NBCSN will continue its coverage of the 2014-15 campaign with Wednesday’s second game as the Anaheim Ducks host the New York Rangers at the Honda Center at 10:30 p.m. ET. In addition to NBCSN, you can also watch the game and pre-show online.
As impressive as the New York Rangers have been in rattling off 10 wins in their last 11 games, today’s road contest against the Anaheim Ducks represents the beginning of their truest test yet.
There isn’t a gimme in the Rangers next seven games, but this week stands as the largest challenge, as the Rangers visit the Ducks tonight, the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday and then close out a California churn by facing the Sharks in San Jose on Saturday.
The Ducks are off to another strong start. They’ve won two in a row, and while many victories have come by slim enough margins that they aren’t exactly puffing out their chests, they can really sock away standings points. There are four games remaining on this current eight-game homestand, and three of those matches put them against East opponents.
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The two teams bring plenty of offensive firepower to the table. Rick Nash continues his explosive 2014-15 season, while he’s supported by quality scorers including Martin St. Louis, Derek Stepan and Derrick Brassard. As usual, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry generate MVP-like work for the Ducks most evenings.
Anaheim’s becoming something of a factory for young defensemen, especially Sami Vatanen and Cam Fowler. Grizzled Rangers veteran Dan Boyle’s beginning to pay dividends while promising blueliner Ryan McDonagh also seems to be finding his game.
Assuming that the Rangers roll with Henrik Lundqvist and the Ducks give Frederik Andersen the nod, we’ll see two goalies who seem to be on the top of their games, even if they boast very different resumes.
These two teams don’t see each other often, yet it could be quite an aesthetically pleasing contest, especially if both attacks are in strong form.