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New York Rangers: Key Players to watch for in the Playoffs
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers are a complete team from top to bottom, but who will stand out in the playoffs? Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
One of the Rangers’ strengths throughout the regular season was the fact that everyone on the roster was able to contribute or provide production in some way. Whether it was goal scoring, or defensive play, or penalty killing, each player brought something to the team that helped make the Rangers one of the best teams in the entire league.
Alain Vigneault has created a lineup with great chemistry, and one that has been very effective throughout the season. The Blueshirts have four quality forward lines with a great amount of depth, all able to chip in with offensive production to an extent, as well as playing a solid defensive game. After trading for Keith Yandle from the Arizona Coyotes, the Rangers have one of the deepest defensive units in the NHL. And with Henrik Lundqvist healthy and performing well, he presents another threat to opposing teams.
Obviously, every player’s performance is important to coming away with a win on any given night, but throughout the playoffs, some players will stand out from the pack with their clutch performances on both sides of the puck. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers are playoff bound after dominating win in Ottawa: Glass scores first goal as a Ranger
Bobby Bevilacqua
See you in the playoffs.
The Rangers were dominant in a win against the Senators, getting goals from four different player, including Tanner Glass’ first as a Ranger. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Following a disappointing loss on Tuesday against the Kings, the Rangers (47-19-7) skated to a dominating 5-1 win against the hottest team in the NHL, making the Ottawa Senators (37-25-11) and Andrew Hammond, also known as the Hamburglar, look like a much worse team than they actually are.
With the win, the Rangers moved ahead of the Montreal Canadiens for sole possession of the first place spot in the Eastern Conference, and tied with the Anaheim Ducks for first in the President’s Trophy race. They also became the first team to clinch a playoff spot, and are very close to clinching home ice in the Metropolitan Division.
New York also hit the 100 point mark for just the eighth time in franchise history, and did so in only 73 games. That is tied for the second fastest it has taken to get 100 points in franchise history. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers face tough task against Ottawa and the “Hamburglar”
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers are looking to rebound with a win in Ottawa in what very well could be Cam Talbot’s last game as the starting goaltender. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
The Rangers (46-19-7) are looking to build off of their tough loss on Tuesday when they head to Ottawa to take on the red-hot Ottawa Senators (37-24-11), and their rookie goalie sensation Andrew Hammond, lovingly dubbed the “Hamburglar.”
This is the second of three games between these two teams, and the only one being played in Ottawa. The Rangers came away with a 3-2 overtime victory at Madison Square Garden, the final game before the All Star Break. Kevin Hayes and Chris Kreider scored the two regulation goals, and Carl Hagelin scored the overtime winner. Henrik Lundqvist was in net, stopping 33 of the 35 shots he faced.
The Rangers have a chance to equal or eclipse the 100 point mark this season for just the eighth time in franchise history. The Rangers could also clinch a playoff spot in two ways; a win over Ottawa and a Boston loss against Anaheim tonight, or an overtime loss against Ottawa and a Boston regulation loss. 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
Rangers prepared for one last battle at Nassau Coliseum against the Islanders
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers and Islanders will play for the final time in the regular season, and potentially the last time at Nassau Coliseum. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The stage is set for a crucial game tonight between the Rangers (40-17-7) and the Islanders (43-21-4), the last regular season matchup at Nassau Coliseum ever. The Rangers have four games in hand, and a win would bring them to within one point of the Islanders.
This is the fifth and final game between these two teams, with the Islanders winning three of the first four games. In the last game, the Rangers battled back for a thrilling 6-5 victory, with Kevin Klein scoring the game winner. Chris Kreider, Martin St. Louis and Kevin Klein both had a goal and an assist, Ryan McDonagh had two goals, and Derek Stepan had a goal and two assists.
Jaroslav Halak and Cam Talbot were the goalies, with both netminders facing over 40 shots. They will be the goalies again this time around, although I expect a much closer, tight checking game. Read the rest of this entry
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