Category Archives: Game Recaps
Rangers avoid collapse against Toronto; Zuccarello scores game winner
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers found a way to avoid a collapse, thanks to a Mats Zuccarello game winner in the late stages of the third period. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
It wasn’t pretty, but the Rangers (31-16-5) found a way to get a win on the road against the Toronto Maple Leafs, avoiding a late game collapse and coming away with a 5-4 victory at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto scored two goals early in the second period to tie the game at four, but Mats Zuccarello came through in the clutch, sending the Rangers to Colorado with two points.
Offense was certainly not the problem, as the Rangers managed to find twine five times, including two goals from Zuccarello, on a total of 39 shots. 31 of those shots came in the first two periods alone.
The Rangers struggled in the faceoff circle again, winning just 40 percent (27/67) of their draws. This has been a continued problem, with Kevin Hayes and Derek Stepan the two worst faceoff guys on the team. It has gotten them into trouble, and may be something that needs to be addressed. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers fall in overtime to the Stars; Kreider scores late equalizer
Bobby Bevilacqua
Cam Talbot made 23 saves, but the Rangers could not come away with a win, dropping their second straight game, but this one came in overtime. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Despite a sloppy game, the Rangers (30-16-5) managed to pick up a crucial point against the Dallas Stars (24-21-8) at Madison Square Garden, losing early in overtime by a final score of 3-2.
It looked like the Stars were going to win in regulation, but Chris Kreider scored a clutch goal to send the Rangers to overtime.
It was a relatively sloppy game, with the Rangers struggling to carry the puck through the neutral zone and to clear their own zone. They also seemed to have trouble keeping the puck in at the blue line, often losing possession that way. Basically, the fact that they were playing the second game of a back-to-back showed, for both teams. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers drop tough game in Nashville; Nash scores league leading 33rd goal
Bobby Bevilacqua
Rick Nash opened the scoring for the Rangers again tonight, finding the back of the net for the 33rd time this season. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers (30-16-4) played one of their best games in a loss today, falling to the Nashville Predators (34-12-6), improving their record at Bridgestone Arena to 21-3-1 this season, which is the best home record in the league.
The Rangers controlled play for most of the final two periods, but the Predators scored two goals in the final 1:21 of the second period, continuing to get contributions from their top defenseman in Shea Weber and Roman Josi. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers topple Bruins for third straight win; Rick Nash scores yet again
Bobby Bevilacqua
Cam Talbot performed admirably in an emergency start, picking up the win and securing the third straight victory for the Rangers. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Despite the news that Henrik Lundqvist would not be available for the game against the Bruins, The Rangers (30-15-4) took down the red-hot Boston Bruins (27-17-7) at the Garden, coming back from a 2-1 deficit to earn their third straight win.
The Rangers hit the 30 win mark, and it was just the seventh time in franchise history that the Blueshirts have reached 30 wins in 49 games or fewer. After starting the season 7-7-4, the Rangers are 23-8-0 since then, solidifying themselves as a top Eastern Conference team.
The Blueshirts are now just two points behind the Penguins for first place in the Metropolitan Division, and just one point behind the Islanders. The Rangers have games in hand on both teams.
Rangers win thrilling battle over Panthers at the Garden; Zuccarello comes up big
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers and the Panthers faced off for an exciting and aggressive game, with the Rangers coming away with the 6-3 victory at the Garden. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
In one of the most exciting games of the year, the Rangers (29-15-4) offense came alive once again, scoring three goals in the final period to come away with a 6-3 game victory over the Florida Panthers (21-17-10) at the Garden for their second consecutive win.
The Rangers survived some lulls in their play at the start of the game and towards the end of the second period, scoring an impressive six goals against a tough and desperate Panthers team. After scoring just one goal in the first two games following the All Star break, the Rangers have exploded for 10 goals in their last two games. Read the rest of this entry
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