Category Archives: In the Crease
Why the Rangers need to sign Zuccarello ASAP
Bobby Bevilacqua
Mats Zuccarello is in the midst of a career high point streak, and continues to show why the Rangers need to resign him as soon as they can. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Every year around the trade deadline, rumors begin flying around every team, and big trades can happen in the blink of an eye. Evander Kane and Zach Bogosian were traded to the Buffalo Sabres in the first blockbuster trade of the year, and now Phil Kessel’s name is being tossed around in trade rumors.
With Glen Sather as general manager, trades are always a possibility. Last season he made headlines by sending then-captain Ryan Callahan to the Tampa Bay Lightning for their captain at the time, Martin St. Louis. Read the rest of this entry
Addressing the Rangers trade deadline options
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers have been playing very well as of late, but will Glen Sather make a move before the deadline? Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
With the March 2nd trade deadline looming, General Manager Glen Sather and the Rangers will need to decide if there is a valuable asset that they can acquire to help the team attempt a lengthy playoff run.
A few Rangers have been mentioned in potential trade rumors, most notably JT Miller, John Moore, Carl Hagelin, and the pending UFA, and fan favorite, Mats Zuccarello. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers first half review; Standouts, Surprises, and Second half Surges
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers first half of the season has come to a close, and it has been a success in many ways. The Rangers are in third place in the Metropolitan Division, and have won 16 of their last 19 games. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After a shaky start, the New York Rangers (27-13-4) settled the ship, winning 16 of their last 19 games to head into the All Star break with a third place spot in the Metropolitan division. The Rangers are just two points behind the Penguins and five points out behind the first place Islanders, with two games in hand on both teams.
The Rangers are also just six points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, and they have a whopping four games in hand on them, which really puts the strength of the East into perspective.
It was a first half that fans should be happy about, with the team showcasing numerous scoring options, the 12th ranked power play, and the 13th ranked penalty kill. The Rangers are averaging 3.00 goals for per game, which is good enough for sixth in the NHL, as well as just 2.32 goals against per game, which is third in the league. Read the rest of this entry
Why the Marc Staal signing was the right move for the Rangers
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers locked up Marc Staal for another six years, locking up their defensive core for the next few seasons. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
On Friday, January 16th, the Rangers signed 28 year old defenseman Marc Staal to a six year, $34.2 million deal that will pay him $5.7 million per season through the 2020-21 season. The deal also includes a no move clause through the first three years, and a modified no trade clause through the final three years.
It was also nice to see that the deal was done quickly and professionally, rather than being dragged out until the trade deadline or the offseason. Read the rest of this entry
New York Rangers have a true number one center in Derick Brassard
Bobby Bevilacqua
Derick Brassard has emerged as the Rangers number one center, and is second on the team in points behind fellow linemate Rick Nash. Photo courtesy of SNY Rangers Blog.
During the lockout-shortened 2012-2013 season, the New York Rangers traded away Marian Gaborik, a two-time 40 goal scorer in New York, to the Columbus Blue Jackets for some young talent, including Derek Dorsett, John Moore, and Derick Brassard.
Brassard was a highly-touted prospect in Junior Hockey, and was drafted sixth overall by Columbus in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He had his best season with them in the 2010-2011 season, putting up a career high 47 points (17-30-47).
Brassard came over to the Rangers, and in 13 games, tallied 11 points (5-6-11), as well as another 12 points (2-10-12) in the Rangers 12 playoff games.
Last season, Brassard had a very important role, centering what was arguably the Rangers most consistent line throughout the season, with Benoit Pouliot and Mats Zuccarello playing on the wings. Brassard had a career high 18 goals to go along with 27 assists, totaling 45 points in 81 regular season games. Read the rest of this entry
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