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Raanta makes 32 saves as Rangers take down the Capitals

Bobby Bevilacqua

Rangers celebrate a goal 3-4

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

After a tough loss in Pittsburgh, the Rangers (38-21-6) bounced back with a huge win over the league-leading Washington Capitals (47-13-4) on the road, thanks to a goal from Derek Stepan and 32 saves from Antti Raanta.

Before the game, it looked like the odds were stacked against the Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist was injured, Marc Staal was coming back from the flu, there were a few other minor injuries, and they were playing the Caps. Not a recipe for success, but they found a way to win.

The Rangers bounced back from a loss again, and they haven’t lost back-to-back games since December 20th. Also, the Rangers didn’t allow Alex Ovechkin to score a goal, snapping a nine game goal streak against the Rangers Read the rest of this entry

Raanta in net for the injured Lundqvist as Rangers battle the Capitals

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers vs capitals 1=9

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

After losing focus and falling to the Penguins last night, the Rangers (37-21-6) are back on the road to close out their brief road trip against the league-leading Washington Capitals (47-12-4), a team that’s winning at a historic pace.

The Capitals 47 wins have already passed last year’s total with 19 games left on the schedule. Their 47 wins through 63 games are the most for any team in NHL history, and their 98 points through that same span is the most since the Detroit Red Wings in the 1995-96 season, and they have an 18 point lead over the New York Rangers. Needless to say, the Rangers will have their work cut out for them.

Last night, the Rangers had a mental lapse for 1:39, allowing three goals and ultimately losing the game because of that. Against Washington, they’ll need a complete 60 minute effort because the Caps are built to win from the net out. Read the rest of this entry

Raanta brilliant as Rangers take down Columbus in Eric Staal’s debut

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers vs blue jackets 2-29

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

In Eric Staal’s debut, the New York Rangers (37-20-6) came away with a thrilling late victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets (26-30-8) thanks to a shorthanded goal from Derek Stepan, and 26 saves from Antti Raanta.

That extended the Rangers win streak to three games, including wins in five of their last six games. They also are 10-2-1 in the last 13 games, and 23-6-3 on home ice.

Eric Staal made his debut as a Ranger tonight, skating for 15:43 at center and on the wing. He didn’t pick up a point, but won 53% of his faceoffs and was solid defensively as well as with the puck. As he get practices and more games in, I’m sure he will be more comfortable and more effective. Read the rest of this entry

Hrivik makes NHL debut as Rangers battle Red Wings

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers vs red wings 3-4

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

The Rangers (33-19-6) play host to another Original Six matchup tonight as they take on the Detroit Red Wings (29-21-9) at Madison Square Garden in the first matchup between these two teams this season.

The Rangers are coming off of a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs where the two points earned did not come easy. They nearly blew the lead late, but a goal from Derek Stepan with 1:31 to go in the third period helped seal the win for the Blueshirts.

The last time the Rangers were on home ice, they saw their 10 game home ice point streak come to an end with a 5-3 loss at the hands of the Chicago Blackhawks. However, they’re still 21-6-3 at MSG, and their 21 home wins is tied for the most in the Eastern Conference, and just one behind Chicago, who lead the league with 22. New York is also 6-1-1 in their last eight games and currently sit in second place in the Metropolitan Division. Read the rest of this entry

Raanta, Stepan secure two points for the Rangers in Toronto; McDonagh hurt

Alexandra Russo

Antti Raanta pad save 2-18

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

After one of the Rangers’ (33-19-6) most disappointing losses of the season, a 5-3 loss to the Blackhawks to conclude a three game homestand, they swept the three game season series by beating Toronto (20-27-9) by a final score of 4-2 in Toronto.

The Leafs started out strong, as it appeared the Rangers were slow out of the gate. The Rangers had a chance when Ryan McDonagh made some nifty moves and nearly put the puck past Bernier.  The Maple Leafs came down the other way, and a shot from the point was deflected by a Ranger, and landed at the skates of Parenteau and ended up in the net. After much review to see if there was a kicking motion, the call on the ice stood, and the Leafs took a one goal lead.

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