The Rangers have a shot at redemption today (2:00pm – NBC) in Game 2 of their series with Pittsburgh. While it’s not a must win, going back to New York down 0-2 would be a tough situation.

If they are to put Game 1’s fiasco behind them, then it will be up to their defense to improve. The Rangers blueliners got caught twice immediately after goals by the Penguins, leading to two additional tallies.

They’ll also have to improve their performance in the second period. The Rangers have struggled much of the season with performances in the middle period, and that has continued into the post-season.

Apparently they will also try to drive the net more, which seems surprising given the number of goals scored, but we expect both teams to play better defensively, and perhaps Game 1 had a little to do with rust from the long layoffs.

The Penguins for their part will be looking for a better start. Pittsburgh gave up the first three goals in the game, and looked out of it at 0-3.

In a surprise move, it looks like Petr Prucha will make his first appearance of the post season. Prucha looks like he’ll replace Colton Orr in the line-up. The Penguins’ Gary Roberts could miss his second game, and is day to day.

The war of words over whether Sidney Crosby is a diver or not continues. Pittsburgh Head Coach Michel Therien jumped to the defense of his star forward, saying that enough is enough and that Crosby doesn’t dive.

The Rangers accused Crosby of going down easily on the penalty late (i.e. he embellished) in Game 1 that lead to the game winning goal on the power play. Therien vigorously denied the charge.

Both teams were apparently not happy with the ice at Mellon Arena in game one.

The Winnipeg Sun has an article on Sean Avery….Toronto should sign him in the off-season according to the Toronto Star…and the LA Times and Detroit Free Press have articles on his Vogue internship. And yes, there’s yet another article on his antics.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that the Rangers’ roster moves since the lockout have helped turn the club around.

We also have yet another Staal article that focuses on the parents of Jordan and Marc Staal.