Monthly Archives: November 2015
Rangers lose the game and Derek Stepan in Boston
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
It was an intense back-and-forth affair with a lot of aggressive play, typical of a rivalry matchup we’ve seen from these two teams over the years. Despite an improved performance and steadfast play, a pair of late goals swung the game in Boston’s favor.
Part of the reason why the Rangers loss was due to a dirty, late hit from Matt Beleskey on Derek Stepan. Beleskey hit the Rangers center well after a pass and into the boards headfirst. The Rangers were without him for the last 38 minutes of the game, which really hurt late in game on defense. Read the rest of this entry
Matinee matchup for the Rangers against streaking Boston Bruins
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
With the turkey and stuffing consumed and Thanksgiving over, it’s time for Rangers hockey again.
Following the worst performance of the season, the Rangers (16-4-2) will look to rebound and get back to their winning ways this afternoon against the Boston Bruins (12-8-1), winners of four of their last five games.
Although the Rangers have won 11 of their last 13 games, they’ve lost twice in the past seven days, including barely scarping by for wins against the Panthers and Predators, two games where they did not play all that well. They still are sitting in first in the Metropolitan, but the Capitals (15-5-1, 31 PTS) are not far behind. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers home win streak ends as Canadiens cruise to 5-1 win
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The issues that have been plaguing the New York Rangers (16-4-2) all season long finally caught up to them.
Following a surprising win over the Nashville Predators, despite playing poorly through two periods, the Montreal Canadiens (17-4-2) slapped around the Rangers at Madison Square Garden, cruising to a relatively easy 5-1 win.
It was easy because the defensive effort from New York was lackluster to say the least, and the likes of Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi and others left Henrik Lundqvist out to dry. The Swedish netminder was pulled in the third period after allowing five goals on 24 shots.
The loss was just the Rangers fourth in regulation this season and their second loss in the last 13 games, snapping their nine game home win streak, their longest since the 1971-72 season. The team’s record at MSG is now 10-2-1. Read the rest of this entry
Beasts of the East face off as the Rangers take on the Montreal Canadiens
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After taking down a strong but struggling Nashville Predator’s squad on Monday, the Rangers (16-3-2) take on the Atlantic Division leading Montreal Canadiens (16-4-2), a battle of two teams tied for the league lead in points.
Montreal and Boston has always been a heated rivalry, but the disdain between the Canadiens and Rangers is starting to grow. Following the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals, where Carey Price got injured and the Rangers won in six games to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 20 years, these teams have played some close games with hard hitting, fights and a lot of fun action.
This is the second of three games between these two Original Six teams, and the first at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers were shutout 3-0 at the Bell Centre, and Henrik Lundqvist’s 29 saves were not good enough to fend off a ferocious Canadiens attack. Read the rest of this entry
The Rangers are winning but not playing well, is it reasonable to be worried?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Watching the Rangers rattle off 16 wins in their first 21 games has been incredible to watch. They’re grinding out tough wins, scoring a lot of goals and not allowing many goals against. They’re the only team in the NHL that is yet to give up 40 goals, and their +28 goal differential is tied with Montreal for the best in the league.
Reading that, you’d probably imagine that this team is cruising along with no problems and nothing to worry about. But apart from the 2-6 start to begin the 2013, the play of the Rangers through the first 21 games has been the most concerning start to a season in recent memory.
Before you say “that’s stupid” or write this off as another blogger being negative about the team, hear me out. I do think the Rangers are still an elite team. I do think they’re in the mix for a Stanley Cup. And I do think this team has room to be much better. But they’ve been downright bad in some situations. Read the rest of this entry
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