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Raanta, Stepan secure two points for the Rangers in Toronto; McDonagh hurt
Alexandra Russo

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
After one of the Rangers’ (33-19-6) most disappointing losses of the season, a 5-3 loss to the Blackhawks to conclude a three game homestand, they swept the three game season series by beating Toronto (20-27-9) by a final score of 4-2 in Toronto.
The Leafs started out strong, as it appeared the Rangers were slow out of the gate. The Rangers had a chance when Ryan McDonagh made some nifty moves and nearly put the puck past Bernier. The Maple Leafs came down the other way, and a shot from the point was deflected by a Ranger, and landed at the skates of Parenteau and ended up in the net. After much review to see if there was a kicking motion, the call on the ice stood, and the Leafs took a one goal lead.
Second angle of Parenteau goal pic.twitter.com/TgQuvfH0RO
— Ryan Ohanesian (@ryanohan) February 19, 2016
Rangers look for bounce-back game in Toronto; Raanta expected to start
Bobby Bevilacqua

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After watching two points go out the window last night, the Rangers (32-19-6) will look to rebound on the road tonight as they battle the Toronto Maple Leafs (20-26-9) at the Air Canada Centre.
The Rangers scored three straight goals, including two on the power play, to take a lead early in the third period. But their weak penalty kill let them down, surrendering two goals and giving up the lead with three minutes remaining in the third, ultimately losing the game 5-3. It snapped a 10 game point streak (8-0-2) on home ice and it was their first regulation loss at MSG since December 20th.
Tonight is the third and final game between the Rangers and Maple Leafs this season, and New York will be looking for a sweep of the season series. On October 30th, Mats Zuccarello recorded his first NHL hat trick in a 3-1 win at the Garden, and Zuccs led the Rangers to another home win on November 30th with a goal and a pair of assists. 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 Practice Report: McDonagh ready to play, Boyle out with the flu, defense in question for tomorrow
Bobby Bevilacqua

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After missing the last four games, Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh skated today at practice in a contact jersey and announced that he feels good to go for tomorrow night’s nationally televised games against the Chicago Blackhawks.
“Everything that I’ve seen so far, he looks fine,” Vigneault told Jim Cerny of Blueshirts United after practice. “So we’ll see how he responds. Today was his first contact day. If he’s alright tomorrow come optional tomorrow morning, there’s a good chance I’ll put him in the lineup tomorrow night.”
Ryan McDonagh was playing some of his best hockey of the season prior to the concussion he received in the games against the Flyers 10 days ago. McDonagh recorded nine points (2-7-9) in 13 games prior to the injury. He was also beginning to regain his form as a shutdown an excellent two-way, shutdown defenseman. His skating ability, smart decision making with the puck and leadership will be greatly appreciated back on the ice. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers lose barnburner in OT to the Kings
John Dundon

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Tickets were worth the price of admission in what turned out to be a 5-4 loss to Anze Kopitar and the LA Kings.
A duel between backup goalies, both whom have not played in NHL action for an extended period of time, made for a high scoring affair in which Peter Budaj made one more save than Antti Raanta in OT.
The Rangers went down two goals early but battled back only to lose the lead late in the third. They would then lose the second point on a goal scorers goal from Tanner Pearson in the 3 on 3 overtime. This one was a high-paced affair that got off to a fast start when Anze Kopitar scored his first of three goals after Marc Staal arrived late for the 7:08 puck drop and had a really bad first shift. After Staal wasted an opportunity to exit the defensive zone with ease, he stood like a statue in front of Kopitar, who had all the time in the world to pick a corner and put the Kings up in the first minute of the contest. Read the rest of this entry