Blog Archives
Miller, Brassard power Rangers to Game 2 win over the Penguins
Bobby Bevilacqua
Keith Yandle celebrates his first goal of the 2016 NHL Playoffs. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Led by three point games from Derick Brassard and JT Miller, the Rangers finally solved Jeff Zatkoff, skating out of the CONSOL Energy Center with a 4-2 win in Game 2, evening up the series at one game apiece and shifting control of home ice to the Rangers.
After a 35 save performance from Zatkoff in Game 1, they finally wound up getting their offensive production going, scoring four goals on 28 shots, with all of the goals coming in a span of 8:01. Keith Yandle, Derick Brassard, Mats Zuccarello and Chris Kreider all finding the back of the net.
The Rangers decided to ramp up the physicality in this game, setting a franchise record for hits in a playoff game that ended in regulation (57). Kevin Klein (8) and Derick Brassard (7) led the Rangers in that category. The physicality and relentless forecheck was key to throwing the Penguins off of their game and containing their speed. Read the rest of this entry
Series Preview, Round 1: Rangers vs Penguins
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
This matchup seems quite familiar.
For the third consecutive season, the New York Rangers and the Pittsburgh Penguins will face off in the playoffs, as the long time rivalry between the teams continues to intensify through intense playoff matchups.
The Rangers have won both of the playoff series in the past two years, including a comeback from a 3-1 series deficit in 2014 after rallying around the death of Martin St. Louis’ mother. That series saw the double goal in overtime from Benoit Pouliot, a St. Louis goal on Mothers’ Day, and a clutch Game 7 win with some excellent goaltending from Henrik Lundqvist. Read the rest of this entry
5 Keys to a New York Rangers Stanley Cup Championship
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
It’s that time of year again. The records are wiped, every team is equal ground, and 16 teams begin their quest for the greatest trophy in professional sports.
And for the sixth consecutive season, the Rangers are a part of that quest, looking to capture their first championship since 1994. They’ve come close in recent years, reaching the Eastern Conference Championship in three of the last four seasons and reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2014.
Despite playing 44 playoff games since 2014, the most in the entire league, Alain Vigneault and his team are ready to make another run at the title. The team is loaded with experience, all the way from their veterans down to their youth. Everyone has big game experience which prepares them well for the high pressure situations. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers close out the regular season with a home win over Detroit
Bobby Bevilacqua
Dan Boyle celebrates after scoring his 10th goal of the season in the first period. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Despite already having their ticket punched to the postseason, the Rangers (46-27-9) came out strong and won their last game of the regular season, escaping some late drama and taking down the Detroit Red Wings (41-30-11) by a final score of 3-2.
The Rangers could have knocked the Red Wings out of a playoff spot, but luckily for Detroit, the Boston Bruins were blown out by the Senators, 6-1, in their last game of the season. That means that the Red Wings clinch a playoff berth for the 25th consecutive season, and the Flyers need two points to get back into the playoffs.
Despite a lackluster record on the road, the Rangers finished the season with a 27-10-4 record at MSG, and secured a point in 19 of the last 25 home games. Unfortunately, they will not have home ice advantage in the playoffs, but that record is still encouraging heading into the postseason. They also finished with 101 points, marking the first time since the 1971-72 season and the 1972-73 season that they have earned 100 points in back-to-back seasons. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers aim to end slump and clinch playoff spot on the road against Columbus
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.
The Rangers (43-26-9) have had two straight chances to clinch a playoff spot, and lost in regulation against non-playoff teams in both of those games. Tonight, they have another shot at putting that checkmark next to their names when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets (31-39-8).
Things have been bad for the Rangers lately. They’ve lost three straight games, including two bad losses to teams that they should have beaten. Defensive lapses, some bad goaltending, and poor play with the puck has doomed them. The defensive coverage has been embarrassing at best and the usual culprits have been the main offenders. The offense has been lacking at times, often sitting back and not pressing, or just not being able to transition the puck and create anything. Read the rest of this entry
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