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Rangers set new lineup ahead of contest with red-hot Canadiens
Bobby Bevilacqua
Things got fiesty when the Rangers last played the Canadiens. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers (3-1-0) will look to win their fourth home opener this season as they head into the Bell Centre to take on the undefeated Montreal Canadiens (4-0-0) when they play in front of their home fans for the first time this season.
Alain Vigneault and his team carry their perfect road record (2-0-0) and home opener record (3-0-0) into the loud, rowdy and hostile home of the Canadiens, one of the best teams in the NHL through the first few games.
Montreal is led by captain Max Pacioretty, who is tied for the league lead in goals (4) and second in points (6). Andrei Markov and PK Subban, both excellent defenseman, have each tallied four assists to start the season, and Tomas Plekanec has three goals in the Canadiens’ four games.
Ultimately, this game will come down to goaltending. Henrik Lundqvist versus last year’s Vezina trophy winner, Carey Price. Price is off to a magnificent start to the 2015-16 campaign, winning each of his three starts and posting a 1.67 GAA and a .945 save percentage. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers drop first game of the season to Winnipeg; Zuccarello scores again
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
It was arguably the Rangers best 60 minute performance of the season, but they came away empty handed.
The Rangers (3-1-0) lost their first game of the season at home to a strong Winnipeg Jets (3-1-0) team, giving up four straight goals and failing to capitalize on multiple power play opportunities, leading to a 4-1 scoreline.
The Rangers were the better team throughout the game, outchancing the Jets at 5v5 and recording 12 more shots on goal. They had plenty of opportunities to run away with the game, but ran into a hot goaltender named Michael Hutchinson. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers look to stay hot in home matchup against Winnipeg; Big test for Dylan McIlrath
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
After an impressive performance against the Blue Jackets this past weekend, the Rangers (3-0-0) are back at MSG for a matchup against the Winnipeg Jets (2-1-0) as they look to continue their perfect start to the 2015-16 season.
Last season, the Rangers and Jets split the season series with one win apiece. The Jets came away with a 1-0 shootout win on November 1st, while Henrik Lundqvist and Ondrej Pavelec posted a shutout after 65 minutes. On March 31st, the Rangers came away with a 3-2 win at the MTS center thanks to goals from Mats Zuccarello, Derick Brassard and Chris Kreider.
The Jets have scored 11 goals this season, while the Rangers have scored 12 through three games, which sets the seen for an offensive showdown. Also, last time these two teams played, Dustin Byfuglien tried to take JT Miller’s head off with a crosscheck, so there may be some physical play or bad blood between these two teams. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers Practice Report: McIlrath, Glass, Lundqvist to play against Jets
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Alain Vigneault made a huge statement after practice on Monday afternoon, announcing that Dylan McIlrath would make his season debut while veteran and $4.5 million defenseman Dan Boyle would be a healthy scratch.
Dan Boyle has not been all that impressive in the three games this season, picking up one assist and making at least one costly defensive miscue. During the home opener, Vigneault switched him and Kevin Klein, relating Boyle to the third pairing.
While he hasn’t been great, this is also about seeing what McIlrath can do. He made the team after a very strong preseason, and having him sit in the press box isn’t going to do him any good. The Rangers could use another defensively responsible, crease clearing physical defenseman on the ice.
This is also a big statement from Alain Vigneault. He’s showing that is doesn’t matter whether you’re a veteran or have a big salary. There are other options throughout the lineup. If Boyle isn’t playing well and if he still isn’t fitting into the system, then McIlrath can come in and steal some games from him. Read the rest of this entry
How Swede it is! Lundqvist, Lindberg power Rangers to 5-2 win over Columbus
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers can thank Sweden for their win tonight.
The Rangers (3-0-0) cruised to a 5-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets (0-2-0), winning their third straight game to start the year, all three of the games being home openers.
Out of the three games to start the season, this was easily the best for Vigneault’s squad. They made sure to jump on the Blue Jackets early, trying to neutralize any intentions of a physical start. Despite playing their third game in four night, the team looked very fresh, and totally dominated the early stages of the game.
The only lineup change came on the fourth line, with Tanner Glass making his season debut, replacing Jesper Fast on the fourth line. This was likely made as a response to the physical nature of Columbus. Glass had a decent game, recording two shots on goal and seven hits, and finishing with a plus one rating. Read the rest of this entry
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