Category Archives: Game Recaps
Rangers douse the Flames at MSG; Girardi tallies 200th NHL point
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Just like last week, the Rangers (6-2-2) bounced back from a difficult overtime loss with a gutsy 4-1 home win over the Calgary Flames (2-6-0), who continue to struggle at the start of the season.
It’s crazy how quickly a game can change, and that was the case in this one. The Flames were up 1-0 through the first half of the game, and the Rangers were finding chances hard to come by. But two goals in less than five minutes changed the course of the game.
Antti Raanta, making his second start as a Ranger, was scored on by the first shot he faced, but he settled in nicely after that, stopping the next 22 shots that he saw. Raanta is unbeaten in regulation when playing at home, posting a 16-0-3 career record, including a 2-0-0 record at MSG.
Emerson Etem also played in his first game, slotting into the injured Viktor Stalberg’s spot on the fourth line with Dominic Moore and Jarret Stoll. Read the rest of this entry
No goal decision huge as Rangers fall to Flyers in shootout: Stalberg OUT
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
The Rangers (5-2-2) fell in the shootout to the Philadelphia Flyers (4-2-1), despite seemingly winning the game earlier in the second period. This matchup was full of scoring chances, spectacular saves and an incredible overtime period.
The Rangers saw their first goal challenge in team history, and it didn’t go their way, winding up as a massive turning point in the game. Jarret Stoll had his goal called off, one that would have given the Rangers a 3-2 lead that would have likely held with the way Lundqvist was playing. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers rally for four goals to take down the Coyotes: Rick Nash scores 700th point
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers (5-2-1) were able to move past an early Coyotes (3-3-1) goal and rally for four straight goals, giving New York their second straight home victory.
Despite a very slow start to the game, consisting of the Coyotes clogging the ice and trying to limit everything the Rangers were trying to do. For the first half of the game, it tended to work, with Arizona shutting down all of the Rangers offensive moves.
This was also the first time that the Rangers and Coyotes had played since the teams swapped Anthony Duclair and Keith Yandle, one of the blockbuster trades at last year’s deadlines. Yandle fared better in this game, scoring his first goal of the season. Read the rest of this entry
Upping the Antti: Raanta blanks the Sharks on home ice
Bobby Bevilacqua
Antti Raanta was thrilled to get his first win as a Ranger. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Talbot who?
The Rangers (4-2-1) got an excellent performance from their backup goaltender Antti Raanta in his debut in blue, making 22 saves in a 4-0 win over the San Jose Sharks (4-2-0), snapping their three game losing streak in the process.
The Rangers really took the phrase “put up or shut up” to heart. After some criticism from media, their coach, and themselves, the players completely turned things around, playing their first complete, 60 minute game of the season.
There’s also a bit of déjà vu for Rangers fan. Last year on October 19th, the Rangers beat the Sharks 4-0 at MSG for their first this win of the season. Exactly a year to the day later, they did the exact same thing.
Antti Raanta turned aside 22 shots for his fourth career shutout, and his first win as a Ranger. Raanta became the first goalie to record a shutout in his Rangers debut since November 2, 1957 (Marcel Paille). Raanta has also been superb in home games, posting a 15-0-3 record with a 1.51 GAA, a .944 save percentage and four shutouts in 20 career home games.
Rangers drop third straight game in overtime to the lowly Devils
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The tough times keep coming for Alain Vigneault and the Blueshirts.
Despite having more possession, more scoring chances, and playing a stronger game overall, the Rangers (3-2-1) lost their third consecutive game, handing the New Jersey Devils their first lead of the season and their first win.
The Rangers dominated the first period, with more shots on goal (9-6), more shot attempts (19-8), and taking the lead just over three minutes into the game. Oscar Lindberg stole the puck in the Rangers defensive zone and carried it up the ice before saucering a pass across the ice to Derek Stepan. Stepan made an excellent deke to open up Schneider before slotting it between his legs for his third goal of the season.
The Rangers wound up controlling the rest of this period. Oscar Lindberg created some excellent chances, connecting on a few more impressive passes, but nobody was finishing their chances. Viktor Stalberg also had a superb period, winning a lot of puck battles and leading the team in possession and hits after 40 minutes. Read the rest of this entry
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