Monthly Archives: February 2016
McDonagh back as the Rangers take on Chicago; Boyle and Staal still questionable
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
In the last game for the Rangers, the fists were flying early on as the Rangers looked to stand up for their downed captain. After that, Derick Brassard tied his career high of 19 goals, and Derek Stepan found the back of the net twice, including scoring his 100th career NHL goal. Henrik Lundqvist was superb when he had to be, and came within 10 seconds of a shutout.
The Rangers have played some pretty good teams in the past few weeks, but this is the first time they’ll be going up against one of the league’s elite teams since they played the Capitals on January 17th. After a slow start, Chicago has surged into second place in the Central Division, and third in the NHL with 79 points. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers Practice Report: McDonagh ready to play, Boyle out with the flu, defense in question for tomorrow
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After missing the last four games, Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh skated today at practice in a contact jersey and announced that he feels good to go for tomorrow night’s nationally televised games against the Chicago Blackhawks.
“Everything that I’ve seen so far, he looks fine,” Vigneault told Jim Cerny of Blueshirts United after practice. “So we’ll see how he responds. Today was his first contact day. If he’s alright tomorrow come optional tomorrow morning, there’s a good chance I’ll put him in the lineup tomorrow night.”
Ryan McDonagh was playing some of his best hockey of the season prior to the concussion he received in the games against the Flyers 10 days ago. McDonagh recorded nine points (2-7-9) in 13 games prior to the injury. He was also beginning to regain his form as a shutdown an excellent two-way, shutdown defenseman. His skating ability, smart decision making with the puck and leadership will be greatly appreciated back on the ice. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers response to Simmonds’ cheap shot couldn’t have been better
John Dundon
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers dominated the rival Philadelphia Flyers on Valentine’s Day in all facets of the game en route to a 3-1 win. Wayne Simmonds also bled, which was cool.
While much of the pregame banter was focused on the different shades of black and blue Dylan McIlrath could color Wayne Simmonds’ face, the Rangers leaders made it known that priority number one would be getting two points. But even Alain Vigneault made it clear after the game that he wasn’t disappointed in seeing Mcilrath challenge Simmonds when the time came. Kudos to Simmer for answering the bell and not prolonging the extra-curricular stuff any longer than it should’ve been. After a lengthy bout with Mcilrath, Simmonds skated off to the penalty box yelling at the MSG crowd. Read the rest of this entry
Lundqvist, Zuccarello stellar as the Rangers defeat the Flyers at MSG
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers (32-18-6) exacted the type of revenged they promised after Wayne Simmonds concussed Ryan McDonagh eight days ago, coming away with a great 3-1 win over the rival Philadelphia Flyers (24-21-10) on home ice, continuing their incredible success at Madison Square Garden.
The Rangers have a 10 game point streak at home (8-0-2), with points in 11 of the last 12 games at the Garden. They have a 20-4-2 record in their last 26 games at Madison Square Garden, and they lead the NHL in wins (nine) and points (19) since January 16th.
The first period started exactly how we all expected it would; with a fight. Dylan McIlrath and Wayne Simmonds were talking during warmups, and they dropped the gloves just 39 seconds into the game. It was a good fight, both guys got in some solid punches and headed to the penalty box.
McIlrath and Simmonds drop the gloves. Not much in this fight though. #NYR #Flyers pic.twitter.com/sWYnXD8k6h
— Dave Shapiro (@BlueSeatBlogs) February 15, 2016
No love lost for Valentine’s Day rematch between the Rangers and Flyers
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
It may be Valentine’s Day, but there will be no love or affection shown on the ice when the Rangers (38-16-6) take on the Philadelphia Flyers (24-20-10) as they rematch back at Madison Square Garden in what is likely to be a physical, high intensity contest.
The games between these two rival clubs always have another level of intensity to them, but it will be even higher tonight following Wayne Simmonds giving Ryan McDonagh a concussion following a sucker punch to the face. Simmonds received a match penalty and Ryan McDonagh remains out of the lineup.
The Rangers lost in their last game on Friday, surrendering a late goal to the Los Angeles Kings and falling in overtime. The Blueshirts trailed 2-0 after 12 minutes, and wound up scoring three straight goals, and then making it 4-3 late. Viktor Stalberg, Derek Stepan, Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes all scored. Read the rest of this entry
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