The Rangers are in Columbus tonight with a chance to tie the Blue Jackets (and Penguins) in points. Doing so would put them in a virtual tie for second in the Metro, nine points behind Washington. However Columbus (and Pittsburgh) does have a game in hand on the Rangers, hence virtual tie. A win (and tying the season series at two a piece) goes a long way towards building confidence against a very good team.
The Rangers are getting Dan Girardi back, which means Adam Clendening sits. Sigh. Antti Raanta gets the start as well, with Henrik Lundqvist getting some rest after securing his 400th win.