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Rangers look to extend win streak against Chicago with new lines in place
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers will turn to Kevin Hayes on the second line to pick up the scoring slack in the absence of Martin St. Louis as the team goes for its sixth straight win. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After two days off, the Rangers (44-17-7) are hoping to extend their win streak to six games when they take on the Chicago Blackhawks (42-21-6) for the second time in less than two weeks, with both teams playing quite well as of late.
New York and Chicago last faced off on December 8th in a game that went into overtime scoreless. Derick Brassard scored the game winner on a short-side slap shot, which also happened to be the last goal that he scored. Cam Talbot stopped 29 shots for the shutout.
Chicago did play last night, handing the Islanders their fourth straight loss and coming away with a 4-1 victory. Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa each scored twice, and Corey Crawford stopped 38 shots. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers Practice Report; Lundqvist cleared to practice
Bobby Bevilacqua
Henrik Lundqvist has been cleared for full practices, meaning that he could be in a game very shortly. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
This afternoon, the Rangers announced that following an exam with doctors and specialist, star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has been cleared for full practices, meaning that he is close to making his return.
Alain Vigneault has said previously that Lundqvist will need about three or four full practices before he is game-ready again. Henrik has been participating in intense conditioning drills, workouts, and goalie drills, so that will not be a problem. The practices will help him get back to being able to track the puck with bodies in front of him.
This is a huge boost to an already top-notch team. When Lundqvist went down with injury, the Rangers stepped their game up as Cam Talbot took over a starting role for the first time in his career. They stepped up their game offensively and defensively, becoming a better all-around team. Lundqvist has missed 20 games, but the Rangers still managed to pull together a 15-2-3 record since February 4th. Read the rest of this entry
Lundqvist, Rangers eyeing a potential March 24th return; St. Louis injury update
Bobby Bevilacqua
Kind Henrik could be back in net for the Rangers when they take on the Los Angeles Kings on March 24th. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
According to a tweet from The Hockey News’ Ken Campbell, a source close to the New York Rangers organization has told the site that New York is aiming for a March 24th comeback date for star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist’s return.
The wording was a bit vague, but it seems as if Henrik Lundqvist could be back in net for the Rangers for their game against the Los Angeles Kings on the 24th of this month, which happens to be next Tuesday. The source could have also meant that Lundqvist will be cleared for practice on that date, so the exact date is still cloudy.
This would be a huge return to the Rangers, who are now dealing with injuries to three key players on the team (Lundqvist, Klein, St. Louis). Don’t get me wrong, Cam Talbot has been absolutely superb, but Henrik Lundqvist is a proven, elite goalie. His ability to elevate his game when the Ranger need it most, especially in the playoffs, is what makes him one of the best, if not the best, goalies in the NHL. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers win again over tough Panthers team; Sheppard and Hunwick score
Bobby Bevilacqua
Cam Talbot and the Rangers fourth line stole the show, providing the spark the Rangers needed to get past the Panthers. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers (44-17-7) managed two survive 40 minutes of swarming Florida Panthers (31-24-14), earning their fifth straight win thanks to strong play from the fourth line and superb goaltending from Cam Talbot. New York skated away with a 2-1 home ice victory.
With the win, the Rangers improved their record to 44-17-7, with a 14-1-3 record in the last 18 games. Since December 8th, the Rangers are 33-7-3, propelling them to five points ahead of the Islanders in the division, and first place in the entire league.
Tonight marked the first time in franchise history that the Rangers have allowed one goal or fewer in regulation in seven straight games. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers back home for game against Jagr and the Panthers; Talbot back in net
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers are heading back to MSG to take on the Florida Panthers, with New York in search of their fifth straight win. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
After a successful road trip, the Rangers (43-17-7) are back on home ice where they will take on the Florida Panthers for the third and final time this season. New York is hoping to extend their win streak to five games, as well as extend their lead over the Islanders to five points.
The last time that these two teams faced off was on February 2nd in New York, with the Rangers skating away with a 6-3 victory. Rick Nash scored twice, Mats Zuccarello had a goal and an assist, and Kevin Hayes, Marc Staal, and Dan Boyle also found the back of the net.
Both teams also played last night, and won. Mackenzie Skapski earned his first career shutout in a 2-0 win over the Sabres, and Dan Ellis of the Panthers shut out the Carolina Hurricanes during a 2-0 Panthers victory. Read the rest of this entry
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