NHL Preview – Game 18: Colorado Avalanche vs. New York Rangers

Feb 4, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Maxime Talbot (25) and New York Rangers defenseman Kevin Klein (8) battle for the puck during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Avalanche enter game three of their four game road trip Thursday night as they take on the New York Rangers. Colorado is coming off a dreadful performance against the New York Islanders, falling 6-0 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum as they split the season series with the Isles.

What: NHL Preview – Game 18: Colorado Avalanche (4-8-5, 13 points) vs. New York Rangers (7-6-2, 16 points)
When: Thursday, November 13th
Where: Madison Square Garden (New York, New York)
Time: 7:00 PM EST, 5:00 PM MST
TV: NHL Network

Bad news for the Avs’ is that they’ve been shutout three times this season. Good news is that they’ve taken four out of the last five matchups against the Rangers. There weren’t many positives, if any Tuesday night vs. Isles, but tonight they look to turn it around at the Garden.

After being a healthy scratch for the past five games, Patrick Roy will reinsert veteran Daniel Briere into the lineup as he will replace rookie Dennis Everberg. Briere was acquired for P.A. Parenteau and a fifth-round pick this past offseason. In 10 games played, Briere recorded two goals and one assist – both goals were game-winners.

Here’s a look at how Colorado’s lines will look Thursday night vs. Rangers.

Line 1: Ryan O’Reilly – Matt Duchene – Alex Tanguay
Line 2: Gabriel Landeskog – John Mitchell – Jarome Iginla
Line 3: Jamie McGinn – Nathan MacKinnon – Daniel Briere
Line 4: Cody McLeod – Marc-Andre Cliche – Maxime Talbot

The New York Rangers on the other hand are coming off a big 5-0 shutout victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist stopped 33-of-33 shots while earning first-star honors. Rick Nash and Derek set the table for New York’s win Tuesday night – earning the second and third stars respectively. Nash scored one goal, adding two dimes while Stephan recorded two assists of his own.

Puck-drop between the Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST, 5:00 PM MST from Madison Square Garden.