After coming alive against Tampa Bay last time out, the Rangers (4-6-1) face the Washington Capitals (5-6-0) at MSG tonight. The last time that the Capitals won in New York was in January, 2004. That’s six straight wins for the Blueshirts at home for those of you keeping score.

Washington will be a good test for the Blueshirts powerplay which has run hot and cold…mostly cold, this season. When we last saw the Caps in NYC the home team potted three powerplay goals in the first period en route to a 3-1 win. With two tallies with the man advantage against the Bolts earlier this week, we’ll see if the Rangers powerplay can maintain its momentum.

After a two point night against Tampa, Brendan Shanahan finds himself one point away from 1,300 on his career. Heading into tonight’s game, Number 14 is 629-670-1299. Shanahan has two powerplay goals for the Blueshirts on the year to tie with Scott Gomez for the team lead. Sadly, after 11 games, neither Shanahan nor Gomez has scored an even-strength goal.

Washington demolished Toronto 7-1 on the road in its last game. Al Ovechkin (8-7-15) picked up two goals and one-time Jagr centreman Michael Nylander (4-7-11) picked up three assists in the game. Olaf Kolzig (4-3 .922SA) stopped 32-33 shots against the Leafs. If not for Kolzig’s play in the Caps previous tilt against the Blueshirts the score of that game may have been 7-1 for the Rangers. Olie the Goalie gave his mates a chance to get back in the game with his stellar play as the Rangers fired a season high 41 shots at him.

Let’s see if the Rangers have long memories and if anyone will remind Caps defender Brian Pothier that he can’t take vicious swings with his stick at other people’s ankle as he did last time out against Ryan Hollweg.

The trio of Avery, Straka and Callahan are still out of the lineup. It will be a game time decision if Sean Avery does play tonight. In the Caps sickbay is former Ranger Tom Poti with a groin injury. Also out for the DCers is Steve Eminger, Al Semin, and team captain Chris Clark.

ST.RANGER THINGS…Rangers are 4-1 when they score first…0-5-1 when opponents score first…powerplay is ranked 22^nd in league…penalty kill is ranked 4^th … PK has given up one goal in the last 23 opportunities.

We’ll have an update later tonight. Until then, Puck On!

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