Category Archives: Game Recaps
Raanta, Stepan secure two points for the Rangers in Toronto; McDonagh hurt
Alexandra Russo

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
After one of the Rangers’ (33-19-6) most disappointing losses of the season, a 5-3 loss to the Blackhawks to conclude a three game homestand, they swept the three game season series by beating Toronto (20-27-9) by a final score of 4-2 in Toronto.
The Leafs started out strong, as it appeared the Rangers were slow out of the gate. The Rangers had a chance when Ryan McDonagh made some nifty moves and nearly put the puck past Bernier. The Maple Leafs came down the other way, and a shot from the point was deflected by a Ranger, and landed at the skates of Parenteau and ended up in the net. After much review to see if there was a kicking motion, the call on the ice stood, and the Leafs took a one goal lead.
Second angle of Parenteau goal pic.twitter.com/TgQuvfH0RO
— Ryan Ohanesian (@ryanohan) February 19, 2016
Rangers collapse late and lose to Chicago; Brassard sets career high in goals
Bobby Bevilacqua

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Facing their toughest test in a while, the Rangers (32-19-6) looked up to the task. But a late collapse on their penalty kill handed the win to the Blackhawks (38-18-5), who continue to climb up the standings in the Central Division.
The Blackhawks snapped the Rangers 10 game point streak at home, handing New York their first regulation loss at MSG since December 20th. Artemi Panarin scored his first career hat trick, and Corey Crawford made 31 saves to help guide Chicago to a win.
The first period was pretty quick and free flowing, with not a lot of stoppages. The Rangers had more chances, outshooting Chicago 10-6, but the Blackhawks did a great job keeping their shots to the outside. 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
Rangers lose barnburner in OT to the Kings
John Dundon

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Tickets were worth the price of admission in what turned out to be a 5-4 loss to Anze Kopitar and the LA Kings.
A duel between backup goalies, both whom have not played in NHL action for an extended period of time, made for a high scoring affair in which Peter Budaj made one more save than Antti Raanta in OT.
The Rangers went down two goals early but battled back only to lose the lead late in the third. They would then lose the second point on a goal scorers goal from Tanner Pearson in the 3 on 3 overtime. This one was a high-paced affair that got off to a fast start when Anze Kopitar scored his first of three goals after Marc Staal arrived late for the 7:08 puck drop and had a really bad first shift. After Staal wasted an opportunity to exit the defensive zone with ease, he stood like a statue in front of Kopitar, who had all the time in the world to pick a corner and put the Kings up in the first minute of the contest. Read the rest of this entry
Lundqvist Shutout Propels Rangers over Penguins
Ezra Kwestel

Kevin Hayes celebrates his goal with Daniel Paille (Photo via NY Rangers)
Tonight, the New York Rangers (31-18-5) defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins (27-19-7) by a score of 3-0. Let’s start off with the positives: The Rangers have now won four in a row and are 4-1 since the All-Star break and 7-3 in their last 10 games. Many people noted that tonight’s game was going to be a litmus test for the Rangers, going up against a Penguins team that has been clicking on all cylinders lately. It was also the Rangers first game against a team in playoff position since their tilt on January 17 at Washington. Although the Rangers went into Pittsburgh and shut out Crosby and Co. we can’t categorize tonight’s game as “signature win.” With that being said, there is still plenty of merit in winning a road game without Ryan McDonagh and Rick Nash. It should also be noted that the Penguins played tonight’s game without All-Star forward Evgeni Malkin. Read the rest of this entry