Monthly Archives: February 2016

Rangers Practice Report; Paille placed on waivers, McDonagh OUT for tomorrow night

Bobby Bevilacqua

daniel paille full body 1-25

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

After a much needed day off following back-to-back games with travel, the Rangers were back on the ice this morning prior to Sunday night’s home game against the Detroit Red Wings.

In the last game against Toronto, Captain Ryan McDonagh was elbowed in the chin by Leo Komarov, who was suspended for three games. The injury to McDonagh came less than two weeks after he sustained a concussion against the Flyers.

Luckily, McDonagh did not get another concussion, passing the NHL’s protocol test in Toronto and last night as well. The Rangers announced that he had a jaw contusion and a neck spasm, and he will have a CT scan on his jaw later today. He will definitely miss tomorrow’s game against Detroit. Read the rest of this entry

Leo Komarov suspended 3 games for hit on McDonagh; Cracking down on dangerous hits

Bobby Bevilacqua

McDonagh hunched over

Ryan McDonagh being helped off of the ice after being hit in the head by Toronto forward Leo Komarov. Photo courtesy of Rick Madonik/Toronto Star.

Following his elbow to the head on New York Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh, the NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended Toronto forward Leo Komarov for three games, his first offense in the league. He will also forfeit $47,580.66 based on his average annual salary and the terms of the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Komarov was clearly targeting McDonagh’s upper body region, and took quite a few strides before reaching and extending his elbow and making contact with McDonagh’s head.

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Raanta, Stepan secure two points for the Rangers in Toronto; McDonagh hurt

Alexandra Russo

Antti Raanta pad save 2-18

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

After one of the Rangers’ (33-19-6) most disappointing losses of the season, a 5-3 loss to the Blackhawks to conclude a three game homestand, they swept the three game season series by beating Toronto (20-27-9) by a final score of 4-2 in Toronto.

The Leafs started out strong, as it appeared the Rangers were slow out of the gate. The Rangers had a chance when Ryan McDonagh made some nifty moves and nearly put the puck past Bernier.  The Maple Leafs came down the other way, and a shot from the point was deflected by a Ranger, and landed at the skates of Parenteau and ended up in the net. After much review to see if there was a kicking motion, the call on the ice stood, and the Leafs took a one goal lead.

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Rangers look for bounce-back game in Toronto; Raanta expected to start

Bobby Bevilacqua

Rangers vs Maple Leafs

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

After watching two points go out the window last night, the Rangers (32-19-6) will look to rebound on the road tonight as they battle the Toronto Maple Leafs (20-26-9) at the Air Canada Centre.

The Rangers scored three straight goals, including two on the power play, to take a lead early in the third period. But their weak penalty kill let them down, surrendering two goals and giving up the lead with three minutes remaining in the third, ultimately losing the game 5-3. It snapped a 10 game point streak (8-0-2) on home ice and it was their first regulation loss at MSG since December 20th.

Tonight is the third and final game between the Rangers and Maple Leafs this season, and New York will be looking for a sweep of the season series. On October 30th, Mats Zuccarello recorded his first NHL hat trick in a 3-1 win at the Garden, and Zuccs led the Rangers to another home win on November 30th with a goal and a pair of assists. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers collapse late and lose to Chicago; Brassard sets career high in goals

Bobby Bevilacqua

Rangers vs Blackhawks 2-17

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

Facing their toughest test in a while, the Rangers (32-19-6) looked up to the task. But a late collapse on their penalty kill handed the win to the Blackhawks (38-18-5), who continue to climb up the standings in the Central Division.

The Blackhawks snapped the Rangers 10 game point streak at home, handing New York their first regulation loss at MSG since December 20th. Artemi Panarin scored his first career hat trick, and Corey Crawford made 31 saves to help guide Chicago to a win.

The first period was pretty quick and free flowing, with not a lot of stoppages. The Rangers had more chances, outshooting Chicago 10-6, but the Blackhawks did a great job keeping their shots to the outside. Read the rest of this entry