Blog Archives
There’s more to Rick Nash than scoring goals, but he needs to start doing that too
Bobby Bevilacqua
Rick Nash has been one of the most noticeable players on the ice for the Rangers in the playoffs, and has done a lot to help them win. But he needs to start scoring some goals as well. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Before I start, let me preface this article by saying I am not writing this to make an excuse for Nash. This isn’t to say that he doesn’t have to score goals, or that Nash can’t do more. That isn’t what I am saying at all. So please read the entirety of the article before making a quick decision.
Rick Nash’s postseason struggles are well documented. In 49 career games played, Nash has found the back of the net just six times on 170 shots, with five of those coming as a member of the Rangers.This equates to a shooting percentage of just 3.5%. His career shooting percentage in the regular season is 12.5%, so such a tremendous drop is very surprising.
These stats and struggles aren’t for a lack of effort or trying. In 45 playoff games since being traded to the Rangers, Nash has 274 shots on goal, which gives him a higher shots per 60 minutes rate (19.7) higher than everyone but Alex Ovechkin (25.8). Read the rest of this entry
Rangers blanked in D.C. despite stellar performance from Lundqvist
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers and Capitals met for a Game 3, continuing the trend of strong goaltending, physical play and lots of action. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
One lucky bounce was the difference maker tonight at the Verizon Center, and unfortunately that bounce went in favor of the Washington Capitals, handing the Rangers a 1-0 loss, and a 2-1 deficit in the series despite the fact that New York actually played much better throughout the game.
Tonight marked just the fourth time in Rangers’ franchise history that they lost by a 1-0 score. The last time was on May 4th, 2013 against the Capitals in overtime, and then again in 1937 and 1931, both 1-0 losses to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Henrik Lundqvist, playing in his 100th career postseason game, was nothing short of spectacular, finishing with 21 saves on the night, and only getting beat on a deflection of Keith Yandle’s skate. Henrik Lundqvist is actually the first Ranger ever to play in 100 playoff games, marking an extremely successful career. In all eight playoff games this season, Lundqvist has been stupendous, and is holding together a team with an offense that is struggling to score. Read the rest of this entry
Series heads to Washington all tied up; Lundqvist set to make 100th postseason appearance
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers and Capitals will head to the Verizon Center for the first time in this series, a building where the Rangers won twice this season. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After tying the series at one, the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals head to the Verizon Center to continue their battle for a very important Game 3, and the first road game in the series for the Blueshirts.
Throughout the season, the Rangers have been a very strong road team, finishing with 28 road wins in the regular season, the most in the NHL. Two of those wins were in Washington D.C., with New York taking down the Capitals by 3-1 and 4-2 scores. They also won both games in Pittsburgh in Round 1. Alain Vigneault’s squad is very comfortable playing away from home, and tonight should be no different.
The Rangers were given Sunday off to rest and heal for tonight’s game following a full practice on Saturday. On the other hand, the Capitals were practicing yesterday after getting Saturday off. Regardless, both teams are ready to continue their hard hitting, action packed Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers pick up a win at home in a battle of goaltenders
The Rangers picked up a big win on home ice, evening the series at one goal a piece with Game 3 in Washington DC on Monday. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Bobby Bevilacqua
In one of the most intense games played at Madison Square Garden this season, Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers prevailed in a battle of goaltenders to even the series at one game apiece with the series heading to the Verizon Center for Game 3.
This marked the ninth consecutive playoff game decided by one goal for the New York Rangers, dating back to Game 4 of the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals against the Los Angeles Kings. The win was also the first Game 2 win at Madison Square Garden following a Game 1 loss since 1994.
Following a heartbreaking loss in Game 1, the message from Alain Vignealt got through to the team, and the Rangers got off to a fantastic start, scoring the first goal of the game just 38 seconds into the opening period. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers need stronger effort in Game 2; Vigneault sets the tone for the series
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers and Capitals will play Game 2 in a matinee matchup at the Garden, with New York looking to even the series before heading to Washington D.C. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After a shocking 2-1 loss in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Washington Capitals, the Rangers have regrouped and look to put that game behind them in today’s matinee Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.
Friday saw the team have a full practice, as well as a meeting with reporters. Most of the players had the same message; forget about Game 1 and worry about the game at hand. Vigneault seemed irate following the loss, and it carried over into yesterday’s press conference as well. This team probably got a stern talking to, and they’ll likely come out blazing today.
Vigneault has also avoided directly talking about the hit from behind, but he did say something that conveys his feelings about the hit, as well as how the rest of the series may go. Read the rest of this entry
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