Blog Archives
Rangers Practice Report: Etem remains in lineup, new line combinations
Bobby Bevilacqua
Emerson Etem stays in the lineup following a strong game against the Calgary Flames. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
During the long break, the Rangers have been practicing and staying active ahead of Friday’s clash with the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs. The Rangers practiced both Tuesday and today, Thursday, mixing some things up in the process.
Viktor Stalberg missed his first game of the season on Sunday against the Flames, dealing with a head injury. Stalberg was hit up high by Radko Gudas on Saturday against the Flyers, leaving the game in the second period and not returning since then.
He didn’t practice on Tuesday, but came out afterwards and skated on his own. Stalberg returned to the ice with his teammates today, but told reporters that it’s “better to be safe than sorry.” Vigneault said that he would not be available for Friday’s game, but Stalberg will be ready after that. Read the rest of this entry
Emerson Etem makes a case to remain in the Rangers lineup
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
With Viktor Stalberg injured, Emerson Etem really opened some eyes with his performance against the Calgary Flames.
Despite not necessarily being known for his defense, Etem was placed onto the fourth line alongside Dominic Moore and Jarret Stoll, tasked with playing tough minutes and not necessarily going on the attack too often.
In fact, Emerson Etem didn’t start any of his even strength shifts in the offensive zone. Every time he took the ice, he started in the neutral zone or backed up in the Rangers zone. Despite this, Etem still managed to lead all Rangers in even strength corsi with a +8. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers douse the Flames at MSG; Girardi tallies 200th NHL point
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Just like last week, the Rangers (6-2-2) bounced back from a difficult overtime loss with a gutsy 4-1 home win over the Calgary Flames (2-6-0), who continue to struggle at the start of the season.
It’s crazy how quickly a game can change, and that was the case in this one. The Flames were up 1-0 through the first half of the game, and the Rangers were finding chances hard to come by. But two goals in less than five minutes changed the course of the game.
Antti Raanta, making his second start as a Ranger, was scored on by the first shot he faced, but he settled in nicely after that, stopping the next 22 shots that he saw. Raanta is unbeaten in regulation when playing at home, posting a 16-0-3 career record, including a 2-0-0 record at MSG.
Emerson Etem also played in his first game, slotting into the injured Viktor Stalberg’s spot on the fourth line with Dominic Moore and Jarret Stoll. Read the rest of this entry
Emerson Etem gets second chance as Rangers take on Flames at MSG
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Following a tough shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, the Rangers (5-2-2) are back under the lights at Madison Square Garden, taking on the struggling Calgary Flames (2-5-0) and looking to get back to their winning ways.
Just like last week, after dropping an overtime game to the Devils, there’s no time to dwell on the loss, with New York playing yet another back-to-back series, their third already.
Calgary is beginning a three game road trip, following a dramatic overtime win over the Detroit Red Wings. The captain Mark Giordano scored two goals, including the overtime winner, and Calder Trophy finalist Johnny Gaudreu tallied two assists, giving him nine points (1-8-9) already. Read the rest of this entry
No goal decision huge as Rangers fall to Flyers in shootout: Stalberg OUT
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
The Rangers (5-2-2) fell in the shootout to the Philadelphia Flyers (4-2-1), despite seemingly winning the game earlier in the second period. This matchup was full of scoring chances, spectacular saves and an incredible overtime period.
The Rangers saw their first goal challenge in team history, and it didn’t go their way, winding up as a massive turning point in the game. Jarret Stoll had his goal called off, one that would have given the Rangers a 3-2 lead that would have likely held with the way Lundqvist was playing. Read the rest of this entry
therangerzone.com 