Match-up preview: Rangers vs Storm

The Kitchener Rangers are set for a rematch with the Guelph Storm tonight at The Aud. The Storm defeated the Rangers in a shootout last Wednesday at the Sleeman Centre in front of 3, 824 fans.

Guelph's Michael Latta, Taylor Beck, and Richard Panik each made it past Kitchener netminder Mike Morrison in the shootout, en route to a 3-2 victory. For the Ranger shooters, Michael Catenacci and Ryan Murphy were successful against Storm goaltender Brandon Foote, but Jason Akeson was unable to continue the trend.

The Rangers have played twice since their bout with Guelph and have won both contests, outscoring their opponent 10-4. Nine different Rangers made their way to the scoresheet in a 6-3 win over the Plymouth Whalers, prior to doubling up on the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 4-2. 

“I think for us to be able to win against Guelph on Tuesday we need to play our game for a full 60 minutes," said recently returned team captain Gabriel Landeskog. "We know that Guelph is going to come out flying with a lot of energy, so we're just going to have to match that work ethic, but also stay out of the box.”

Landeskog has recorded one assist in his first two games back with the team, and has been + 1 in both appearances. Following an ankle injury he sustained just prior to the World Junior Championships, Landeskog was forced out of 15 games with the Rangers.

“I've never been out of the line-up for such a long time before,” he said. “It really makes you appreciate everything so much more. It feels great to be back.”

The gritty right winger has found his place back on the number one line alongside newcomer Jerry D'Amigo. Michael Catenacci and Jason Akeson have been taking shifts for the centreman's role.

“For me personally, I could play with either one of them,” said Landeskog. “They are two great players that make their linemates better every shift. [Akeson] likes to distribute the puck and make plays, as [Catenacci] really works hard and is a great centre at both ends of the ice.

But saying that I think for a line to connect takes time and all three players really need to commit to the system.

The Storm have had one match-up since their win over Kitchener, and they took a 5-1 loss to the Midwest Division leaders - the Owen Sound Attack. Defenceman Stephen Gaskin netted Guelph's lone goal in the game.

The Rangers finish up their four-game homestand on Friday when they host the Sarnia Sting. Game time is 7:30 p.m.