Blog Archives

Top trade targets and how the Rangers should approach the deadline

Bobby Bevilacqua

Jeff Gorton and Glen Sather

Photo courtesy of Bruce Bennet/Getty Images.

Following the conclusion of an exciting 2016 NHL All Star game, one that saw Pacific Division captain John Scott scored two goals and help led his team to the million dollar prize, the league will get back to business with games starting on Tuesday.

Perhaps more importantly is the approaching trade deadline, when the trade window closes on February 29. Team’s looking to improve their roster and make a playoff push will be inquiring about several players around the league, and the Rangers are expected to be right in the middle of it, both as buyers and sellers.

With Alain Vigneault’s misuse of Keith Yandle and his expiring contract, the Rangers may unfortunately wind up dealing him to a team looking for a puck moving defenseman. However, they’ll also likely be in the market for a top six winger to add some consistent scoring, something they really need. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers offense shut down by Anderson and the Senators on the road

Bobby Bevilacqua

Rangers vs Senators 1-24

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

The first win streak in two months is already over for the Rangers (26-17-5).

After winning back-to-back games, the Rangers couldn’t string together another strong performance, never seeming to get their offense together against the Ottawa Senators (23-20-6).

Alain Vigneault’s squad looked really flat. The 35 shots on goal is deceptive because the offense just didn’t have it tonight. Not many of those shots were quality scoring chances, and they didn’t pressure Anderson enough. You could maybe blame the fact that they didn’t skate in two days, as well as the flight schedule being thrown off track, but this performance was inexcusable. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers look to make it three straight against the Senators; McDonagh steadily improving

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers vs senators 12-6

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

After winning consecutive game for the first time since November 21-23, the Rangers (26-16-5) will look to continue their win streak in the last game of their road trip against the Ottawa Senators (22-20-6).

This is the last of the three game season series and New York is looking to close out the sweep in today’s matinee. Back on November 14th, the Rangers skated away with a 2-1 shootout win as Dan Boyle scored the deciding goal in the shootout. Chris Kreider scored the only goal for New York. On December 6th, Lundqvist’s 23 saves helped guide the Rangers to a 4-1 victory at Madison Square Garden. Derick Brassard scored twice, and Ryan McDonagh had a goal and two assists. Read the rest of this entry

The Problem with the Process

John Dundon

Jeff Gorton and Glen Sather

Photo courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images.

The New York Rangers have managed to stay in the cup conversation despite organizational failures, past and present.

The Blueshirts started out the year strong but wound up limping past the half way mark of the season sporting a modest 26-16-5 record. One cannot but help wonder what the main underlying cause is for the team’s decline in play could possibly be. Not because they are hard-pressed to find issues, which have been plentiful and even overwhelming thus far through the 2015-2016 campaign.

It’s surprising though given the fact that right around this time last season, the Rangers took off. They dominated the league, even in the wake of losing Henrik Lundqvist for an extended period due to a freakish neck injury. Cam Talbot had replaced and even duplicated the edge that Lundqvist gave the Rangers night in and out. The Rangers finished the season on a tear and made a trip to game 7 of the conference final, where injuries eventually caught up to them in a humbling 2-0 loss on home ice. While the decline may be a surprise to some it didn’t sneak up on people who have looked at and made a point of the organizations failures, especially dating back to the offseason after that heartbreaking 4-1 Stanley Cup Final defeat. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers weather the storm with a win against the Hurricanes

Alexandra Russo

JT Miller goal celebration 1-22

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Ending the horrible road streak the Rangers (26-16-5) had was their primary focus headed into Friday’s matchup against the Hurricanes. They said to get going on the road they would need to bring their confidence with them. Those words rang true to the Rangers, as they defeated the Hurricanes 4-1.

Carolina came out with a jump to start the game. Despite trailing in shots on goal, they found ways to sustain some pressure.

Though they’re the least penalized team in the NHL, the Hurricanes drew the first penalty. The Rangers didn’t score on the opportunity, despite a few good looks. This is an area that has struggled for this team as of late.  Read the rest of this entry