Blog Archives
Grabner’s hat trick leads Rangers to dominating win over Tampa Bay
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After a tough loss in Carolina, the Rangers (6-3-0) rebounded extremely well, scoring six goals and dominating Ben Bishop and the Tampa Bay Lightning (5-4-0) at Madison Square Garden.
Rick Nash opened the goal scoring in the second period, and from there the floodgates opened. Jimmy Vesey and JT Miller each scored in this period, while Michael Grabner netted the first of his hattrick in the middle period. Antti Raanta finished the game with 31 saves, surrendering a late goal to Steven Stamkos that spoiled the shutout.
Here’s my recap with some thoughts and observations; Read the rest of this entry
Brandon Pirri might end up being the steal of the summer
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
When the Rangers signed Brandon Pirri to a one year, $1.1 million contract this offseason, many fans and blogs covering the team were thrilled. The deal was a bargain and he’s a shifty, smart player with a knack for scoring. Despite bouncing around the league a bit, Pirri has shown flashes of being a really special player.
Initially drafted by Chicago, Pirri really made his mark with the Florida Panthers. In 21 games with them in 2014, he scored seven goals and 14 points. The following season he wound up scoring 22 goals in 49 games, showcasing his elite shooting ability. Prior to the start of this season, Pirri was scoring at a rate of 1.31 goals per 60 minutes, higher than Evgeni Malkin, John Tavares, James Neal, Brad Marchand and Zach Parise over the last three years.
After splitting time between the Panthers and the Ducks last year, Pirri was surprisingly not given a qualifying offer by the Ducks and the Rangers were able to snatch him up. And he’s been a fantastic signing so far. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers beat Boston with five straight goals; Pirri and Vesey remain red-hot
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The game started pretty awfully for Alain Vigneault and his club, but the Rangers (5-2-0) showed resiliency and the talent of their team in a 5-2 comeback victory over the Boston Bruins (3-4-0).
The Bruins opened the scoring just 10 seconds into the game and wound up leading 2-0, but a potent power play and a three goal second period helped fuel a comeback win for New York. Brandon Pirri led the way with two goals, including the game winner, while Rick Nash, Jimmy Vesey and Kevin Hayes also scored. Henrik Lundqvist made 27 saves.
Here’s my recap with some thoughts and opinions; Read the rest of this entry
Is a big trade brewing between the Rangers and the Ducks?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
These weren’t just any scouts either. Gordie Clark (Director of Player Personnel) and Chris Drury (Assistant GM) were at both of the Ducks’ last games, and they rarely scout games. Tonight they were joined by Kevin Maxwell (Director of Professional Scouting). When they keep showing up for Ducks games, it means that there is something going on.
While it’s only three games into the season, it’s well known that the Rangers have been looking to improve their defense since the summer. There were no big trades, just minor acquisitions in Nick Holden and Adam Clendening, and the defensive group remained largely the same. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers score seven goals in win over the Sharks; Vesey scores the game winner
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers continued to showcase their new offensive style and forwards, getting scoring from throughout the lineup in a 7-4 win over the San Jose Sharks.
Two of the goals came on empty netters, but the Rangers put five goals past Martin Jones, who had only allowed three goals in the last two games. I’m not quite sure what Alain Vigneault has done, but this forward group is meshing so well together. The breakouts are improved, the depth is tremendous and the power play looks fantastic.
Here are my thoughts and observations from the game; Read the rest of this entry
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