Senators at Rangers
Fortunately for the New York Rangers, there was some rest for the weary in the form of a much-needed three-day holiday break following a pair of lopsided defeats. After being rendered defenseless by Pittsburgh and Minnesota, the Rangers will attempt to get back on track when they host another hot team in the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night.
The mini-break gave New York a chance to get its second wind after permitting seven goals in back-to-back games for the first time since the opening month of the 1987-88 season. "I think the best thing right now is to get away, get a breather and regroup," said goaltender Henrik Lundqvist after a premature exit against the Wild. Ottawa comes to town holding down second place in the Atlantic Division and in search of a season-high fifth consecutive victory. The Senators won their first visit to Madison Square Garden this season, blanking the Rangers 2-0 on Nov. 27.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, RDS2, TSN5 (Ottawa), MSG (New York)
ABOUT THE SENATORS (20-11-3): Despite the hot streak, Ottawa was embracing the notion of three days away from the ice, especially netminder Mike Condon, who has appeared in 11 consecutive games. “You look around the room and everybody needs a rest,” Condon said. “I think all of us right now, with the condensed schedule, need those couple of days to recharge the batteries.” Ex-Ranger Derick Brassard, acquired in an offseason trade in exchange for Mika Zibanejad, has scored in three of the past four games.
ABOUT THE RANGERS (23-12-1): Lost in the drubbing by Minnesota was a stellar performance by the line of Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello, who combined for three goals and six assists. “I’m still very confident in this group and that we’re a good hockey club, but there needs to be some serious thought through this break,” Stepan said. “Two games and we were not even in the ballpark. Not even close." Stepan and Zuccarello each have five points during their respective three-game point streaks.
OVERTIME
1. Lundqvist is 15-17-3 against Ottawa despite a 2.08 goals-against average.
2. Condon has permitted seven goals in his last four appearances, but was pierced for five goals in his lone career start versus the Rangers.
3. New York is 0-for-12 on the power play over the past six games.