Update, 11:20 p.m.:
In the wake of Lundqvist incident, Arthur Staple at Newsday says Martin Biron told him this morning that he is still three weeks away from having sling removed.

Lundqvist knows that how his neck feels when he wakes up tomorrow is going to be big test.

Update, 11:00 p.m.:
Lundqvist adds that the goal is for him to be ready Sunday.

Update, 10:57 p.m.:
Lundqvist says he has a very stiff neck and that he can't turn side to side.

He won't skate tomorrow and is not sure if he can play Sunday.

There are no concussion worries.

...sounds like all good news to me. Get a heat pad on the neck and let's get ready for Pittsburgh.

Original Post:
During his post game press conference John Tortorella said Henrik Lundqvist was ok and he had no problem with the Canadiens' Benoit Pouliot going hard to the net.

However, Jesse Spector at the Daily News wonders how someone who is supposed to be ok is still getting treatment almost an hour and a half after the game.

...unless something's broke, which I don't suspect, expect Hank in there on Sunday in Pittsburgh.

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The New York Rangers (38-30-4) defeated the Montreal Canadiens (39-26-7) by the score of 6-3, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...i had this whole awesome first thought about the Rangers surge, but with Hank's health in question it's kind of hard to get too excited right now. This may not be a popular stance, but I didn't think it was a dirty play by Pouliot more a result of the Eminger hit.

...having said that, Rangers are rolling at the right time and it's real fun to watch.

...a five goal first and to me the biggest play of the period was the Prust fight one second into the game. Really got the crowd and team into it. Also his pass to spring the 3-on-1 that led to the Boyle goal was a very under-rated play. BTW how awesome is the above pic of Prust?

...4g, 4a since trade deadline for AA, looks like Sather made the right move not trading him away for Richards, who has just one goal since the deadline.

...hope Avery was watching Subban tonight, because that's exactly how he needs to play.

...slowly but surely, Gaborik is finally starting to heat up.

...Dubinsky's numbers tonight, 1a, +2, 4 hits and 13-for-17 on faceoffs. Not too bad.

...another power play goal. Remember when we were calling for the Rangers to decline them?

...it really is so nice to finally see a guy step in there when Hank gets run over. Sauer continues to impress.

...Prospal with the quietest 8-game scoring streak (2g, 8a) I've ever seen. Missing more than half the season is really going to benefit the 36-year-old down the stretch and hopefully in the playoffs.

...nice to see the Rangers finally able to play physical with the speedy Canadiens and keep them from their run and gun style that always gives the Blueshirts problems.

...off tomorrow then on to Pittsburgh to take on the Crosby and Malkinless Pens.

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Update, 5:21 p.m.:
John Tortorella pre game presser courtesy of Jesse Spector at The Blueshirts Blog...



Original Post:
The New York Rangers (37-30-4, 78 pts., 7th in East) host the Montreal Canadiens (39-25-7, 85 pts., 6th in East) at MSG tonight starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

Rangers Game Notes

TV: MSG2; Radio: 970AM The Apple, XM 204 (For MSG2 listings click here)

Probable Lines:
Gaborik-Christensen-Prospal
Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Wolski-Stepan-Zuccarello
Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust

Staal-Girardi
McDonagh-Sauer
McCabe-Eminger

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 29-24-4, 2.34 gaa, .921 sv%, 9 so.

Carey Price - 33-23-6, 2.32 gaa, .924 sv%, 8 so.

Opponent Notes:
- The Canadiens have defeated the Rangers in five straight games outscoring them 16-4.

- Carey Price is 5-1-0 with a 1.33 goals-against average and two shutouts in his last six road games..

- Canadiens leading scorer Tomas Plekanec will miss his second straight game with a lower body injury.

- Former Ranger Nigel Dawes, playing his first game as a Canadien, scored in the shootout to help the Habs defeat the Lightning last night.

- Andrei Kostitsyn has five goals and six assists in his last 11 games.

- Another former Ranger Scott Gomez has just one goal in his last 29 games.

2010-11 Season Series:
Jan. 11 Rangers 1, Canadiens 2 at MSG
Jan. 15 Rangers 2, Canadiens 3 at Montreal
Feb. 5 Rangers 0, Canadiens 2 at Montreal
March 18 Rangers vs. Canadiens at MSG

Opponent Blog:
Habs Addict

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Steve Zipay at Blue Notes tells us that the Rangers magic number is down to 19. Which is the number of points that would guarantee them a postseason spot, regardless of tiebreakers.

Zipay adds that with 11 games left, the Rangers could guarantee themselves a playoff spot by going 9-1-1 or 8-0-3 the rest of the way. The magic number also decreases every time the ninth-place team loses.

Zipay also posts the remaining schedule for the Rangers, Carolina and Buffalo.

...at this point we should all be used to the Rangers fighting tooth and nail to secure a playoff spot. I'm almost numb to it.

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The Michigan Hockey Twitter feed announces that Rangers propsect Carl Hagelin (2007 - 6th) was named CCHA best defensive forward during an award ceremony last night.

Here's a pic of him during the ceremony...


The Detroit News has an outstanding feature on Hagelin today.

...can't wait for the Rangers to finally sign this guy. Hope he's able to get in a few AHL playoff games this year.

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Update, 11:42 a.m.:
Avery on why he's scratched tonight...

"I guess probably my discipline, penalties last game."

Original Post:
Jesse Spector tweets that both Sean Avery and Matt Gilroy were at this morning's optional practice meaning that thy're most likely healthy scratches tonight against Montreal.

...i love Avery but I have no problem with Torts' thinking here.

...i usually kill Torts on his handling of Avery, but he really is in a tough position. It's obvious that he doesn't like 'The Grate one', but neither do the refs. So even when Avery is trying to be on his best behavior he's getting called for unfair penalties and Torts can't have a guy out there who could be putting the team in difficult situations whether it's his fault or not.

Also on the ice are Boogaard, Anisimov, Prospal, Christensen, Sauer and Chad Johnson.

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This awesome photo shopped picture of Brandon Prust was created and sent to me by TheNYRBlog reader Justin...


As always please continue to e-mail ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) your Rangers related pictures to me so I can post them.

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Bergen Record - Rangers look to move pass Habs in playoff race

Daily News - Torts concerned about Habs' quickness

Newsday - Rangers set to try and solve Canadiens

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Rangers defenseman Bryan McCabe and alternate captain Ryan Callahan discuss the upcoming game vs. Montreal following a March 17 practice at the Training Center.

...love staring at Callahan's cup over his right shoulder the entire interview.


Rangers head coach John Tortorella speaks with reporters after a March 17 practice.

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Update, 12:47 p.m.:
Lundqvist will wear Heritage mask tomorrow but the new bedazzler one the rest of the way.

Gross says the healthy scratch for tomorrow's game will likely come down to Avery, Wolski and Zuccarello.

Update, 12:31 p.m.:
Ryan Callahan on the state of the team...

"You can feel the confidence in the room, you can feel it grow...everyone is chipping in..we are playing exactly we need to"

Henrik Lundqvist on the Rangers next opponent the Canadiens...

"The past two home games we have played real confident...need to keep that up bc Montreal is a solid team"

Original Post:
Lines courtesy of Andrew Gross...

Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Prospal-Christensen-Gaborik
Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust
Wolski/Avery-Stepan-Zuccarello

All seven defensemen are on the ice as well.

...looks like for the time being the healthy scratch is going to alternate between Avery and Wolski.

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