Game 59 Preview: You CAN'T Have Our Nash!
Columbus Blue Jackets at New York Rangers
February 19, 2012 - 8:00pm EST
Madison Square Garden - New York, New York
Radio - WBNS FM 97.1 -- TV - Fox Sports Ohio
Opponent's Blog: Blueshirt Banter
What can be said after yesterday's crap-fest? Play better? Don't turn the puck over 462 times a game? Steve Mason, how about working on stopping pucks instead of picking fights with opposing fans?
The main focus of tonight's game in New York, to me, centers around the trade winds swirling around Columbus. Rick Nash is on the block, and one of the rumored destinations for him is these New York Rangers. With the package that's been discussed, color me unimpressed. Hence, my title.
Seriously. Dubinsky, a prospect, and a first rounder? A third liner with 25 points--on the best team in the East, no less--a prospect, and a late first round pick? If you do this, Howson, you are dead to me.
I digress.
The Blue Jackets get to see former mate Anton Stralman. Try to contain your excitement! Nash and perhaps Jeff Carter may be auditioning for their future team. Columbus looks to be without James Wisniewski today, and doesn't get any of their other injured dudes back. Buckle up.
Projected Lineups
Columbus Blue Jackets
(17-35-6, 40 Points; 5th division, 15th conference)
| R.J. Umberger | Derick Brassard | Rick Nash |
| Vinny Prospal | Jeff Carter | Mark Letestu |
| Derek Dorsett | Samuel Pahlsson | Antoine Vermette |
| Ryan Russell | Derek MacKenzie | Colton Gillies |
| Fedor Tyutin | Brett Lebda |
| Aaron Johnson | John Moore |
| Grant Clitsome | David Savard |
| Steve Mason |
| Allen York |
New York Rangers
(37-14-5, 79 Points; 1st Division, 1st Conference)
| Artem Anisimov | Derek Stepan | Marian Gaborik |
| Carl Hagelin | Brad Richards | Ryan Callahan |
| Brandon Dubinsky | Brian Boyle | Brandon Prust |
| Mike Rupp | John Mitchell | Stu Bickel |
| Ryan McDonagh | Dan Girardi |
| Michael Del Zotto | Anton Stralman |
| Marc Staal | Steve Eminger |
| Henrik Lundqvist |
| Martin Biron |
Season Series
This is the only meeting between the two teams this season.
Head to Head
New York Columbus 2.77 (11) GPG 2.26 (28) 1.96 (2) GAPG 3.22 (29) 14.3% (27) PP% 16.1% (20) 87.4% (5) PK% 75.5% (30) Marian Gaborik, 27 G leader Rick Nash, 18 Derek Stepan, 26 A leader Vinny Prospal, 25 Marian Gaborik, 49 Pts leader Rick Nash, 39 Brandon Prust, 116 PIM leader Derek Dorsett, 175 18-7-2 Home/Road 7-19-3 2/16 vs. Chicago, L 4-2 Last Game 2/18 vs. Chicago, L 6-1 7-2-1 Last 10 4-6-0
- I have no notes to add here. After sitting through the entirety of yesterday's crotch-slug of a game, I don't have much to say. Don't play like that, perhaps? Try harder? Ugh. Hold on to your butts.