The Rangers lost to the Florida Panthers by a score of 2-1 last night. Anton Stralman made his debut for the Rangers, but was unable to help on the power play. After going down 2-0, Gaborik set up Stepan for a sweet goal, and provided the glimmer of a comeback. All hopes were ended just a short time later when Andre Deveaux elbowed Fleischmann in the head and earned a himself a match penalty and a five minute penalty kill for his team. Deveaux will likely be suspended after his mandatory meeting with Brendan Shanahan today at 2 pm. As always, Henrik Lundqvist was the best penalty killer for the Rangers. Even though there were a few more chances for both teams, the goalies proved themselves up to the task and the game ended 2-1. The Rangers are now faced with the decision of who to call up to replace Deveaux after he receives his inevitable suspension. If the Rangers were to call up Carl Hagelin or mats Zuccarello, they would have to receive sufficent amount of ice time to be effective and develop their game. In this situation, there just might be some line shuffling. Artem Anisimov has been ineffective on the GAS line recently, so I am in favor of putting either Hagelin or Zuccarello on the top line.
Other News-The Rangers Winter Classic jersey will be revealed on Monday. Jaromir Jagr will not play against the Rangers on Saturday due to a groin injury. Brendan Bell of the Connecticut Whale scored his second overtime winner in the Whale's 3-2 victory over the Pirates. Goals were scored by Blake Parlett, JAM (shorthanded), and Brendan Bell. Tim Erixon assisted on all three Whale goals, John Mitchell had two assets and Carl Hagelin had one.
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