Category Archives: Game Recaps
Rangers rebound in big way with 5-1 win over Lightning; Nash scores twice
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers played well in Game 4, with a better defensive effort, better goaltending, and getting contributions from their best players. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Needing to respond and win after allowing 12 goals in Game 2 and 3, the Rangers did exactly that, winning by a final score of 4-1, and having nearly everything go right for them. The biggest takeaway from tonight is that Vigneault was able to get huge performances from his best players, including Henrik Lundqvist, Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis.
It was the Rangers first win in the playoffs by a margin of more than one goal, which was nice for a change. A big win was exactly what they needed to build confidence. The series now heads back to Madison Square Garden all tied up at two games apiece.
After Game 3, and following a weak overtime winner in Game 3, Henrik Lundqvist seemed dejected in his postgame interview. Larry Brooks from the New York Post questioned (foolishly) if Henrik Lundqvist should start in Game 4, and there was worry from some fans. But like he always has, Lundqvist upped his performance. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers fall 6-5 in overtime despite late comeback; Defense = disaster
Bobby Bevilacqua
It was a chippy, fast, high scoring game at the Amalie Arena. And the Lightning came away with a 6-5 win in overtime. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
In a wild back and forth game between at Amalie Arena, it was Tampa Bay that came out on top, scoring a shocking goal in overtime to ward off a Rangers comeback, and come out on top with a 6-5 overtime victory. Prior to this loss, the Rangers were 60-0-0 since the 2010-11 season when scoring five goals, in both the regular season and playoffs, yet they could not get the win tonight.
For the second consecutive game, the Rangers’ defense was atrocious. Tampa Bay’s forwards and defensemen just walked through the Rangers at the blue line, out shot and out chanced New York, and had more shot attempts. The defense did nothing at all to help out Lundqvist or the rest of the team, missing defensive assignments, giving up bad turnovers and allowing too many high scoring chances.
The problem in this game is that the Rangers are getting into a track meet. The game is way too wide open for them to keep up with the Tampa Bay Lightning forwards, especially with all of the speed and skill that they have. The Rangers would be better off controlling the pace of play, limiting the speed of the Lightning forwards, and using their quickness when the ice opens up for them. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers blown out at MSG in Game 2; Stepan keeps on surging
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Lightning got the better of the Rangers on Monday night, putting six goals on the board and dominating at Madison Square Garden. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers had an ugly performance tonight at Madison Square Garden, playing very sloppily and undisciplined, giftwrapping the Tampa Bay Lightning a 6-2 win, and snapping their consecutive playoff games steak decided by one goal at 15 games. The series is tied at one game apiece
For a team that talked about needing to play with desperation and how huge it would be to get a 2-0 series lead, the team as a whole didn’t play with that mentality apart from maybe six minutes in the second period. They took six penalties, allowed a shorthanded goal, and made some crucial mistakes that all led to goals.
Everyone knew that the key to this game would be staying out of the box for the Rangers. But the referees were calling everything from the start, and the Rangers were still extremely undisciplined, taking six minor penalties in the game. Tampa Bay scored three power play goals, and one seven seconds after a penalty had expired. Captain Ryan McDonagh discussed the “embarrassing, stupid, selfish penalties,” after the game, finishing with this quote. “Our guys better figure it out quickly here and realize that stupid selfish penalties are going to cost us against this team.” Read the rest of this entry
Dom Moore’s late goal lifts Rangers to dominating Game 1 win at MSG
Bobby Bevilacqua
Henrik Lundqvist celebrates as the horn sounds, signaling a Game 1 win for the Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers had been the better team at even strength throughout most of the game, it took a late goal from Dominic Moore to send the Rangers home happy, coming away with yet another 2-1 win and a 1-o series lead early.
Although it’s only one game, getting off on the right foot is a great way for the Rangers to start the series, giving them a chance to go up two games and head into Tampa with a significant advantage. Having home ice is a luxury, and it would be great to see the Rangers take true advantage of it.
Also, Ben Bishop came into this game with an 8-0-0 record against the Rangers in his career. Getting a win in game one lets the Rangers then know that he can be beaten, and gives them a confidence boost. The armor has been pierced. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers one “Step” closer; Advance to Eastern Conference Finals with overtime win over Caps
The Rangers’ players and coaches celebrate after Derek Stepan scores the overtime winner, sending the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers are back in the Eastern Conference Finals baby!
Despite trailing the series three games to one, the Rangers managed to complete the comeback, winning Game 7 at home thanks to a Derek Stepan overtime winner. They are back in the Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, and the third time in four years.
The Rangers became the first team in NHL history to come back from 3-1 series deficits in consecutive years. Last year, the Rangers faced a 3-1 series deficit against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but were able to overcome that to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Rangers also extended their win streak to 10 consecutive wins when facing elimination at Madison Square Garden. They are also 7-0 in franchise history in Game 7s on home ice. Read the rest of this entry
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