Open Game Thread: Blue Jackets vs Rangers

After five days off to get away from the game, the Rangers are back in action tonight, as they welcome John Tortorella and his Columbus Blue Jackets into the world's most famous arena. After making headlines by extending their beloved head coach in the wee hours of the night, New York will look to start the stretch run on the right foot by earning two points against their division rivals.

On the other side of the ledger, Columbus was in the midst of a slight tailspin before heading into the break. The Blue Jackets have lost seven of their last twelve games in regulation, after going pointless in only five of their first 34 games. Since going on a sixteen game winning streak that spanned parts of November, December, and January, Columbus has gone 5-7 and ceded control of the Metropolitan Division to the Washington Capitals.

With a tonight's meeting being a potential first round playoff matchup, it should be interesting to see how the teams come out of the locker room for their first game action in nearly a week. Will Alain Vigneault be able to immediately make good on his new contract extension? Or will the man he replaced come into New York and swipe two points out from under the Rangers' nose?

Enjoy the game!