Blog Archives
Rangers weather the storm and snap losing streak; Kevin Klein injured
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
A hurricane came blowing through Madison Square Garden, but the Rangers weathered the storm.
Despite playing a similar type of hockey that saw the Rangers (17-6-2) lose three straight games, Alain Vigneault’s squad managed to come out on top, 4-3, against the Carolina Hurricanes (8-12-4), who have just two wins in their last 10 games.
It was a game that the Rangers were grossly outshot in, yet again, and it took some gifted goals from Cam Ward and an excellent performance by Henrik Lundqvist to come away with a win in this one. A win is a win, but the team needs to be better before they take on the Islanders in their next game. Read the rest of this entry
UPDATE: Derek Stepan out 4-6 weeks, Rangers lineup vs Carolina
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After the morning skate and during Alain Vigneault’s press conference, the head coach announced that Derek Stepan will miss four to six weeks due to his broken ribs.
Stepan was hit late into the boards by Bruins winger Matt Beleskey and suffered the injury on that play. This is just the second time in his career that he will miss regular season games, as Stepan has been one of the “iron men” on this team.
This is brutal. Saying that he is a big part of the team is an understatement. Stepan is the second line center, plays 17 minutes a night in all situations, scores points, plays excellent defensive hockey, and he’s been pretty clutch at times in his career. There are big skates to fill for the next month or so. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers need a big rebound win at home against the Hurricanes
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
“When you lose one, let alone two, you push the urgency button. Three is not acceptable for a team of our caliber.”
Those were the words that Rick Nash told reporters following the Rangers (16-6-2) following their shutout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden this Saturday, recording just 24 shots on goal, including 14 over the last 40 minutes. They’ll look to avoid a four game losing streak when they take on the Carolina Hurricanes (8-11-4) at the Garden tonight.
The Rangers are closing out the month of November, looking to end it on a high note. It’s been a successful month, with the team posting a 9-4 record, but they have lost three straight games in regulation, two of those coming on home ice. In those games, they’ve been outscored 12-4, with seven of those goals coming in the third period, a big surprise based on the team’s play in the third period all season long. Read the rest of this entry
The Rangers have some MAJOR flaws, and it starts with the defense
Bobby Bevilacqua
Data courtesy of war-on-ice.com.
Looking at this chart hurts.
It’s really odd to be extremely worried about the play of the Rangers, a team with 16 wins, 34 points and the fourth best record in the league. But the truth is that this team is playing really poorly, and they’re miraculously exceeding what the numbers suggest should happen.
But it may not be that way for long. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers Practice Report: McIlrath, Glass, Lundqvist to play against Jets
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Alain Vigneault made a huge statement after practice on Monday afternoon, announcing that Dylan McIlrath would make his season debut while veteran and $4.5 million defenseman Dan Boyle would be a healthy scratch.
Dan Boyle has not been all that impressive in the three games this season, picking up one assist and making at least one costly defensive miscue. During the home opener, Vigneault switched him and Kevin Klein, relating Boyle to the third pairing.
While he hasn’t been great, this is also about seeing what McIlrath can do. He made the team after a very strong preseason, and having him sit in the press box isn’t going to do him any good. The Rangers could use another defensively responsible, crease clearing physical defenseman on the ice.
This is also a big statement from Alain Vigneault. He’s showing that is doesn’t matter whether you’re a veteran or have a big salary. There are other options throughout the lineup. If Boyle isn’t playing well and if he still isn’t fitting into the system, then McIlrath can come in and steal some games from him. Read the rest of this entry
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