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Rangers Update: Sather turns down deal for Talbot, New Salary Cap set
Bobby Bevilacqua
Cam Talbot is the number one target for both the Buffalo Sabres and the Edmonton Oilers. Will he be able to bring a first round pick in return? Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
It was a busy day in the NHL today, with the league agreeing on a new salary cap, and trade rumors surrounding Cam Talbot coming to a head, with an actual offer being made to the Rangers.
This afternoon, Darren Dreger reported that a team (not specified) offered Glen Sather two second round picks for Cam Talbot, which he turned down. Sather realizes that Talbot is the most coveted goalie on the market, and wants to maximize his return.
Peter Chiarelli, the new GM of the Edmonton Oilers, would disagree. This afternoon, he said that the market for goaltenders is actually a buyer’s market. Read the rest of this entry
Rumor Mill: Edmonton, San Jose have interest in Cam Talbot
Bobby Bevilacqua
Cam Talbot could potentially be the Oilers next starting goaltender, if a trade happens this summer. Photo courtesy of Perry Nelson/USA TODAY Sports.
According to ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks have expressed interest in acquiring the Rangers’ backup goalie, Cam Talbot. While the Oilers have been a rumored destination for Talbot if he is traded, the Sharks are new comers.
The Rangers are really in no rush to send Talbot away, who is under contract for the 2015-16 season for a measly $1.45 million cap hit. Talbot had the best season of his young career, finishing with a 21-9-4 record, along with a solid 2.21 GAA and a .926 save percentage.
The Rangers learned the importance of having a quality backup goaltender after Henrik Lundqvist went down with a vascular injury in his neck, leaving him out of the lineup for seven weeks, which amounted to 25 games. Talbot started 23 of thems, posting a 16-4-3 record with a 2.16 GAA and a .929 save percentage.
His impressive stat line over 57 career appearances, along with his very affortable cap hit, makes Cam Talbot an attractive trade target for a team looking for a starting goalie. Talbot proved that he could handle the heavy workload of a number one goalie, and play well, when Henrik was out. Read the rest of this entry
Stop worrying about faceoffs, the Rangers should address other areas instead
Bobby Bevilacqua
Sean Bergenheim is one of the players that the Rangers should target, addressing the need of a bottom six forward who can score and provide depth. Photo courtesy of USATSI.
With the March 2nd trade deadline coming ever closer, rumors are flying, and the Rangers have been subject to mostly minor rumors for quite some time now. The most heard rumor is Antoine Vermette, the center on the Arizona Coyotes, who is a faceoff specialist and has an expiring contract.
In fact, most of the rumors surrounding are in the same category; a big bodied center who can win faceoffs. Nothing more. Just a faceoff specialist.
Personally, I believe that the expression “quality, not quantity” is true when it comes to the faceoff circle. The amount of faceoffs won is not important, it’s when you win it. Key faceoffs, such as in the offensive zone on a power play, or in the defenseive zone late in the game with a lead, are much more important than finishing a game winning over 50% of the draws. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers look to extend win streak against Ovechkin and the Capitals
Bobby Bevilacqua
Henrik Lundqvist will be back in net for the Rangers tonight, and will be searching for his sixth straight win. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers (17-10-4) are playing their best hockey of the season, currently in the midst of a six game win streak, and they will face a tough challenge against the Washington Capitals (17-10-6), who are two points ahead of them in the standings.
The Capitals did play last night, beating the Ottawa Senators by a score of 2-1. Goaltender Braden Holtby stole the show, stopping 38 shots in his 15th victory of the year. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers win again against Carolina; Talbot records third shutout
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers salute the crowd after defeating the Hurricanes to earn their sixth straight victory. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Make it six!
In front of an emotional crowd mourning the loss of two NYPD officers, The Rangers (17-10-4) continued to play their best hockey of the year, picking up another victory and sweeping the home-and-home against the Carolina Hurricanes (9-20-4).
After making a comeback victory last night, the Rangers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, shutting out the Hurricanes by a score of 1-0. Read the rest of this entry
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