Blog Archives
Raanta hurt early, Rangers fall to Wild in first game of road trip
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
The same struggles that have been plaguing the Rangers (19-10-4) all season long were present again tonight in their 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild (17-7-6), the team’s ninth loss in the last 12 games.
Defensive breakdowns, minimal offense and sub-par goaltending were on full display tonight. Vigneault continues to fail to correct the mistakes that have been in just about every Rangers game since Thanksgiving.
The Wild had numerous breakaways, odd man rushes and wide open skaters because of missed coverages or poor decision making. Raanta and Lundqvist covered up a few of the mistakes, but they couldn’t stop everything. Read the rest of this entry
Skjei, McDonagh return home as Rangers take on the Minnesota Wild
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
It’ll be a family affair tonight in Minnesota as the Rangers (19-9-4) begin a two game road trip, and another back-to-back series when they take on the Wild (16-7-6), who are in the midst of an eight game point streak.
The Rangers returned home for a single game on Monday night, and it was exactly what the team needed as they were able to snap their three game skid and come away with a 4-2 win over the Oilers. Dylan McIlrath scored his first career goal and Rick Nash netted the game winner, putting the team back in second place ahead of the Islanders.
This is the first of two meetings between these teams, with the next matchup coming on February 4th at the Garden. The Rangers won both games against Minnesota last season, including a thrilling, come from behind victory on October 27th, scoring five goals in the third period to overcome a 3-0 deficit and two ejections. Derick Brassard had a goal and three assists in those games, and Rick Nash tallied a pair of goals. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers Practice Report: Stepan and Klein progressing, Skjei to play Thursday
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers practiced today ahead of their two game road trip, beginning tomorrow night against the Minnesota Wild, who sit in third place in the very competitive Central division.
The Rangers are coming off of what was overall a pretty good performance against the Edmonton Oilers, tightening up defensively despite the injuries on the back end. Dylan McIlrath was outstanding, logging 18:38 of ice time and scoring his first career NHL goal.
Brady Skjei made his NHL debut at Madison Square Garden, and showcased some of his really impressive talents and abilities. His skating, probably his best asset, was strong, catching up to guys like Jordan Eberle and Leon Draisaitl, and then pushing them off the puck. And after making a mistake that led to a goal, he bounced back and played well. I highlighted some of his better plays, which you can read HERE. Read the rest of this entry
“Kids” steal the show as Rangers snap losing streak; McIlrath scores first NHL goal
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After a really rough road trip, the Rangers (19-9-4) snapped their three game winless streak, ending the Oilers (14-16-2) six game win streak and heading out on their road trip following a 4-2 win.
With Dan Girardi sidelined due to a swollen knee, the Rangers needed to rely on two of their young defensive prospects, turning to Dylan McIlrath and Brady Skjei to shoulder some tough assignments and hold down the fort. They were both fantastic.
Dylan McIlrath scored his first career goal in the second period, and Brady Skjei logged 15 minutes of ice time, including over two minutes on the penalty kill. Both helped the Rangers play a much more focused, sound defensive game. Read the rest of this entry
Skjei Hello! Rangers seek revenge against Oilers at home, Girardi OUT
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
When the Rangers (18-9-4) take on the Edmonton Oilers (14-15-2) at Madison Square Garden, one of the Rangers top defensive prospects will be making his NHL debut.
With Dan Girardi sidelined with swelling in his knee, the Ranger will start Brady Skjei, the 21 year old defenseman out of the University of Minnesota. Skjei, pronounced “shay,” debuted with the Wolf Pack at the end of last season, eventually playing on the top pairing in the playoffs. He leads Hartford defensemen with 11 points (2-9-11) in 29 games, and has nine points (2-7-9) in the last 18 games.
Skjei looked to be NHL ready right out of college, an excellent skater who has always been a shut-down type of defenseman. He has shown some offensive skills, but never blew anyone away with point production. However, he’s a good passer and his transitional skills out of the defensive zone is a big part of his game. Read the rest of this entry
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