New York Rangers Vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: Preview To One Of The Biggest Games Of The Year

Sports

New York Rangers Vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: Preview To One Of The Biggest Games Of The Year

Friday, March 21, 2014

Source: BlueJackets.NHL.com

Tonight's matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Rangers will likely determine which team will make the playoffs and which team will finish a few points shy, ending their hopes of making a run at the prestigious Stanley Cup. Here is how the Metropolitan Division and Wild Card standings currently appear:

1. Pittsburgh - 95 points - 69 games played

2. Philadelphia - 81 points - 69 games played

3. Columbus - 78 points - 69 games played
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Wild Card 1: Toronto - 80 points - 71 games played 

Wild Card 2: New York - 78 points - 70 games played 

The Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers both have 78 points, but the Rangers have played one more game. If Columbus wins this game tonight, the Rangers will fall 2 points behind with one more game played. That is tough to come back from. On the other hand, if the Rangers win, they will advance to third in the division, and the Blue Jackets will take over the last wild card position. 

Players To Watch Tonight:

Rangers:                                                                                                      Blue Jackets:             Rick Nash                                                                                                    Brandon Dubinsky 

Source: Rangers.NHL.com

Source: BlueJackets.NHL.com

                                                          

Both Rick Nash and Brandon Dubinsky will be playing against their previous teams. Despite Nash's 2 goals last game, he has only 3 points in the eight prior games. He has been getting chances and shots on goal, but has not produced until last game against the Senators. It should be interesting to see if he builds off of his game in Ottawa or goes back to previous habits. 

Dubinsky, who is having a much better season with the Blue Jackets this season, has 4 points in his past 5 games. Dubinsky is one of those players that will go down fighting until the very end, and he will display that hard working mentality tonight. 

Both teams have many divisional match ups after tonight's game, but this is the start of both teams' end of the regular season runs. The Columbus Blue Jackets have a significantly better record playing home games than away games. Meanwhile, the Rangers have a much better record playing away games. This should be a very close and exhilarating matchup until the final buzzer. 

NFL Free Agency Signings

Sports

NFL Free Agency Signings

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Day 1 of free agency signings in the National Football League proved to be a busy day. Some of the top free agents have already agreed to terms with teams or have already signed. These names include Darrelle Revis (CB), Eric Decker (WR), Demarcus Ware (DE), and Rashad Jennings (RB).  

Source: The Gazette

                                                                         

The most recent was Eric Decker agreeing to terms with the New York Jets with a 36.25 million dollar contract over five years. Eric Decker proved to be an elite wide receiver last year with Peyton Manning as his quarterback. With the Jets and Geno Smith, Eric Decker may not be as much of a threat. The Jets have seemed to be interested in Michael Vick, which would really help Eric Decker become more affective and their offense as a whole.

Soure: OCNN

Darrelle Revis has signed with his ex-rival team the New England Patriots to a one-year 12 million dollar contract. It is no secret that New England's defense has struggled over the past couple of seasons. Bringing in an elite cornerback in Darrelle Revis, the New England Patriots will be more of a threat then they have been in the past. The Patriots have expressed interest in Darrelle Revis for a long term deal. 

Demarcus Ware, former Dallas Cowboy Defensive End, has signed with the Denver Broncos with a three-year deal worth 30 million dollars with 20 million dollars being guaranteed money. The Broncos defense last season was by no means bad, but they did collapse during the most important game of the year—the super bowl. Demarcus Ware will bring more consistency to the Broncos defense and make the Broncos a serious threat come next season. 

Rashad Jennings, former Oakland Raiders' Running Back, has signed with the New York Giants to a one-year 1.75 million dollar deal. Rashad Jennings had a pretty solid season running behind Darren McFadden. He will continue his success with the Giants and will have a break-out season next season. The giants running game has struggled since losing Ahmad Bradshaw, and landing a player like Rashad Jennings will help the Giants become a playoff contender next season.