Category Archives: Game Previews

Kreider expected to return as the Rangers take on the Blue Jackets

Bobby Bevilacqua

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Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

Following a stretch of three games in Canada that all resulted in wins, the Rangers (13-4-0) will look to keep on rolling and sweep their four game win streak as they head to Columbus tonight to take on the Blue Jackets (8-4-2).

The Rangers most recent victory was a 7-2 thrashing over the Canucks, with JT Miller and Kevin Hayes each scoring a pair of goals, and Mats Zuccarello recording a three point night. Henrik Lundqvist made 36 saves to improve to 8-1-0 in his last nine starts and 9-4-0 this season.

The Blue Jackets have won three of their last four games, including an 8-4 win over the St. Louis Blues on Nov. 12. They also dominated the Canadiens in a 10-0 win back on Nov. 4, the only team to score 10 goals in a game. Columbus has scored 47 goals this season, but 18 of them have come in two games. So despite their good record, they have had some issues scoring goals at times. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers take on the Canucks as road trip continues; Nieves expected to make NHL debut

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers-vs-canucks-11-8

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

Following a grind-it-out type of win over the Oilers with just 17 skaters being used, the Rangers (12-4-0) continue their road trip in western Canada as they take on the Vancouver Canucks (6-9-1) in their search for a three game win streak.

The Rangers have been red hot lately, winning 11 of their last 14 games (11-3-0), including seven of their last eight games. Michael Grabner’s two goals against Edmonton gave him 10 on the season, and Dan Girardi netted his third of the season. Antti Raanta made 38 saves in a spectacular performance to improve to 4-0-0.

The Rangers only loss in their last eight games came at the hands of the Canucks, who beat the Rangers, 5-3, at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 8. Pavel Buchnevich had three points (1-2-3) while Rick Nash scored his 400th goal as a Ranger and Mika Zibanejad scored in the dying minutes. Henrik Sedin had a goal and an assist, and Loui Eriksson scored his first goal of the season. Jacob Markstrom made 23 saves in the win. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers head to Rogers Place for the first time against Edmonton

Bobby Bevilacqua

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Following a 4-1 win over Calgary to begin their road trip, the Rangers (11-4-0) will finish off their back-to-back series tonight against the Edmonton Oilers (9-5-1) when they head to the new Rogers Place for the first time.

The Rangers offense was back to normal again despite only managing 28 shots on goal, scoring four against Brian Elliot and the Flames and getting an outstanding performance from Henrik Lundqvist, who stopped 35 shots. Michael Grabner, Derek Stepan, Jimmy Vesey and Pavel Buchnevich scored for New York, and 10 players recorded a point.

The Oilers have lost their last two games, one goal defeats against the Penguins and the Stars, but still sit atop the Pacific Division with 19 points. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers battle Vancouver for sixth straight win; Skjei becoming the complete package

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers-vs-canucks-2-19

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

After another five goal game, the Rangers (10-3-0) will aim to make it six consecutive wins tonight when they take on the Vancouver Canucks (4-8-1) at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers are coming off of a 5-2 beat down of the Winnipeg Jets, marking the team’s fifth straight win and their fifth straight game scoring at least five goals. With goal scoring from all over the team and pretty good goaltending as of late, Alain Vigneault and his squad are climbing up the NHL standings.

The Vancouver Canucks are trending in the exact opposite direction. They’ve lost their last nine games after starting the season 4-0-0 and are really struggling right now. The Canucks lost last night against the Islanders and need to turn things around, fast. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers battle Laine and the Jets at MSG and aim for fifth straight win

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers-vs-jets-12-18

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

After another five goal effort against the Bruins last night, the Rangers (9-3-0) take on the Winnipeg Jets (5-6-1) at Madison Square Garden, with the team looking for a season best five game win streak.

The Rangers erased an early deficit yesterday with another five goal game, including Nick Holden’s first as a Ranger, Stepan’s first of the season and Pavel Buchnevich’s first career NHL goal. Antti Raanta had another great performance, turning aside 35 shots for his second win of the season.

The Jets won their last game, beating the Red Wings 5-3. Two rookies shined in the game, with 2016 second overall pick Patrik Laine scoring his seventh goal of the season, and Brandon Tanev scoring his first two NHL goals, including the game winner. Connor Hellebuyck made 30 saves. Read the rest of this entry