Avery vs Brodeur - 2009 Edition

Tonight is just not another night at MSG. Tonight will be as close to a playoff atmosphere as you will get during the regular season.

The Avery vs Brodeur Show comes to town.

The Rangers are 2 points away from once again being out of the playoffs. The Devils are on a 4 game losing streak.

Do you think they need an extra motivation tonight? If the Rangers don't adjust and play smart, they will be humiliated at MSG.

In other related Ranger News -

• Michael Rosival is scheduled to begin skating again this week, and hopes to play Thursday vs Carolina
• Mike Sauer was sent back to the AHL, and the Rangers recalled Corey Potter.
• Torts is hoping the NHL looks into how bad the officiating has been concerning the calls for and against Sean Avery.

Speaking of bad/corrupt officiating. My buddy Joe ( who is the Max Kellerman of the forum ) from the New York Rangers Cafe , has come up with some interesting numbers concerning officiating during Penguins games :

Before Sidney was in the NHL, Penguins Power-play opportunity rank:

00-01: 15th
01-02: 19th
02-03: 16th
03-04: 10th

With Sidney in the NHL, Penguins Power-play opportunity rank:

05-06: 11th
06-07: 1st
07-08: 4th
08-09: 6th

and

In the last three seasons, whenever the Rangers play the Penguins the Rangers have been called for 43 minors in the 3rd period while the Penguins have been called for 29.