Monthly Archives: January 2016
Rangers face big test against Stars; Kreider doubtful, AV challenges Hank
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
This is the matchup that every Rangers fan was dreading.
With just five wins in the last 8 games (5-11-2), the Rangers (21-14-4) are back at Madison Square Garden to take on the Western Conference’s top team, the Dallas Stars (28-9-4). Dallas has lost their last two games, but still managed to secure 60 points in 41 games.
After being shut out by the hottest team in the NHL, the Florida Panthers, and closing out a three game road trip with just one win, the Rangers don’t just face one of the best teams in the league. They will take on the team that leads the NHL in goals scored by a wide margin. The Rangers have a tendency to play up to their opponents at times, so they better bring their “A” game tonight. Read the rest of this entry
Tanner Glass changing his playstyle to become a more valuable fourth liner
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Last year, I would have given anything to get Tanner Glass out of the Rangers lineup. For almost the entire year, he was ineffective, contributed little to the game and was more of a detriment than anything.
Today, I would actually advocate for him staying in the lineup as an everyday player.
Currently, it seems like the fans opinion on Tanner Glass is mixed. Some people really appreciate his grit and toughness in the lineup. Other people believe that he still isn’t contributing much to the lineup and would be better off in the press box. Read the rest of this entry
End the Emerson Etem experiment, and go trade for Jonathan Drouin
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
In the offseason, the Rangers made a trade with the Anaheim Ducks in order to help manage against the salary cap. Fan favorite Carl Hagelin had his RFA rights traded to the Ducks, and Gorton got young prospect Emerson Etem’s rights.
Emerson Etem had been buried in Anaheim’s system for a while, and when he did play on the NHL team, he was usually relegated to the fourth line. A trade to the Rangers presented an opportunity for him to finally get his opportunity to breakout and cement his spot on an NHL roster.
But a horrible training camp and preseason set the tone for the season, and Etem has not impressed the team or management throughout the season. In 19 games this season, Etem has tallied just three assists and a minus four rating. Read the rest of this entry
New year, same Rangers; Rangers fall to Panthers down in Florida
Bobby Bevilacqua
This is a scary loss.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
The Rangers (21-14-4) looked to conclude their road trip and start the new year on a high note, but instead lost to the Florida Panthers (22-12-4), shut out by a score of 3-0.
The last time the Rangers won two games in a row, it started with a win over the Panthers on November 21st. A lot has changed since then. The Rangers have slumped massively, going 5-11-2 in their last 18 games. The Panthers have leapfrogged everyone in the Atlantic Division and are outplaying almost everyone they face.
Before the loss tonight, the Rangers had won seven straight games against the Panthers. Florida also won their eighth consecutive game, a new franchise record. The win also put them back atop the Atlantic Division. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers close out road trip against surging Panthers; Girardi playing injured?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After many ups and downs to the season during the 2015 portion of this season, the Rangers (21-13-4) will look to start 2016 out on the right foot when they take on the Florida Panthers (21-12-4), a youthful team with ambitions of a playoff berth.
This is the second of three matchups against the Cats this year, and the last one down in Sunrise, Florida. The Rangers skated away with a 5-4 victory on November 21st thanks to Rick Nash’s monster night. Nash scored his second career hat trick in the game, including the game winner, as well as registering 10 shots on goal. Mats Zuccarello had a goal and two assists, and Henrik Lundqvist made 39 saves for the win.
The Panthers enjoyed one of the best months in franchise history, going 11-3-0 in the month of December, including winning their last seven games. A win tonight would set a new franchise record. Because of their success, and their place in the Atlantic Division, the BB&T Center has been packed as of late. With the Rangers in town, you can expect a packed and raucous arena tonight. Read the rest of this entry
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