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Rangers force a Game 7 at MSG with stingy defense and superb goaltending
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers managed to stick together and come away with a win in DC, forcing a deciding Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
This series is going back to Madison Square Garden for a winner-takes-all Game 7.
In what Derek Stepan called “our worst game in the series,” the Rangers managed to steal an ugly Game 6 win, thanks to an offensive outburst and a marvelous performance from the Rangers star goaltender Henrik Lundvist. Four goals and 42 saves was enough for the Rangers to send this series back to the Garden.
The game started out heavily in the Rangers’ favor, scoring 40 seconds into the period and dominating the speed play. It was a very wide open first period, with the quick pace of play an advantage to the Rangers. They were dominating with the cycle game, and wound up with a two goal advantage. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers look for a win in DC to keep postseason dreams alive
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers are in a must win situation again on Sunday Night, this time in DC, where the Capitals will be pushing hard to close out the series. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After an emotional comeback win at Madison Square Garden in Game 5, a game that saw the Rangers tie the game up with less than two minutes remaining and then win in overtime, the Blueshirts are back at it on Sunday Night, looking to extend their season again in a must-win Game 6 at the Verizon Center. They currently train the series three games to two.
With their backs against the wall, New York managed to get the win at the Garden, continuing their strong play overall throughout the series. Ryan McDonagh’s overtime goal gave the Rangers a chance to play one more hockey game, to get one more win and take it back to Madison Square Garden for a decisive Game 7.
New York is attempting to comeback from a 3-1 series deficit in the second round for the second consecutive season. The win on Friday gave the Rangers nine consecutive wins during elimination games at home, an NHL record. Those wins all belong to Henrik Lundqvist, who is 12-3 in elimination games dating back to the 2012 season. Read the rest of this entry
It starts with one: Rangers stay alive and take down the Caps in overtime
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers celebrate after Ryan McDonagh’s overtime winner guaranteed another game for the blueshirts, and another shot at a playoff win on Sunday. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Less than three minutes remained in an elimination game for the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The atmosphere was tense as the fans and players were sensing the possibility of a season ending too soon. With less than two minutes in a must-win game, Henrik Lundqvist started heading to the bench for the extra.
Chris Kreider’s one timer with just 1:41 remaining in the first period sent the Garden faithful into a frenzy, tying the game and momentarily saving their season. And in overtime, it was the captain Ryan McDonagh, on the team’s 43rd shot of the game, blowing the roof off of Madison Square Garden once more, and helping the Rangers live to fight another day. Game 6 is scheduled for Sunday, May 10th at 7 PM in Washington D.C.
With the win, the Rangers now have a nine-game win streak when facing elimination at home, which is a new NHL record. All 10 games that the Rangers have played in the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs have had one-goal margins. The last 12 playoff games for the Rangers have been decided by one goal, dating back to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Los Angeles Kings. This is the longest such streak in Stanley Cup Playoffs history. Read the rest of this entry
Confidence and resiliency is the locker room message for the Rangers in Game 5
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers are going to have to be at their best tonight, with an edge to their game and their offense at their best. The odds are against them, but they’ve done it before. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
The Rangers have scored just one goal on 59 shots against Braden Holtby in the two games away from home, suffering two losses despite playing good hockey. Holtby has been playing very well, the defensive effort from the Capitals has been strong, and the Rangers have not gotten consistent production from all over the ice.
All of this sums up to a 3-1 series deficit, and needing to win three straight games against the Capitals in order to advance to the Eastern Conference Final. While that’s obviously not easy to do, the Rangers do not need to search far for inspiration when it comes to overcoming significant deficits. Read the rest of this entry
Luck, inability, or defended well: Why aren’t the Rangers scoring goals?
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers haven’t been able to find the back of the net consistently in the playoffs. What’s the reason for their anemic offense? Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
After another one goal performance last night, the Rangers anemic offense continues to put the team in tough situations, like the 3-1 series deficit they find themselves in against the Capitals in the second round.
The Rangers clearly aren’t getting outplayed. They’ve been in every game, they’ve had good looks for the most part, and they’ve outshot and outchanced the Capitals in practically every game. They’re averaging nearly 31 shots per game as well through the nine playoff games they have played.
But for some reason, the team that finished third in the NHL in goals per game in the regular season (3.02 G/GP) is now tied for last in the playoffs, averaging just 1.78 goals per game. Against Braden Holtby and the Capitals, they’ve scored just five goals, with two coming from Derick Brassard.
So how on earth is it possible that one of the best offensive teams in the regular season has seen their offense suddenly wither in the playoffs? Read the rest of this entry
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