Rangers News, Notes and Game Preview

Happy 85th Birthday to the New York Americans, who died in 1942, shortly after putting "The Curse" on our beloved Rangers. The Americans made their debut 85 years ago tonight, against the Montreal Canadiens.

On Dec. 15, 1925, professional hockey made its debut in New York before a capacity crowd of 17,000 at the grand opening of Madison Square Garden. Regimental bands and the Montreal Canadiens were on the ice for the first N.H.L. game in the city, and hundreds of New York’s society elite in tuxedos and gowns filled the most expensive seats.

From CBS Sports:

Sidney Crosby's personal streak is still going, but the Pittsburgh Penguins' string of victories is not after a tight loss to an Atlantic Division foe.

They'll try to bounce back by extending a pretty impressive run against another rival.

The Penguins have earned 20 points from their last 11 meetings with the New York Rangers, a stretch Crosby looks to help his team continue at home Wednesday night as he tries to record a point in a career-high 20th consecutive game.

Pittsburgh (21-9-2) went into Philadelphia on Tuesday with a 12-game winning streak, one its captain had largely made possible with an 18-game point streak in which he'd amassed 20 goals and 16 assists.

The Rangers (18-13-1) should be rested and ready, though, after shutting down one of the league's most dangerous attacks Sunday. New York's offense wasn't bad, either, scoring four goals during a nine-minute stretch in the second period of a 7-0 rout of Washington.

"I think from a team aspect everyone was going," center Brian Boyle told the Rangers' official website. "Everyone contributed. This was a fun one."

New York should get a big emotional boost Wednesday. Captain Chris Drury, who has missed all but one period this season with a left index finger he's broken twice, is expected to play for the first time since Oct. 15.

"Getting Dru back on the ice and back for the games is huge for us," defenseman Marc Staal said. "He will help us in so many ways. And we're all very excited to have him back in the lineup."

Drury is expected to skate on a line with Sean Avery and either Todd White or Erik Christensen.

Derek Boogaard did not accompany the Rangers to Pittsburgh, his shoulder is still bothering him.

CBS Sportsline has the Rangers ranked 7th in their latest power rankings.

Maybe the Rangers will get a power play tonight. Maybe.

It will be interesting to see if anything happens between Crosby and Brandon Dubinsky and/or Ryan Callahan, after the slew foot Crosby laid on Cally, and the war of words between Crosby and Dubinsky.

Speaking of Dubi, here is a nice story from the Litchfield County Times about Brandon visiting a junior prep school in Connecticut to work with the boys and girls hockey teams. Well done Dubi!

Fellas, need a last minute Christmas present for the woman in your life? How about a Liberty jersey dress?

See you guys tonight in the game thread