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Rangers fail to clinch playoff spot after loss to Carolina
Alexandra Russo
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
The Rangers knew how important a win could be when they took on the Hurricanes, as they would have clinched a playoff berth with a regulation or overtime win. However, they fell short of that goal and lost 4-3 in Eric Staal’s return to Carolina.
This wound up being the first win for the Hurricanes against the Rangers in 10 games, with the Rangers nine game win streak coming to an end. That streak began in April of 2014. New York closed out the season series with a 3-1-0 record against Carolina.
Surprisingly, the Rangers started out slower than expected for a team that was competing for a playoff berth. Henrik Lundqvist came up big in the first five minutes of the game for his team. He went side to side to prevent a goal on a rebound by Brad Malone. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers look to clinch a playoff spot as Eric Staal returns to Carolina
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
For the first time ever, Eric Staal will be playing against the team that he spent 12 years in his return to Raleigh, this time in a different sweater. The Rangers (43-24-9) can clinch their sixth consecutive playoff appearance with a regulation or overtime win against the Carolina Hurricanes (33-28-16), and Eric Staal will be a part of it.
It was a tough transition for the former Hurricanes’ captain, who had to learn a new system, move away from his family for a brief time, and fit into a new locker room with new teammates. But Staal has looked increasingly more comfortable as a Ranger, and is coming off of his best game with the team. Now he’s looking forward to taking part in the playoffs again, and will be looking to help his team clinch their berth tonight.
The Rangers have rebounded well since the 4-1 debacle of a loss at the hands of the San Jose Sharks, going 3-0-1 in their last four games and 16-7-3 since February 4. The Penguins are just one point behind the Rangers, so a regulation or overtime win is needed to officially punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After the overtime loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday, New York is just 13-10-4 against Metropolitan opponents, but that includes a 3-0-0 mark against the Hurricanes. Read the rest of this entry
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
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