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Rangers looking to capitalize on home ice advantage against Pittsburgh
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers and the Penguins will meet again at MSG tonight, with New York looking to capture a 2-0 series lead. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The New York Rangers and the Pittsburgh Penguins will meet again tonight in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, with the Rangers trying to take advantage of home ice and capture a two games to none series lead.
The Rangers are coming off of a 2-1 win in Game One, jumping out to a lead just 28 seconds into the game and never looking back. The opening goal from Derick Brassard, a power play goal from Ryan McDonagh, and some quality defense and goaltending was the difference maker for New York.
This represents a very important game for the Rangers. In past years, the Rangers have been unable to close out series early, often letting teams hang around and let series go on longer than they should have. If New York wants to contend again this year, they need to learn to start finishing some of the early rounds as soon as possible. A two games to none lead would be absolutely huge for New York. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers Practice Report; Girardi okay, Klein out for Game 2
Bobby Bevilacqua
Dan Girardi is okay after getting hit in the jaw with a deflected puck. He practiced Friday afternoon and will play in Game 2. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After the first playoff game last night, Alain Vigneault had his troops hard at work today during practice ahead of Game 2 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
Rangers’ fans got a bit of a scare last night when Dan Girardi fell to the ice after getting hit in the jaw with a deflected puck. Girardi left the ice with 9:23 left in the game, and did not return.
However, Dan Girardi was back on the ice today at practice, and did not have many marks as a result of the stray puck. Girardi said that he was not cut on the inside or outside of his mouth, did not have any fractures, with just “a little swelling.” Girardi did not have any further protection, sporting just the helmet and visor. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers take Game 1 at MSG with dominant start; McDonagh outstanding
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers got off to a quick start and never looked back, coming away with a 2-1 victory in the first game of the 2015 playoffs. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers did exactly what they were hoping to by coming out strong and aggressive, containing Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and skating away with a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins to open the playoffs.
The Rangers jumped out to an early lead, scoring just 28 seconds into what was a dominant first period. They were aggressive and physical, which started to get under the Penguins’ skin, which led to four Rangers’ power plays in the first period. The Penguins made a game out of it in the last two periods, but the defensive effort from New York was solid, and they were able to shut the door. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers aim to start series against Penguins strong; Klein not ready for Game 1
Bobby Bevilacqua
Rick Nash will be a huge focal point for the Rangers as they open the playoffs tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins on home ice. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Following a wild opening to the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday Night, the Rangers begin their quest for the cup tonight as they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins at MSG in the first game of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, round one of the playoffs.
This is a rematch of last year’s thrilling series in the second round, where the Rangers found themselves in a 3-1 hole before winning the final three games of the series to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
But this is a new year, and these are two new teams. The Rangers have been “the hunted” since day one, with people constantly using them as a measuring stick, while the Penguins are trying to embrace the underdog role for the first time in years. Read the rest of this entry
New York Rangers: Key Players to watch for in the Playoffs
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers are a complete team from top to bottom, but who will stand out in the playoffs? Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
One of the Rangers’ strengths throughout the regular season was the fact that everyone on the roster was able to contribute or provide production in some way. Whether it was goal scoring, or defensive play, or penalty killing, each player brought something to the team that helped make the Rangers one of the best teams in the entire league.
Alain Vigneault has created a lineup with great chemistry, and one that has been very effective throughout the season. The Blueshirts have four quality forward lines with a great amount of depth, all able to chip in with offensive production to an extent, as well as playing a solid defensive game. After trading for Keith Yandle from the Arizona Coyotes, the Rangers have one of the deepest defensive units in the NHL. And with Henrik Lundqvist healthy and performing well, he presents another threat to opposing teams.
Obviously, every player’s performance is important to coming away with a win on any given night, but throughout the playoffs, some players will stand out from the pack with their clutch performances on both sides of the puck. Read the rest of this entry
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