Blog Archives
Robin Lehner traded to Buffalo, what this means for Cam Talbot
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Ottawa Sabres were able to get a first round draft pick in exchange for Robin Lehner and Devid Legwand. Talbot’s stats are better, so could he fetch the same return, or more? Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
This morning, the Buffalo Sabres acquired their new starting goaltender, trading away the 21st overall pick in return for David Legwand and 23 year old goalie Robin Lehner.
While Lehner is younger than Talbot, his stats are not all that impressive. The 6-foot-5, 225 pound goaltender has a career 30-36-13 record in 86 total games, posting a .914 save percentage and a 2.88 GAA. In this past season, Lehner was 9-12-3 in 25 games with a .903 save percentage and a 3.02 GAA.
His largest sample size came during the 2013-14 season, when he played 35 games, and finishing with a 12-15-6 record along with a .913 save percentage, a 3.03 GAA and one shutout. Read the rest of this entry
Lundqvist, Rangers eyeing a potential March 24th return; St. Louis injury update
Bobby Bevilacqua
Kind Henrik could be back in net for the Rangers when they take on the Los Angeles Kings on March 24th. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
According to a tweet from The Hockey News’ Ken Campbell, a source close to the New York Rangers organization has told the site that New York is aiming for a March 24th comeback date for star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist’s return.
The wording was a bit vague, but it seems as if Henrik Lundqvist could be back in net for the Rangers for their game against the Los Angeles Kings on the 24th of this month, which happens to be next Tuesday. The source could have also meant that Lundqvist will be cleared for practice on that date, so the exact date is still cloudy.
This would be a huge return to the Rangers, who are now dealing with injuries to three key players on the team (Lundqvist, Klein, St. Louis). Don’t get me wrong, Cam Talbot has been absolutely superb, but Henrik Lundqvist is a proven, elite goalie. His ability to elevate his game when the Ranger need it most, especially in the playoffs, is what makes him one of the best, if not the best, goalies in the NHL. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers win again over tough Panthers team; Sheppard and Hunwick score
Bobby Bevilacqua
Cam Talbot and the Rangers fourth line stole the show, providing the spark the Rangers needed to get past the Panthers. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers (44-17-7) managed two survive 40 minutes of swarming Florida Panthers (31-24-14), earning their fifth straight win thanks to strong play from the fourth line and superb goaltending from Cam Talbot. New York skated away with a 2-1 home ice victory.
With the win, the Rangers improved their record to 44-17-7, with a 14-1-3 record in the last 18 games. Since December 8th, the Rangers are 33-7-3, propelling them to five points ahead of the Islanders in the division, and first place in the entire league.
Tonight marked the first time in franchise history that the Rangers have allowed one goal or fewer in regulation in seven straight games. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers back home for game against Jagr and the Panthers; Talbot back in net
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers are heading back to MSG to take on the Florida Panthers, with New York in search of their fifth straight win. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
After a successful road trip, the Rangers (43-17-7) are back on home ice where they will take on the Florida Panthers for the third and final time this season. New York is hoping to extend their win streak to five games, as well as extend their lead over the Islanders to five points.
The last time that these two teams faced off was on February 2nd in New York, with the Rangers skating away with a 6-3 victory. Rick Nash scored twice, Mats Zuccarello had a goal and an assist, and Kevin Hayes, Marc Staal, and Dan Boyle also found the back of the net.
Both teams also played last night, and won. Mackenzie Skapski earned his first career shutout in a 2-0 win over the Sabres, and Dan Ellis of the Panthers shut out the Carolina Hurricanes during a 2-0 Panthers victory. Read the rest of this entry
Aaron Ekblad should win the Calder Trophy; Kevin Hayes impressive in his first season
Bobby Bevilacqua
Aaron Ekblad has had a tremendous season with the surprising Florida Panthers team, and should take home the Calder Trophy at the end of the season. Photo courtesy of Elliot J. Schechter/Getty Images.
Sorry Filip Forsberg, what you have done in Nashville has been tremendous, but Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers deserves to take home the Calder Trophy for the NHL’s most outstanding rookie.
Anytime you watch a Florida Panthers game and see Ekblad skating on the first defensive pairing, it’s easy to understand why Dale Tallon, the General Manager of the Panthers, drafted him with the first overall pick in last year’s draft. Read the rest of this entry
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