Monthly Archives: February 2015
Mackenzie Skapski earns first NHL win as the Rangers topple the Sabres
Bobby Bevilacqua
Derick Brassardleps over a shot in the Rangers 3-1 win over the Sabres at the First Niagara Center. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Making his first ever NHL start, Mackenzie Skapski backstopped the Rangers (35-16-6) to an important 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres (17-38-4), giving the Blueshirts their fifth consecutive road victory and putting them two points ahead the Washington Capitals for second in the Metropolitan Division.
The game did not start as Skapski and the Rangers would have hoped, surrendering a goal in the first 14 seconds off of a Rangers turnover. But after that, the Rangers dominated, outshooting the Sabres 31-12 in the first two periods and controlling the neutral zone. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers looking to rebound in Buffalo; No starting goalie confirmed
Bobby Bevilacqua
Chris Kreider and Derek Stepan have both been playing extremely well lately, and make up what has been a formidable second line for the Rangers. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
After losing giving up three leads and falling in the shootout, the Rangers (34-16-6) will take on the Buffalo Sabres (17-37-4) at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, the rescheduled date of a game that was postponed due to snow earlier in the season.
Both teams played last night, so they will be even in that category when it comes to rest. Buffalo’s win over the Philadelphia Flyers last night ended a four game losing streak, but they are still just 3-17-1 in their last 21 games. They are also tied for the third fewest victories on home ice (11), and have the least amount of points in the league (38). They also own the worst goal differential, an unthinkable -89, and in the words of Derek Stepan, these are two points that the Rangers must earn. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers fall to resilient Vancouver Canucks in a shootout; St. Louis delivers late
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers played their first game at Madison Square Garden for the first time in 11 days, but were unable to get a win over the Canucks. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After dominating the first period, the Rangers (34-16-6) couldn’t keep up with the Vancouver Canucks (33-21-3), who scored four times in the final two periods and converted on both of their shootout chances for a crucial win on their part.
The Rangers surrendered three different leads in the game, and were not nearly as dominant in the final two periods. Their puck management was pretty rough, and the Sedin twins took over, dominating in every shift in the final 40 minutes. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers ready for battle with Canucks on home ice; Kreider hitting his stride
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers are heading back home, where they will play four of their next five games, including tonight matchup against the Canucks. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
With four straight wins under their belts, all coming on the road, the Rangers (34-16-5) are back at Madison Square Garden to take on the Vancouver Canucks (32-21-3) for the second and final time this season.
The Rangers beat the Canucks back on December 13th in Vancouver, starting off their four game road trip with a 5-1 blowout. Mats Zuccarello led the way with two goals, and JT Miller also found the back of the net. Defenseman contributed on both sides of the puck, with Ryan McDonagh and Marc Staal scoring their first goals of the season in that game. Read the rest of this entry
Stop worrying about faceoffs, the Rangers should address other areas instead
Bobby Bevilacqua
Sean Bergenheim is one of the players that the Rangers should target, addressing the need of a bottom six forward who can score and provide depth. Photo courtesy of USATSI.
With the March 2nd trade deadline coming ever closer, rumors are flying, and the Rangers have been subject to mostly minor rumors for quite some time now. The most heard rumor is Antoine Vermette, the center on the Arizona Coyotes, who is a faceoff specialist and has an expiring contract.
In fact, most of the rumors surrounding are in the same category; a big bodied center who can win faceoffs. Nothing more. Just a faceoff specialist.
Personally, I believe that the expression “quality, not quantity” is true when it comes to the faceoff circle. The amount of faceoffs won is not important, it’s when you win it. Key faceoffs, such as in the offensive zone on a power play, or in the defenseive zone late in the game with a lead, are much more important than finishing a game winning over 50% of the draws. Read the rest of this entry
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