Blog Archives
Rangers blanked at home by the Blackhawks; Talbot sharp in net again
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers came up on the short end of the stick in tonight’s game, falling to Chicago by a final score of 1-0. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers (44-18-7) were unable to extend their win streak to six games, falling short to the Chicago Blackhawks (43-21-8) in what felt like a playoff game. The defense was top-notch, as well as the goaltending, and Chicago scored the game’s only goal, coming off the stick of former Ranger Brad Richards.
It was the second time in 10 days that these two teams faced off, and both games finished with a final score of 1-0. These are two of the elite teams in the NHL, and the Blackhawks and Rangers showed that again, battling in an extremely close game tonight.
It was pretty even in both quality scoring chances and shots on goal, although the Blackhawks had a slight edge in that category, edging the Rangers 31-25 in shots. The Rangers were unable to get any pucks past Scott Darling before the whistle blew (we’ll get to that later), and Darling picked up his first career NHL shutout. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers look to extend win streak against Chicago with new lines in place
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers will turn to Kevin Hayes on the second line to pick up the scoring slack in the absence of Martin St. Louis as the team goes for its sixth straight win. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After two days off, the Rangers (44-17-7) are hoping to extend their win streak to six games when they take on the Chicago Blackhawks (42-21-6) for the second time in less than two weeks, with both teams playing quite well as of late.
New York and Chicago last faced off on December 8th in a game that went into overtime scoreless. Derick Brassard scored the game winner on a short-side slap shot, which also happened to be the last goal that he scored. Cam Talbot stopped 29 shots for the shutout.
Chicago did play last night, handing the Islanders their fourth straight loss and coming away with a 4-1 victory. Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa each scored twice, and Corey Crawford stopped 38 shots. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers Practice Report; Lundqvist cleared to practice
Bobby Bevilacqua
Henrik Lundqvist has been cleared for full practices, meaning that he could be in a game very shortly. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
This afternoon, the Rangers announced that following an exam with doctors and specialist, star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has been cleared for full practices, meaning that he is close to making his return.
Alain Vigneault has said previously that Lundqvist will need about three or four full practices before he is game-ready again. Henrik has been participating in intense conditioning drills, workouts, and goalie drills, so that will not be a problem. The practices will help him get back to being able to track the puck with bodies in front of him.
This is a huge boost to an already top-notch team. When Lundqvist went down with injury, the Rangers stepped their game up as Cam Talbot took over a starting role for the first time in his career. They stepped up their game offensively and defensively, becoming a better all-around team. Lundqvist has missed 20 games, but the Rangers still managed to pull together a 15-2-3 record since February 4th. Read the rest of this entry
Kevin Klein out 3-4 weeks, maybe longer, with a broken arm
Bobby Bevilacqua
Kevin Klein will be out for 3-4 weeks after breaking his arm in Wednesday’s win over the Capitals. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Late in last night’s game, Kevin Klein was hit in the arm on a long Alex Ovechkin slap shot, causing him to drop to the ice in immediate discomfort. He left the game with less than a minute remaining, and received X-Rays before flying home.
Unfortunately, the Rangers received some bad news today, learning that Kevin Klein will be out for at least 3 to 4 weeks according to a press release from the Rangers.
Kevin Klein was in the midst of arguably his best season as a pro, already setting career highs in goals (9) and points (26), as well as a career best +24 – tied with Rick Nash for sixth best in the entire NHL. Read the rest of this entry
Beasts of the East; Rangers are number one after win over Capitals
Bobby Bevilacqua
Keith Yandle and Martin St. Louis celebrate Marty’s goal in the third period en route to the team’s third straight victory. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the first place New York Rangers.
Playing their second game in as many nights, the Rangers (42-17-7) picked up yet another crucial win, defeating Washington Capitals (36-22-10) by a score of 3-1, earning their third consecutive win in the process.
With the Islanders idle tonight, the two points that the Blueshirts earned gives them a total of 91 for the season. That means that for the first time, the Rangers have sole possession of first place in the Metropolitan Division, sitting one point ahead of the Islanders with three games in hand. Read the rest of this entry
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