"Penguins coach Dan Bylsma gathered his players at practice Wednesday for some prep talk going into the game tonight against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

He mentioned some players to watch, such as defenseman Marc Staal and forwards Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards . He reminded them of the conditions at the famous multipurpose venue -- less than ideal lighting and ice and boards.

Throw in the fact that the Rangers lead the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference with 62 points, have beaten the Penguins in the teams' two meetings this season and four times in a row overall, and it might give the impression the Penguins were dreading the trip."