LA KINGS (32-18-3) at NY RANGERS (31-18-5)
TONIGHT 7:00 p.m. MSG, NHLN
Season series: The Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers split two games last season with each team winning on the road. Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle had a goal and an assist, and center Derick Brassard had two assists in a 4-3 win on Jan. 8. Kings center Anze Kopitar had two assists, and Jonathan Quick made 34 saves in a 4-2 win on March 24.
Rangers team scope: New York did not practice Thursday, so the status of defenseman Ryan McDonagh (concussion), who has missed two games, is not known. Forward Rick Nash will miss his eighth game with a bone bruise sustained blocking a shot on Jan. 22. "Any time you miss, whether it be on defense or up front, you miss some of your top people, it's an opportunity for some other guys to step up, and I think we have some other guys that have stepped up," coach Alain Vigneault told Blueshirtsunited.com after a 3-0 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday. The Rangers have won four straight, their longest streak since nine straight from Oct. 25-Nov. 15. "It's the time of year where you have to be at your best to win hockey games," defenseman Marc Staal said. "The last 30 [games] are always the toughest to get wins, and so from a conscious effort, I think we've been better that way, and then with those guys out, everyone has to raise their level of play and be better." New York is 7-0-1 at home in their past eight games and 20-5-2 at Madison Square Garden this season.
Kings could be without Quick again; Goalie in question when Los Angeles visits Rangers
NYR Alumni Birthdays 2/12
Rico Fata RW (2001-2003) Michel Petit D (1987-1989) Mike Robitaille D (1969-1971)
TODAY IN NYR HISTORY February 12
1972: Walt Tkaczuk sets a franchise record with five assists in a 8-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
2001: Jan Hlavac scores in overtime to give the Rangers a 4-3 win over the Blue Jackets in the organization's first game in Columbus.
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