Monthly Archives: October 2016
Is a big trade brewing between the Rangers and the Ducks?
Bobby Bevilacqua

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
These weren’t just any scouts either. Gordie Clark (Director of Player Personnel) and Chris Drury (Assistant GM) were at both of the Ducks’ last games, and they rarely scout games. Tonight they were joined by Kevin Maxwell (Director of Professional Scouting). When they keep showing up for Ducks games, it means that there is something going on.
While it’s only three games into the season, it’s well known that the Rangers have been looking to improve their defense since the summer. There were no big trades, just minor acquisitions in Nick Holden and Adam Clendening, and the defensive group remained largely the same. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers score seven goals in win over the Sharks; Vesey scores the game winner
Bobby Bevilacqua

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers continued to showcase their new offensive style and forwards, getting scoring from throughout the lineup in a 7-4 win over the San Jose Sharks.
Two of the goals came on empty netters, but the Rangers put five goals past Martin Jones, who had only allowed three goals in the last two games. I’m not quite sure what Alain Vigneault has done, but this forward group is meshing so well together. The breakouts are improved, the depth is tremendous and the power play looks fantastic.
Here are my thoughts and observations from the game; Read the rest of this entry
Rangers back home to take on the Sharks; McIlrath in for Girardi
Bobby Bevilacqua

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Following a fantastic offensive effort in a game against the St. Louis Blues, the Rangers (1-1-0) are back at Madison Square Garden for four of the next five games, starting tonight against last year’s Western Conference Champs, the San Jose Sharks (2-0-0).
The teams split the two meetings last season, with the home team winning each game. The Rangers shut out the Sharks 4-0 on October 19 and San Jose won 4-1 at the SAP Center. Marc Staal, Jesper Fast, Mats Zuccarello and Viktor Stalberg scored in the shutout win with Antti Raanta in net, while Dan Boyle was the only Ranger to score in the road loss. Joel Ward had two goals while Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski both scored once.
The Sharks have gotten off to a good start following their magical run to their first ever Stanley Cup Final appearance. Martin Jones has allowed three goals in 120 minutes, the defense looks good and Brent Burns and Joe Logan Couture have already started scoring. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers at Blues Recap; Dan Girardi potentially out long term
Bobby Bevilacqua

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
The Rangers (1-1-0) traveled to St. Louis to face the Blues (3-0-0) for their first road game last night, and they came out on the wrong end of some puck luck in a 3-2 loss.
Despite completely dominating the game for almost the entire 60 minutes, The Rangers could not score more than two against Carter Hutton, making his debut as a Blue and making some absolutely amazing saves. The Rangers outshot the Blues 35-18, including an incredible 15-0 edge in the third as St. Louis went into full defense mode.
Here are my thoughts and observations from the game; Read the rest of this entry
Rangers head to St. Louis for first road game; Klein still out with back strain
Bobby Bevilacqua

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
After an exciting season opening win over the Islanders at home, the New York Rangers (1-0-0) are on the road in St. Louis to take on the Blues (2-0-0) for the team’s first road game of the season.
This is one of just three road games this month for the Rangers, who will return to Madison Square Garden to play five of their next seven games.
The Rangers are looking to win their third straight game against the Blues after sweeping the season series last year. St. Louis has beaten Chicago and Minnesota so far, and are aiming to win their first three games of the season for just the fourth time in franchise history. Over the past six years the Blues have dominated Eastern Conference foes, posting a Western Conference best 84-33-15 record. Read the rest of this entry