Monthly Archives: January 2015
Rangers start second half with rivalry game vs Islanders; Kreider potentially unavailable
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers will look to start the second half off on a positive note, where they will face off against the division-rival Islanders for the third time this season. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Following the All Star break and a week off, the Rangers (27-13-4) will battle the Islanders (31-14-1) for the third time this season, but this time the game will be played at the Nassau Coliseum. Despite the snow, the teams practiced as scheduled and the game will go on.
The Rangers sit just five points behind the Islanders for first place in the division, making this matchup an important game for both teams. The Rangers have two games in hand on the Islanders, giving them a little more leeway. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers Practice Report from Long Island
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
With the massive snowstorm falling in New York, The Rangers were able to move their practice on Monday, and travel to Long Island ahead of the storm before taking on the New York Islanders tomorrow night.
All of the players were present at Monday’s practice for the Rangers, which is a good thing. Rick Nash, who played in the All Star game in Columbus on Sunday, was also able to travel to Nassau ahead of the storm, and will be available for the game. He did not practice as part of a scheduled day off. Chris Kreider also did not practice due to an illness. His status is unknown. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers first half review; Standouts, Surprises, and Second half Surges
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers first half of the season has come to a close, and it has been a success in many ways. The Rangers are in third place in the Metropolitan Division, and have won 16 of their last 19 games. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After a shaky start, the New York Rangers (27-13-4) settled the ship, winning 16 of their last 19 games to head into the All Star break with a third place spot in the Metropolitan division. The Rangers are just two points behind the Penguins and five points out behind the first place Islanders, with two games in hand on both teams.
The Rangers are also just six points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, and they have a whopping four games in hand on them, which really puts the strength of the East into perspective.
It was a first half that fans should be happy about, with the team showcasing numerous scoring options, the 12th ranked power play, and the 13th ranked penalty kill. The Rangers are averaging 3.00 goals for per game, which is good enough for sixth in the NHL, as well as just 2.32 goals against per game, which is third in the league. Read the rest of this entry
Why the Marc Staal signing was the right move for the Rangers
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers locked up Marc Staal for another six years, locking up their defensive core for the next few seasons. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
On Friday, January 16th, the Rangers signed 28 year old defenseman Marc Staal to a six year, $34.2 million deal that will pay him $5.7 million per season through the 2020-21 season. The deal also includes a no move clause through the first three years, and a modified no trade clause through the final three years.
It was also nice to see that the deal was done quickly and professionally, rather than being dragged out until the trade deadline or the offseason. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers extend winning streak to three over Ottawa; Hagelin wins it in overtime
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers found a way to win yet again thanks to some overtime heroics, securing their 16th win in the last 19 games for the Rangers. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers (27-13-4) found a way to come back and win in overtime, defeating the Ottawa Senators (18-19-8) by a final score of 3-2 thanks to a game winning goal from Carl Hagelin. The Rangers head into the All Star break with a three game win streak, and wins in 16 of their last 19 games.
With the Penguins and Capitals losing in overtime, the Rangers are now in second place in the Metropolitan Division, tied with the Penguins in points, but with games in hand. Read the rest of this entry
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