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Miller, Brassard power Rangers to Game 2 win over the Penguins
Bobby Bevilacqua
Keith Yandle celebrates his first goal of the 2016 NHL Playoffs. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Led by three point games from Derick Brassard and JT Miller, the Rangers finally solved Jeff Zatkoff, skating out of the CONSOL Energy Center with a 4-2 win in Game 2, evening up the series at one game apiece and shifting control of home ice to the Rangers.
After a 35 save performance from Zatkoff in Game 1, they finally wound up getting their offensive production going, scoring four goals on 28 shots, with all of the goals coming in a span of 8:01. Keith Yandle, Derick Brassard, Mats Zuccarello and Chris Kreider all finding the back of the net.
The Rangers decided to ramp up the physicality in this game, setting a franchise record for hits in a playoff game that ended in regulation (57). Kevin Klein (8) and Derick Brassard (7) led the Rangers in that category. The physicality and relentless forecheck was key to throwing the Penguins off of their game and containing their speed. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers collapse late and lose to Chicago; Brassard sets career high in goals
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Facing their toughest test in a while, the Rangers (32-19-6) looked up to the task. But a late collapse on their penalty kill handed the win to the Blackhawks (38-18-5), who continue to climb up the standings in the Central Division.
The Blackhawks snapped the Rangers 10 game point streak at home, handing New York their first regulation loss at MSG since December 20th. Artemi Panarin scored his first career hat trick, and Corey Crawford made 31 saves to help guide Chicago to a win.
The first period was pretty quick and free flowing, with not a lot of stoppages. The Rangers had more chances, outshooting Chicago 10-6, but the Blackhawks did a great job keeping their shots to the outside. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers rally for a wild comeback win; Miller stays red-hot
Bobby Bevilacqua
Derick Brassard celebrates after scoring the eventual game winning goal. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After eight minutes, things did not look good for the Rangers (28-18-5). The Minnesota Wild (23-19-9) had scored twice and looked to be taking control of the game. But after the first intermission, the Rangers played some of their most dominant hockey of the entire season, culminating in a 4-2 Rangers win.
In the Tuesday loss against the Devils, the Rangers played well at even strength, but were poor on special teams. Today, they were dominant at even strength, and improved on the penalty kill. They gave up one power play goal, but fended off the next two.
The Rangers have now won four of their last six games, and are starting to play a better overall game. If they can string together these performances consistently, and solve their penalty kill issues, the Rangers could be trending upwards. Read the rest of this entry
Derick Brassard or Rick Nash: Who deserves the “A”
Bobby Bevilacqua
Rick Nash or Derick Brassard; who would be a better Alternate Captain? Photos courtesy of MSG Photos.
Choosing the right players to lead your team is very important in the NHL. Not only is it crucial to select the right captain, but providing that person with the right alternate captains can create a strong locker room and great leadership.
This past season, Ryan McDonagh was appointed as the 27th captain in franchise history, taking over after Ryan Callahan was traded to the Lightning during the 2013-14 season. There were four alternate captains, two defensemen and two forwards; Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, Derek Stepan and Martin St. Louis.
However, now that St. Louis has hung up his skates, there seems to be an alternate captain spot open for a forward to take. The only question is who should be appointed in that leadership role. Read the rest of this entry
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