Blog Archives
Klein scores in overtime to steal a win away for the Rangers
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Jimmy Howard did all he could, but the Rangers (34-19-6) wound up coming away with the overtime win on home ice against the Detroit Red Wings (29-20-11), with Henrik Lundqvist making 22 saves and picking up his 29th save and fourth shutout of the season.
This game was very much a goalie duel, with each team’s netminder making some stellar saves and playing very well in order to get the game into overtime. Hat’s off to Jimmy Howard, who made 29 saves and kept the Red Wings in the game, but is still searching for his first win since December 3rd.
The Rangers have earned a point in 10 of their last 11 games at MSG, and continue to dominate on home ice, now moving into a tie with the Blackhawks for most home wins in the league (22). Read the rest of this entry
Rangers look for bounce-back game in Toronto; Raanta expected to start
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After watching two points go out the window last night, the Rangers (32-19-6) will look to rebound on the road tonight as they battle the Toronto Maple Leafs (20-26-9) at the Air Canada Centre.
The Rangers scored three straight goals, including two on the power play, to take a lead early in the third period. But their weak penalty kill let them down, surrendering two goals and giving up the lead with three minutes remaining in the third, ultimately losing the game 5-3. It snapped a 10 game point streak (8-0-2) on home ice and it was their first regulation loss at MSG since December 20th.
Tonight is the third and final game between the Rangers and Maple Leafs this season, and New York will be looking for a sweep of the season series. On October 30th, Mats Zuccarello recorded his first NHL hat trick in a 3-1 win at the Garden, and Zuccs led the Rangers to another home win on November 30th with a goal and a pair of assists. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers collapse late and lose to Chicago; Brassard sets career high in goals
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Facing their toughest test in a while, the Rangers (32-19-6) looked up to the task. But a late collapse on their penalty kill handed the win to the Blackhawks (38-18-5), who continue to climb up the standings in the Central Division.
The Blackhawks snapped the Rangers 10 game point streak at home, handing New York their first regulation loss at MSG since December 20th. Artemi Panarin scored his first career hat trick, and Corey Crawford made 31 saves to help guide Chicago to a win.
The first period was pretty quick and free flowing, with not a lot of stoppages. The Rangers had more chances, outshooting Chicago 10-6, but the Blackhawks did a great job keeping their shots to the outside. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers lose barnburner in OT to the Kings
John Dundon
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Tickets were worth the price of admission in what turned out to be a 5-4 loss to Anze Kopitar and the LA Kings.
A duel between backup goalies, both whom have not played in NHL action for an extended period of time, made for a high scoring affair in which Peter Budaj made one more save than Antti Raanta in OT.
The Rangers went down two goals early but battled back only to lose the lead late in the third. They would then lose the second point on a goal scorers goal from Tanner Pearson in the 3 on 3 overtime. This one was a high-paced affair that got off to a fast start when Anze Kopitar scored his first of three goals after Marc Staal arrived late for the 7:08 puck drop and had a really bad first shift. After Staal wasted an opportunity to exit the defensive zone with ease, he stood like a statue in front of Kopitar, who had all the time in the world to pick a corner and put the Kings up in the first minute of the contest. Read the rest of this entry
Should the lines change even when Rick Nash is healthy?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Where should Rick Nash play when he comes back into the lineup? Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers have been without forward Rick Nash for seven games now. A 42 goal scorer last year, Nash has been the most consistent and perhaps the most dynamic forward since the start of last year. An extended absence without the Rangers best forward should have been devastating.
But instead, they’re 5-2-0 since he’s been out of the lineup. The scoring and offensive production has been fine, and the team has worked well together, apart from the fourth line.
The main reason for this is the surprising outburst of production from the new look top line; Derick Brassard centering JT Miller and Jesper Fast. The trio has combined for 21 points in the last six games, playing big time minutes and scoring crucial goals. Read the rest of this entry
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