Avalanche next NYR test; live chat Tues at 2 p.m.

               No game-day skate for the depleted Blueshirts, so according to the head coach's strategy, they should be well-rested and hungry to face Colorado tonight at the Garden with new line combos. We'll check in from there around 4.

              The Avalanche is 3-2, (2-2 on the road), with a minus-2 goal differential (16-18).... Rangers (1-1-1) are even at 13...Last season, Chad Johnson was in the net as the Rangers won 3-1 in Denver on Jan.31; Gaborik had the hatty, Prospal two assists. Not happening tonight....Avalanche last won at MSG in 2005, 2-1

              With the added emphasis on play in the D-zone,  perhaps Henrik Lundqvist won't have to face 35 shots, as he has averaged in the first three games (36,32,38)

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             We've scheduled our FWC (Fabulous Weekly Chat) for tomorrow at 2. Please jump in.  I try to roll at about 45 rpm rather than 33, and answer between 45 and 50 questions in the hour.

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            Besides Yankees-Rangers, which pretty much trumps everything tonight, some intruiging games on the NHL sked, as Leafs host Isles, and 4-0 Dallas faces 3-1 Tampa, although Lecavalier apparently doubtful. 

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            Stimulus blues? I nominate Guitar Shorty's "Please Mr. President".... 

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