Blog Archives
Rangers look to clinch a playoff spot as Eric Staal returns to Carolina
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
For the first time ever, Eric Staal will be playing against the team that he spent 12 years in his return to Raleigh, this time in a different sweater. The Rangers (43-24-9) can clinch their sixth consecutive playoff appearance with a regulation or overtime win against the Carolina Hurricanes (33-28-16), and Eric Staal will be a part of it.
It was a tough transition for the former Hurricanes’ captain, who had to learn a new system, move away from his family for a brief time, and fit into a new locker room with new teammates. But Staal has looked increasingly more comfortable as a Ranger, and is coming off of his best game with the team. Now he’s looking forward to taking part in the playoffs again, and will be looking to help his team clinch their berth tonight.
The Rangers have rebounded well since the 4-1 debacle of a loss at the hands of the San Jose Sharks, going 3-0-1 in their last four games and 16-7-3 since February 4. The Penguins are just one point behind the Rangers, so a regulation or overtime win is needed to officially punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After the overtime loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday, New York is just 13-10-4 against Metropolitan opponents, but that includes a 3-0-0 mark against the Hurricanes. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers pick up crucial point in overtime loss to the Penguins
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
It’s never good to lose, but if there’s a way to do it against a division rival battling for playoff position, it’s in overtime. In a very even and tightly contested game, the Rangers (43-24-9) were defeated in overtime by the Pittsburgh Penguins (42-25-8), ending their three game win streak and seeing the Penguins win their eighth game in the past nine contests.
This also marked the third consecutive game that the Penguins have beaten the Rangers, giving New York a record of 1-2-1 in the season series. The overtime loss was crucial, meaning that they would still be a point ahead of the Penguins if they won a game in regulation or overtime (ROW = tiebreaker).
The first period was very even between both teams. Similar possession, the shots on goal were very close (13-11 in favor of New York), and each team scored a goal. Both teams played last night and that showed at first, as both teams were clearly trying to find their legs and stretch the ice. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers play the season’s biggest game against the Penguins at MSG
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
In arguably the most important game of the season, the Rangers (43-24-8) will battle the Pittsburgh Penguins (41-25-8) in a divisional rivalry that could decide the home ice advantage in a likely first-round playoff series between these two teams.
The Rangers currently hold the second place position in the Metropolitan Division, sitting four points ahead of the Pens, although they have a game in hand. Both teams have also been playing very well as of late. New York has won three straight games while Pittsburgh has won seven of their last eight games after losing Evgeni Malkin to injury.
Following a statement win over the Canadiens, tonight marks a great opportunity for the Rangers to gain a foothold in the division and make things easier for themselves as the season comes to a close. Points against the Penguins could secure home ice advantage in the first round. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers take on the Montreal Canadiens with Raanta in net
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
After securing two solid home-ice wins this week, the Rangers (42-24-8) are back on the road for one game, taking on the Montreal Canadiens (34-35-6) at the Bell Centre, one of the toughest stadiums to play in the NHL.
Most years, this would be a battle between two playoff teams. But the Canadiens have had to deal with injuries, a falling out between players and coaches and lackluster play, putting them in the midst of one of their worst seasons in recent history. Carey Price hasn’t played since November and that definitely hurt the Canadiens, but that injury shouldn’t affect the play of everyone else.
The Rangers are in a much better position than Montreal, winning their last two games and having the Penguins and Islanders lose on their off-days. Both teams have a single game in hand, and the Penguins and Islanders are four and five points behind the Rangers, respectively. With just eight games to go for the Blueshirts, every point is important. Read the rest of this entry
Lundqvist fantastic as Rangers win big game over the Bruins
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
In a battle of two teams desperate to strengthen their playoff positions, the Rangers (42-24-8) came away with a 5-2 win over the Boston Bruins (39-27-8), handing them their fourth straight loss.
Apart from a dreadful third period, where the Rangers parked the bus again, it was a pretty good performance from the Rangers. I thought their defensive play was tight and organized, their first period was fantastic, and they scored quickly and early.
But I will forever be concerned about the way that Alain Vigneault handles the team in late game situations. Henrik Lundqvist faced 41 shots while the Rangers had just 24. As a team, the Rangers were a -37 in possession. It’s typically not a winning formula in the playoffs, but when Lundqvist is in net anything is possible. However, that’s a risky strategy. Read the rest of this entry
therangerzone.com 