The New York Rangers (33-26-4) defeated the Washington Capitals (33-19-10) by the score of 6-0, last night. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...this team never ceases to amaze me. On a night they're playing without their best offensive and defensive players they play possibly their most complete game this season. Hard hitting, going to the net, man that was fun to watch.

...the tone was set immediately by Stepan (1g, 1a) who was throwing his body around like I've never seen before. Was his hit on Green an illegal blow to the head? Yep. And will he be suspended? Probably. But to be honest, I loved it. Sometimes you've got to play a little nasty out there. I think we all remember Messier skating around with his elbows up high.

...Christensen must have bought dinner for the team the night before because he's not going to see two easier goals the rest of his career.

...i know the goal was meaningless as far as the game goes, but I thought it was huge for Boyle to get a goal. He's been struggling offensively lately and this can really help his confidence. Same with Prospal, he needed one bad.

...i'm pretty sure McD isn't Jewish, but he definitely had his Bar Mitzvah last night as he became a man right before our eyes. The way he was able to hold his own against Ovechkin and the Caps top line all night should have every Rangers fan ridiculously pumped for this kid's future.

...Sauer is quickly becoming one of my favorite players. As much as Stepan's physical play set the tone I thought Sauers beat down of Chimera really fired the team up. And how sick was that pass on Christensen's first goal?

...oh yeah, league leading eighth shutout for Lundqvist.

....nice to see Eminger get one as he hasn't complained once for undeservedly being bannished to the press box.

...loving the five forwards on the power play.

...lets hope Fedotenko can return soon. Team really does play better with him in the lineup.

...off today then Bolts in town tomorrow.

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The New York Rangers (32-26-4, 68 pts.) visit the Washington Capitals (32-19-10, 74 pts.) at the Verizon Center tonight starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

Rangers Game Notes

TV: MSG 2; Radio: 1050AM ESPN Radio, XM205

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

McDonagh-Girardi
Del Zotto- Eminger
Gilroy-Sauer

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 24-20-4, 2.38 gaa, .920 sv%, 7 so.

Michal Neuvirth - 18-9-4, 2.45 gaa, .914 sv%, 3 so

Opponent Notes:
- Alex Ovechkin has three goals and three assists in his last four games. However, he has just three goals and three assists over the past 15 games home games.

- Washington is just 5-6-6 in its last 17 at home, although they are 13-2-3 over the last 18 home games against the Rangers.

- The fifth place Capitals (74 points) are just three points behind Southeast leading Tampa.

- Michael Neuvirth is coming off a 39 save shutout of the Penguins.

- Nicklas Backstrom (thumb) is expected to be in the Capitals lineup tonight, while Mike Green (illness) is questionable. Former Ranger Tom Poti (groin) is day-to-day (what else is new).

2010-11 Season Series:
Nov. 9 Rangers 3, Capitals 5 at MSG
Dec. 12 Rangers 7, Capitals 0 at MSG
Jan. 24 Rangers 2, Capitals 1 (SO) at Washington
Feb. 25 Rangers vs. Capitals at Washington

Opponent Blog:
Rock the Red

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John Tortorella pre-game presser courtesy of Jesse Spector at Blueshirt Blog...



Spector also reports that Glen Sather is on the road trip and was working the phones this morning. No new trade rumors surrounding Rangers.

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Kevin Clark at The Wall Street Journal (via Puck Daddy) chronicles the life of millionaire hockey players whose poor play has forced teams to banish them to the AHL including Wade Redden who at a salary of $6.5 million, earns the AHL's minimum salary of $37,500 in just over one period of play....

"As you might expect, the disparities in income on these teams now creates some unusual situations. In minor league hockey, there's a tradition known as "The Board," where players place small sums of money for the scorer of the game's game-winning goal to collect. Most nights, the board can be $100 or so. No longer. Redden has placed iPads on the board and Commodore has put up as much as $1,000...

...The NHL's waiver system makes it unlikely any of these players will be back in the big league anytime soon. If a player is picked up on waivers, both his new team and his old team must add half the player's salary to their salary cap total. For players like Redden, who signed a six-year guaranteed contract in 2008, that's a huge disincentive that has turned the AHL into hockey's version of a white-collar prison."

...that's actually pretty awesome that Redden and Commodore do that. Easy way to make friends on the team.

...h/t to reader John D. for the link.

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Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants says that Marc Staal’s twisted knee will keep him out of the Rangers lineup against the Capitals. Meaning Steve Eminger moves back in and will play with Michael Del Zotto. Ryan McDonagh moves up to play with Dan Girardi while Matt Gilroy will be paired with Michael Sauer.

...i actually really like the balance of these pairings. Would still rather Staal be in there, but I like what Torts has done.

Staal on the injury...

"It just wasn't where Rammer (trainer Jim Ramsey) liked it so we decided to take it off," said Staal, who rode a stationary bike and walked with a slight limp. "It's more of a day to day thing. Jim didn't want to risk hurting it more unnecessarily if I'm not ready to go."

In positive injury news, Ruslan Fedotenko will be back in the Rangers' lineup for the first time since separating his left shoulder on Jan. 19, followed by an appendectomy on Feb. 2. Kris Newbury was placed on waivers so he could be sent down to the CT Whale.

Fedotenko on his injury...

"I feel better with every day, I'm getting my timing, my conditioning my strength back, strength in both my shoulder and my abs," Fedotenko said. "I feel need to play to help and contribute to the team."

...Rangers were 6-8-1 with Feds out of the lineup so it will be nice to have him back.

Henirk Lundqvist will get his sixth straight start.

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Classic video of Sean Avery giving a Devils fan the business (via Puck Central)...



...how can you not love Avery? Wish he'd be doing a little bit more of the this on the ice. He hasn't been getting under the skin of opponents lately.

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Derek Stepan has been ranked #9 in the recent Hockey's Future Calder Trophy poll for the month of February...

"Perhaps one of the more surprising rookies this season, Derek Stepan has been quietly putting together an extremely strong and steady freshman campaign. In his first season of pro hockey, Stepan has seen his responsibilities continue to increase as he becomes more and more comfortable with the pace of the NHL. In 62 games thus far, he has tallied 16 goals and 34 points, placing him third on the Rangers and tied for fifth among all rookies. Although he started his NHL career with a hat trick in his first game, Stepan has become more consistent as the year has gone by. The Rangers are battling in a division with Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but still have a good shot at returning to the post season after missing the playoffs last year. Injuries have ripped through New York's lineup all season long and players like Stepan, who has yet to miss a game, are the glue that is keeping the Blueshirts together."

...consistency is key for every rookie. Continuing to work equally as hard during the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. And there is no doubt that we've seen Stepan do just that. Couldn't be more excited about his future with the Rangers. I leek like I say that every time I post about a Rangers rookie or prospect. Which is a good thing.

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Bergen Record - Injury may sideline Marc Staal

New York Post - Bad time for streak to Staal

Daily News - Staal's status hinges on A.M. skate

Newsday - The Rangers' Brad Richards dilemma

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Update, 5:25 p.m.:
Harvey Fialkov at the Sun Sentinal tweets that he just got off phone with McCabe's agent and nothing is imminent. Adds that McCabe's weighing his options and hasn't waived no-trade yet.

...i thought this was a done deal? God, I love deadline time!!!!

Original Post:
George Richards at On Frozen Pond (Miami Herald Blog) reports that word is the Rangers and Panthers are close to finalizing a deal for Bryan McCabe.

...so hard to comment on these rumors without knowing who's going back. While I'm all for the youth movement if the Rangers can get McCabe for nothing why not? As long as it doesn't come at the expense of McD, Sauer and MDZ ice time.

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Update, 4:47 p.m.:
Torts post practice presser courtesy of Spector...



Update, 3:41 p.m.:
Benoit Allaire working with Henrik Lundqvist and Marty Biron at practice this afternoon...



Update, 3:21 p.m.:
According to Torts, Gaborik is having some blood tests done to see if there are any "deficiencies".

Update, 3:17 p.m.:
In other injury news, John Tortorella says it is possible that Fedotenko returns to the Rangers lineup tomorrow.

While, Marian Gaborik is feeling better, but Torts is not sure if he's symptom-free, or when he might return.

Update, 3:11 p.m.:
Marc Staal says his knee still feels sore, and will see if he can test it out tomorrow for morning skate before deciding if he can play or not.

Staal adds that he had no problem with brother Eric's hit on him. However, Mrs. Staal is still steamed.

Original Post:
Larry Brooks reports that Marc Staal (knee) is not on the ice practicing this afternoon.

...say it with me everyone: it's just a maintenance day, it's just a maintenance day, it's just a maintenance day.

Today's lines courtesy of Jesse Spector...

Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Wolski-Stepan-Zuccarello
Prospal-Christensen-Boyle
Avery-Newbury-Prust

Spector adds that Ruslan Fedotenko is skating as an extra with the fourth line.

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