Category Archives: Game Recaps
Rangers blanked in Montreal as Price and Lundqvist engage in battle
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Everyone predicted it would happen, but it was nonetheless spectacular to watch.
Henrik Lundqvist and Carey Price put on a show at the Bell Centre, making spectacular save after spectacular save en route to a 3-0 Montreal win. The Canadiens (5-0-0) has won five straight games to start a season for the first time in franchise history, and the Rangers (3-2-0) have now lost two straight games after winning their first three.
It was a disappointing effort from the Rangers. While Carey Price did make a few spectacular saves, the bigger problem was the fact that they couldn’t sustain any offensive pressure. They mustered just 22 shots on goal despite five power plays. Some of the Rangers biggest stars, namely Rick Nash and Chris Kreider, really didn’t have too much of an impact.
Emerson Etem made his Rangers debut tonight, and he had a few good shifts, but went largely unnoticed. The fourth line was much better without Tanner Glass and Jarret Stoll, and they spent some time on attack as well. However, Etem had only 12 shifts, seven minutes of ice time, and 70% defensive zone shifts. He didn’t have much of a chance to prove anything. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers drop first game of the season to Winnipeg; Zuccarello scores again
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
It was arguably the Rangers best 60 minute performance of the season, but they came away empty handed.
The Rangers (3-1-0) lost their first game of the season at home to a strong Winnipeg Jets (3-1-0) team, giving up four straight goals and failing to capitalize on multiple power play opportunities, leading to a 4-1 scoreline.
The Rangers were the better team throughout the game, outchancing the Jets at 5v5 and recording 12 more shots on goal. They had plenty of opportunities to run away with the game, but ran into a hot goaltender named Michael Hutchinson. Read the rest of this entry
How Swede it is! Lundqvist, Lindberg power Rangers to 5-2 win over Columbus
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers can thank Sweden for their win tonight.
The Rangers (3-0-0) cruised to a 5-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets (0-2-0), winning their third straight game to start the year, all three of the games being home openers.
Out of the three games to start the season, this was easily the best for Vigneault’s squad. They made sure to jump on the Blue Jackets early, trying to neutralize any intentions of a physical start. Despite playing their third game in four night, the team looked very fresh, and totally dominated the early stages of the game.
The only lineup change came on the fourth line, with Tanner Glass making his season debut, replacing Jesper Fast on the fourth line. This was likely made as a response to the physical nature of Columbus. Glass had a decent game, recording two shots on goal and seven hits, and finishing with a plus one rating. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers explode for three late goals to give Vigneault 100th win in New York
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
There is a heated rivalry brewing between the Rangers and the Blue Jackets, and the disdain for each other was on full display tonight.
Despite improbable circumstances, the Rangers score three goals in a span of 77 seconds to propel them over the Blue Jackets, spoiling their home opener and heading back to Madison Square Garden after a 4-2 win and with a 2-0 record.
For large stretches of the night, Columbus was the aggressor, energized by their home fans and looking to make an impact in the first game of the season. But the Rangers weathered the storm, played an excellent defensive game, and grinded out another road win.
The victory also gave Alain Vigneault his 100th win as the head coach of the Rangers, becoming the 10th head coach to win 100 regular season games with the Rangers. He was the fastest to reach that total out of the 10. Read the rest of this entry
Lundqvist, Rangers spoil Blackhawks banner party; Lindberg nets first career goal
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
After what seemed like a never ending banner ceremony, celebrating what the Rangers fell short of achieving last season, Vigneault and his squad spoiled the party.
The Rangers came out guns blazing, quickly jumping out to a lead and never looking back, ultimately topping the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks by a final score of 3-2.
For the most part, this was a very encouraging performance from the new-look Blueshirts, especially from the back end of the lineup. Henrik Lundqvist was excellent between the pipes, the third line was electric throughout the night, and Kevin Hayes fit right in with Stepan and Kreider.
New York have been good during the first game of the year, posting a 7-3-1 record in their last 11 season openers dating back to the 2005-06 season. They’ve also won back-to-back road season openers for the first time since 1955-58, when they won three straight. Read the rest of this entry
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