Category Archives: Game Recaps
Mackenzie Skapski earns first NHL win as the Rangers topple the Sabres
Bobby Bevilacqua
Derick Brassardleps over a shot in the Rangers 3-1 win over the Sabres at the First Niagara Center. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Making his first ever NHL start, Mackenzie Skapski backstopped the Rangers (35-16-6) to an important 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres (17-38-4), giving the Blueshirts their fifth consecutive road victory and putting them two points ahead the Washington Capitals for second in the Metropolitan Division.
The game did not start as Skapski and the Rangers would have hoped, surrendering a goal in the first 14 seconds off of a Rangers turnover. But after that, the Rangers dominated, outshooting the Sabres 31-12 in the first two periods and controlling the neutral zone. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers fall to resilient Vancouver Canucks in a shootout; St. Louis delivers late
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers played their first game at Madison Square Garden for the first time in 11 days, but were unable to get a win over the Canucks. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After dominating the first period, the Rangers (34-16-6) couldn’t keep up with the Vancouver Canucks (33-21-3), who scored four times in the final two periods and converted on both of their shootout chances for a crucial win on their part.
The Rangers surrendered three different leads in the game, and were not nearly as dominant in the final two periods. Their puck management was pretty rough, and the Sedin twins took over, dominating in every shift in the final 40 minutes. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers take down the Islanders with a thrilling comeback in a Game for the Ages
Bobby Bevilacqua
Cam Talbot gets a congratulatory kiss from teammate Chris Kreider, who scored a crucial goal in the game to secure a win in Talbot’s 38 save effort. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
In arguably the most exciting game of the year, one that saw a combined 85 shots on goal and 11 goals combined, the Rangers (34-16-5) took down the New York Islanders (37-19-1) by a final score of 6-5, capping off a comeback that saw three Rangers goals in the third period. The Rangers came back from deficits of 2-0, 3-1, and 5-3, snapping the Islanders win streak against Metropolitan Division foes, and bringing the Rangers past the Penguins and into second place in the division.
The Nassau Coliseum was packed, creating a playoff atmosphere for the rekindled New York hockey rivalry. Both teams delivered, showcasing an aggressive game and one that was entertaining for the fans, although Chris Kreider believed that it was “one of those games that takes a few years off a coach’s life.” Read the rest of this entry
Rangers dominate in the desert over Coyotes; Vigneault earns 500th career win
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers used a dominating third period to propel past the Arizona Coyotes for their third straight win on the road trip. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
The Rangers (33-16-5) ended the Annual Fathers trip on a high note, exploding for four goals in the third period to take down the Arizona Coyotes (20-30-7) for their third straight win. With the win, Alain Vigneault became the 21st coach in NHL history to reach the 500 win mark. He has also reached that milestone in the fourth fewest contests, having coached just 942 games in the NHL.
The Rangers have won the first three games of their road trip, and are 6-1-1 in their last eight games, as well as 4-1-1 since Henrik Lundqvist was sidelined with the vascular injury. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers hold on in wild win over the Avalanche; Kevin Hayes with a big night
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers found themselves finding a way to answer back the the Avalanche’s surge and earn their second straight victory on the road trip. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Despite surrendering another two goal lead, the Rangers (32-16-5) responded quickly, holding on for a 6-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche (22-22-11) on the road, their second consecutive win of the road trip.
The Rangers largely dominated the first period and half of the second, but Colorado came back, eventually tying the game in the third while controlling play in the process. But the Rangers answered quickly, and held on for their 32nd victory of the season. Read the rest of this entry
therangerzone.com 