Category Archives: In the Crease
Signing Mats Zuccarello, at the right price, was the right move for the Rangers
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers made the right decision in re-signing Mats Zuccarello, keeping the Norwegian in NYC for the next four seasons. Photo courtesy of Paul J. Bereswill/NY Post.
On March 2nd during a press conference, Glen Sather formally announced the finalization of a four year contract extension with Norwegian winger Mats Zuccarello worth $18 million (4.5 AAV), and including a no trade clause in the first year of the deal. Rangers GM Glen Sather remarked on how much he liked and respected Zuccarello.
“I like everything about him – his tenacity, his hard work, his seeing the ice, the way he plays, the chemistry he brings to our team and the way he is in the dressing room,” said Sather. “He’s been a perfect player for us.”
Quite high praise from Sather. But Zuccarello truly deserves it. Last season, he was the Rangers leading scorer, with 19 goals and 40 assists, helping the team get into the playoffs. While he will not match that production this year, he is still having a solid year, and is a key reason that guys like Rick Nash and Derick Brassard are having tremendous success. Read the rest of this entry
Now in first place, the Rangers still have room to grow
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers have won four in a row and are 10-1-2 this month, but are yet to find their “A” game. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers came back from a 3-1 deficit on Tuesday against the Coyotes, eventually winning 4-3 to extend their win streak to four games, and giving the Blueshirts points in 10 consecutive games (8-0-2). The Rangers are 10-1-2 in the month of February, largely without star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.
The Rangers are 27-6-2 since December 8th, an incredible streak of success that propelled them into first place in the Metropolitan Division ahead of the New York Islanders. Earlier in the season, the Rangers trailed the Islanders by 14 points, but have closed that gap, and are now second in the Eastern Conference. Read the rest of this entry
Mackenzie Skapski’s incredible journey to the New York Rangers
Bobby Bevilacqua
Mackenzie Skapski was all smiles during his win against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night, reaching the NHL despite nearly having his hockey career cut short at the age of 15. Photo courtesy of Getty images.
On June 15, 1994, the day after the New York Rangers defeated the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Mackenzie Skapski was born to parents Denis and Tracey in Abbotsford, British Columbia in Canada.
By coincidence, Skapski would later be drafted by the New York Rangers, starting this season with the Kootenay Ice of the Western Hockey league. Although he was hardly expected to make the AHL, let alone the NHL, Skapski made his NHL debut against the Buffalo Sabres on his dad’s birthday, and earning his first career win in the process. Read the rest of this entry
Stop worrying about faceoffs, the Rangers should address other areas instead
Bobby Bevilacqua
Sean Bergenheim is one of the players that the Rangers should target, addressing the need of a bottom six forward who can score and provide depth. Photo courtesy of USATSI.
With the March 2nd trade deadline coming ever closer, rumors are flying, and the Rangers have been subject to mostly minor rumors for quite some time now. The most heard rumor is Antoine Vermette, the center on the Arizona Coyotes, who is a faceoff specialist and has an expiring contract.
In fact, most of the rumors surrounding are in the same category; a big bodied center who can win faceoffs. Nothing more. Just a faceoff specialist.
Personally, I believe that the expression “quality, not quantity” is true when it comes to the faceoff circle. The amount of faceoffs won is not important, it’s when you win it. Key faceoffs, such as in the offensive zone on a power play, or in the defenseive zone late in the game with a lead, are much more important than finishing a game winning over 50% of the draws. Read the rest of this entry
Mackenzie Skapski should start in Buffalo
Bobby Bevilacqua
Mackenzie Skapski, the 20 year old who has been backing up Cam Talbot and working on his game with Benoit Allaire, should get a chance to start against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday. Photo courtesy of the New York Rangers.
On November 21st, the Rangers were scheduled to play a game on the road against the Buffalo Sabres at the First Niagara Center. However, plans were changed when over 60 inches of snow covered the city of Buffalo, forcing the NHL to postpone the game for the safety of the players and the fans.
That game has been rescheduled for this Friday, breaking up what would have been a four game homestand. It also creates a back-to-back scenario, with the Rangers playing the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night before heading upstate for the game against the Sabres on Friday. Read the rest of this entry
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