah, Vincent Lecavalier is pretty good too.
Mike Smith is 0-2-1 lifetime against the Rangers, with a GAA of 2.92. Henrik Lundqvist is 4-0 for his career vs. Tampa with an astounding GAA of 1.48.
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Comments
Redden
Even if it is under these circumstances, I’m looking forward to a Redden-less blue line. Hopefully Sanguinetti brings his A game tonight.
by mbadessa on Nov 27, 2009 3:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Mike Smith in net tonight? How about another hat trick for Drury like he did last year. It would be a nice way to get out of this scoring slump.
by Bkoz on Nov 27, 2009 3:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I foresee a three point night for Prospal, if Tampa is lucky.
I can’t wait to see Sangs.
I’m also interested in seeing Stamkos. I know the super sophomore is doing wonders for my fantasy squad, but I have yet to see him play.
by XLII on Nov 27, 2009 4:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
BOLTS...VINNIE...STAMKOS...TORTS
I know torts and vinnie are going to be itching to beat the piss out of the teams that gave them the boot after much success. Something to worry about is that the lightning are finally playing up their potential, especailly stamkos. I say vinny to pot a hat trick tonight. what you guys think?
by louielounz1 on Nov 27, 2009 4:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
I say...
Gabby nets 3 with prospal with the primary assist on all three and vinny gets the empty net goal
by nutz_35 on Nov 27, 2009 6:08 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough ..but what kind of response is Torts going to recieve from the fans i wonder?
by louielounz1 on Nov 27, 2009 6:13 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

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