Blog Archives
Rangers close out road trip with huge win over Dallas; Lundqvist makes 36 saves
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The road warriors are back in business.
After struggling away from home for much of the season, the Rangers (36-20-6) picked up their fifth road win in the last six games, scoring a late goal to take down the Dallas Stars (38-19-6) and continue their strong play as of late.
The Rangers have climbed up the standings with a 9-2-1 run over their last 12 games, finding ways to win and getting excellent goaltending from Henrik Lundqvist in the process. He made 36 saves, marking the third straight game that he stopped at least 35 shots. After claims that this team was done, lain Vigneault’s squad are not just four points behind the Stars for the second best record in the entire league. Read the rest of this entry
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 Practice Report: McDonagh ready to play, Boyle out with the flu, defense in question for tomorrow
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After missing the last four games, Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh skated today at practice in a contact jersey and announced that he feels good to go for tomorrow night’s nationally televised games against the Chicago Blackhawks.
“Everything that I’ve seen so far, he looks fine,” Vigneault told Jim Cerny of Blueshirts United after practice. “So we’ll see how he responds. Today was his first contact day. If he’s alright tomorrow come optional tomorrow morning, there’s a good chance I’ll put him in the lineup tomorrow night.”
Ryan McDonagh was playing some of his best hockey of the season prior to the concussion he received in the games against the Flyers 10 days ago. McDonagh recorded nine points (2-7-9) in 13 games prior to the injury. He was also beginning to regain his form as a shutdown an excellent two-way, shutdown defenseman. His skating ability, smart decision making with the puck and leadership will be greatly appreciated back on the ice. 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
Kevin Klein good to go as Rangers battle the Flyers; Nash still sidelined with bone bruise
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Despite what he called one of the most painful injuries he’s ever had, Kevin Klein is expected to play as the Rangers (28-28-5) play another important divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers (23-18-8), who are currently riding a three game winning streak.
On the other hand, the Rangers are coming off of a nice bounce back win, as well as some of the most dominant hockey they have played all season long. The last 40 minutes of the game saw the Rangers totally control possession, pepper Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk with tons of shots and shot attempts, and shutting down Minnesota’s forward group. It was an excellent bounce-back performance after a really disappointing loss in New Jersey on Tuesday.
This is the fourth game in the season series, with the fifth and final game taking place in eight days. The Flyers won the first two games, shutting out the Rangers in New York back in November, and winning in the shootout on October 24. New York got their first win of the season against Philly on January 16th, a 3-2 shootout victory. Read the rest of this entry
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