Category Archives: Rangers Updates
Henrik Lundqvist set to travel to Ottawa; Mackenzie Skapski sent to Hartford
Bobby Bevilacqua
Henrik Lundqvist will travel with the team to Ottawa and serve as backup to Cam Talbot. He will start at least one of the games this weekend. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers are now one step closer to getting their franchise goalie back on the ice, as he will be traveling with the team for the first time since his injury when they head to Ottawa to take on the red hot senators.
Lundqvist has been on the ice for a full practice and for a morning skate, taking both high and low shots, but still needs another practice or morning skate and a bit more time to prepare mentally for his return. Tomorrow night, Lundqvist will serve as backup to Cam Talbot on Thursday, with the goal of starting at least one of the games this weekend.
“Tommorow I am on the bench,” Lundqvist said following the team’s practice this morning. “It’s just good to be in the locker room, get the game feeling back, and then we’ll see which game I’ll play this weekend. It’s going to be a good feeling just to be back on the bench and we’ll take it from there.” Read the rest of this entry
Rangers Practice Report; Kevin Hayes back to center
Bobby Bevilacqua
Kevin Hayes is back in the center position for tomorrow’s game, as Alain Vigneault believes that it gives the Rangers three lines that can facilitate offense. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Following Wednesday’s loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, Alain Vigneault decided to switch up the lines, trying to find something that clicks in the absence of Martin St. Louis.
On Wednesday, James Sheppard played center on the third line alongside Carl Hagelin and JT Miller, while Kevin Hayes moved alongside Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello. Rick Nash as reunited with Derek Stepan and Chris Kreider, a line that worked well last season.
“It was very important for me to get a look at Shep in the middle, and we used the last game to do that,” Vigneault explained. “We know he can play all three forward positions which is a big bonus for us; but there’s no doubt that having Kevin in the middle gives us three lines that I believe can play a little more offensive hockey.” Read the rest of this entry
Rangers Practice Report; Lundqvist cleared to practice
Bobby Bevilacqua
Henrik Lundqvist has been cleared for full practices, meaning that he could be in a game very shortly. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
This afternoon, the Rangers announced that following an exam with doctors and specialist, star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has been cleared for full practices, meaning that he is close to making his return.
Alain Vigneault has said previously that Lundqvist will need about three or four full practices before he is game-ready again. Henrik has been participating in intense conditioning drills, workouts, and goalie drills, so that will not be a problem. The practices will help him get back to being able to track the puck with bodies in front of him.
This is a huge boost to an already top-notch team. When Lundqvist went down with injury, the Rangers stepped their game up as Cam Talbot took over a starting role for the first time in his career. They stepped up their game offensively and defensively, becoming a better all-around team. Lundqvist has missed 20 games, but the Rangers still managed to pull together a 15-2-3 record since February 4th. Read the rest of this entry
Lundqvist, Rangers eyeing a potential March 24th return; St. Louis injury update
Bobby Bevilacqua
Kind Henrik could be back in net for the Rangers when they take on the Los Angeles Kings on March 24th. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
According to a tweet from The Hockey News’ Ken Campbell, a source close to the New York Rangers organization has told the site that New York is aiming for a March 24th comeback date for star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist’s return.
The wording was a bit vague, but it seems as if Henrik Lundqvist could be back in net for the Rangers for their game against the Los Angeles Kings on the 24th of this month, which happens to be next Tuesday. The source could have also meant that Lundqvist will be cleared for practice on that date, so the exact date is still cloudy.
This would be a huge return to the Rangers, who are now dealing with injuries to three key players on the team (Lundqvist, Klein, St. Louis). Don’t get me wrong, Cam Talbot has been absolutely superb, but Henrik Lundqvist is a proven, elite goalie. His ability to elevate his game when the Ranger need it most, especially in the playoffs, is what makes him one of the best, if not the best, goalies in the NHL. Read the rest of this entry
Kevin Klein out 3-4 weeks, maybe longer, with a broken arm
Bobby Bevilacqua
Kevin Klein will be out for 3-4 weeks after breaking his arm in Wednesday’s win over the Capitals. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Late in last night’s game, Kevin Klein was hit in the arm on a long Alex Ovechkin slap shot, causing him to drop to the ice in immediate discomfort. He left the game with less than a minute remaining, and received X-Rays before flying home.
Unfortunately, the Rangers received some bad news today, learning that Kevin Klein will be out for at least 3 to 4 weeks according to a press release from the Rangers.
Kevin Klein was in the midst of arguably his best season as a pro, already setting career highs in goals (9) and points (26), as well as a career best +24 – tied with Rick Nash for sixth best in the entire NHL. Read the rest of this entry
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