Monthly Archives: February 2016
Miller, Brassard look to stay hot against Hagelin and the Penguins
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
For the first time since the Rangers (30-18-5) eliminated the Pittsburgh Penguins (27-18-7) in Game 5 of the opening round of the playoffs, these two bitter rivals will face off once again. Despite playing every other team in the Metropolitan Division, this is the first game between New York and Pittsburgh in this regular season.
The Rangers are currently riding a three game win streak, the first time they’ve won that many consecutive games since the middle of November. Things are starting to look up; more possession, more shots on goal, better defensive play, and less mistakes. That’s given the Rangers six wins in their last eight, and something to build off of.
The Penguins are also coming into tonight’s game playing extremely well. Under former Rangers assistant coach and now current head coach Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh has greatly improved their play, finding the right line combinations, scoring more and winning more. The Penguins have won six of their last seven games, outscoring opponents 23-14 in those games. Read the rest of this entry
The Impact of the Next Three Weeks on the Rangers’ future
Ezra Kwestel
Photo via Getty Images
Being that this is my first post as a writer for The Ranger Zone, I want to take a moment to introduce myself. I am a junior in college and have been a Rangers fan since the day I was born. I began writing as a member of NYRFullTilt last March and joined the team at TRZ this past Thursday. I welcome the opportunity and look forward to interacting with you all on twitter. My twitter handle is @ekwestel. Questions, comments etc. are always welcome, so feel free. Now to the actual article…
We sit just under three weeks until the NHL Trade Deadline (Feb. 29). This is the time when teams identify themselves as buyers or sellers. With the new scheduling format instituted two seasons ago, more teams find themselves within arms reach of the playoffs, with less inter-conference games being played. This day has had major significance for the New York Rangers throughout their history, but even more so the past three seasons. To recap:
April 3, 2013: Rangers trade Marian Gaborik to Columbus in exchange for Derek Dorsett, Derrick Brassard, John Moore and a 6th round pick Read the rest of this entry
McDonagh and Nash OUT as the Rangers rematch the New Jersey Devils
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
The Rangers (29-18-5) have an opportunity to put together a nice stretch of games, as they play host to the rival New Jersey Devils (26-20-7) for the second game between these teams in the past week.
After a rough start to the winter, the Rangers have finally started to play better and get the wins they need to stay afloat in a tight Metropolitan Division. Their come-from-behind victory on Saturday came following a dominant comeback win over the Minnesota Wild. It was just the second time since late November that the team has won two games in a row. They haven’t won three straight since their nine game win streak came to an end on November 15th.
The Rangers success couldn’t have come at a better time, since they will playing at Madison Square Garden for five of the next six games. They’ve already won 19 home games, tied for second in the NHL, and they’re 6-0-1 in their last seven games at the Garden. They’ve lost just once in regulation there since December 6th. Read the rest of this entry
The Rangers can’t afford to mortgage the future to win now
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Glen Sather and the Rangers have a history of making big moves at the trade deadline. Last year they went out and acquired Keith Yandle from Arizona. The year before that, they traded for future hall of famer Martin St. Louis, shipping out captain Ryan Callahan in the process. In 2013 they traded Marian Gaborik to Columbus for Derick Brassard, Derek Dorsett and John Moore.
This year, Jeff Gorton is in control, and he will determine what happens at the trade deadline. We’re not sure if he’ll pull the trigger on a big trade, or if he’ll remain relatively quiet, make a few adjustments and see what this team can do.
One of the rumors that have been flying around, whether it holds validity or not is up to you, is the fact that the Ranger shave been linked to Winnipeg captain Andrew Ladd. A 60 point scorer last season, Ladd is one of the better power forwards in this league. Read the rest of this entry
McDonagh hurt as Rangers mount late comeback to take down the Flyers
Alexandra Russo
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
With 30 games left in the regular season, the playoff race is getting tight, and the Rangers (29-18-5) know how important these remaining games are. Rick Nash was still out of the lineup with a bone bruise, but Kevin Klein returned after missing the previous game with a fractured thumb. After a wild back-and-forth contest, the Rangers came away with a 3-2 shootout win on the road.
The rivalry was felt in the early stages of the game as both teams traded chances. Stepan had a takeaway at the blueline, but his pass was stolen, and the Flyers came down the ice. Mark Streit skated in on Lundqvist, but he shot it wide. Read the rest of this entry
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