Hurricanes at Rangers
THE STORY: The New York Rangers have been one of the best teams in the NHL over the first month due mainly to a strong defense backed up by goalie Henrik Lundqvist. But during their current five-game winning streak, the top line has really stepped up. Artem Anisimov, Derek Stepan and Marian Gaborik are gelling to the tune of 22 combined points over the last five games. The Carolina Hurricanes are streaking in the opposite direction with three consecutive setbacks. While the Hurricanes are having some trouble finding the back of the net, the bigger problem is a defense that has allowed a total of 13 goals in the last three contests. The Rangers will be looking to take advantage of those holes when they host Carolina on Friday.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSCR (Carolina), MSG (New York)
ABOUT THE HURRICANES (5-7-3): All-Star goaltender Cam Ward has allowed 12 goals in his last three starts - all losses. He was pulled after 24 minutes in a 5-2 loss to Dallas on Sunday. The defense has not done the goaltenders many favors for Carolina, as it has allowed at least 30 shots in five of the last six games. The Hurricanes have played the last three without left wing Jussi Jokinen due to a lower body injury. The Finland native could return on Friday.
ABOUT THE RANGERS (8-3-3): The top line had seven points in Wednesday’s 3-2 win at Ottawa, with Gaborik tallying twice. The new lineup has pushed Brad Richards to the second line, where the star center has been held without a point in three of the last four games. Lundqvist and Martin Biron have proven to be a strong tandem in goal, with each riding a three-start winning streak.
OVERTIME:
1. Carolina captain Eric Staal does not have a point in six straight games and has not scored a goal since Oct. 18.
2. Gaborik has 14 points - seven goals - in 14 career games against the Hurricanes.
3. New York and Carolina split four meetings last season, with two going past regulation.