Category Archives: Game Previews
Rangers look to finish first half strong against Ducks: Hagelin returns to MSG
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Tonight at MSG, the Rangers (19-12-4) will take on the struggling Anaheim Ducks (12-15-5) in the last game before a six day Christmas holiday break. It may look like a meaningless mid-December game, but Alain Vigneault will be looking for a way to snap his team out of their funk and try and right the ship before the break.
This is the first of two games between the Rangers and Ducks this season, and the only one at MSG. The Rangers owned the season series last year, winning both games by a combined score of 11-3, including a 7-2 win at the Garden.
Winning has not come easy for the Rangers lately. Their 7-3 loss on Sunday, surrendering six straight goals to the Washington Capitals, saw them hit a new low. In their last 14 games, they’ve won just three times, collecting a total of eight points in the standings out of a possible 28. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers take on surging Caps in division battle; Lundqvist calls out teammates’ play
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers need this win. Badly.
After weeks of subpar play, poor decision making, defensive lapses and countless turnovers, the Rangers (19-11-4) find themselves trying to stay afloat while dealing with injuries and confidence issues. But they’ll face arguably their toughest team in a while when the Capitals (23-6-2) roll into town.
After an okay start to the season, Washington has been nearly unstoppable lately, winning 11 of their last 13 games following a 5-2 comeback win over Tampa Bay that saw the Caps erase a 3-0 deficit. They’ve jumped out to a commanding lead in the Metropolitan Division, sitting six points ahead of the Rangers with three games in hand.
On the contrary, the Rangers can’t seem to do much of anything right. A brief two game road trip amounted to no points, with back-to-back 5-2 losses to Minnesota and Winnipeg. They have just one win (1-4-1) in the last six games, and only three (3-8-2) in the last 13 games. Read the rest of this entry
Skjei, McDonagh return home as Rangers take on the Minnesota Wild
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
It’ll be a family affair tonight in Minnesota as the Rangers (19-9-4) begin a two game road trip, and another back-to-back series when they take on the Wild (16-7-6), who are in the midst of an eight game point streak.
The Rangers returned home for a single game on Monday night, and it was exactly what the team needed as they were able to snap their three game skid and come away with a 4-2 win over the Oilers. Dylan McIlrath scored his first career goal and Rick Nash netted the game winner, putting the team back in second place ahead of the Islanders.
This is the first of two meetings between these teams, with the next matchup coming on February 4th at the Garden. The Rangers won both games against Minnesota last season, including a thrilling, come from behind victory on October 27th, scoring five goals in the third period to overcome a 3-0 deficit and two ejections. Derick Brassard had a goal and three assists in those games, and Rick Nash tallied a pair of goals. Read the rest of this entry
Skjei Hello! Rangers seek revenge against Oilers at home, Girardi OUT
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
When the Rangers (18-9-4) take on the Edmonton Oilers (14-15-2) at Madison Square Garden, one of the Rangers top defensive prospects will be making his NHL debut.
With Dan Girardi sidelined with swelling in his knee, the Ranger will start Brady Skjei, the 21 year old defenseman out of the University of Minnesota. Skjei, pronounced “shay,” debuted with the Wolf Pack at the end of last season, eventually playing on the top pairing in the playoffs. He leads Hartford defensemen with 11 points (2-9-11) in 29 games, and has nine points (2-7-9) in the last 18 games.
Skjei looked to be NHL ready right out of college, an excellent skater who has always been a shut-down type of defenseman. He has shown some offensive skills, but never blew anyone away with point production. However, he’s a good passer and his transitional skills out of the defensive zone is a big part of his game. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers need statement win in Calgary, Brassard picking up the slack
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Western Canada roadtrip has not been kind to the Rangers (18-9-3), falling to the Oilers in heartbreaking fashion, squandering multiple ties and comebacks as the defense collapsed. Now they’ll take on the Calgary Flames (12-4-2), winners of four straight games and eight straight at home.
This is the second and final matchup between these two teams, and New York is looking for their second series sweep in as many years. The Rangers won at MSG on October 25th by a final score of 4-1. Dan Girardi scored the go-ahead goal and Antti Raanta made 22 saves in the win.
Jiri Hudler scored the lone goal for the Flames in that game, but the 31 year old veteran may not even suit up. Calgary currently has the flu-bug running through the locker room, forcing Hudler and goaltender Karri Ramo to sit out Thurdsay’s game against the Sabres. Read the rest of this entry
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