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Rangers aim for seventh straight win against Blues; Dom Moore OUT
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
The start to the Rangers (11-2-2) has been historic, tying a franchise record for wins and points through the first 15 games of the season and carrying a 10 game point streak (8-0-2) and a six game win streak into tonight’s game against the St. Louis Blues (11-3-1) at Madison Square Garden.
New York and St. Louis have established themselves as consistent contenders over the past few years, finishing near the top of their respective divisions. That sets the scene for some very competitive games in recent seasons.
This is the first of two meetings between the Rangers and Blues this season, with the second game coming on February 25th in St. Louis. The teams split the two games last year, with the road team winning in both games. Both contests were also decided by one goal. Read the rest of this entry
Game Notes: Rangers blow away the Hurricanes on home ice
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
- The Rangers are red hot. They’re 11-2-2, and their 11 wins and 24 points are tied for the best start through 15 games in franchise history. They’ve won six games in a row, and have points in 10 straight games (8-0-2). Under Alain Vigneault, the Rangers have posted two 10 game point streaks in the past two seasons, just the fifth and sixth time that has happened in franchise history. Despite all of the record setting…
- The Rangers aren’t close to playing their best hockey. In fact, they’re not playing that well at all. That may seem stupid to say about a team with an 11-2-2 record, but it makes sense. Last night, the Rangers led 2-0 after the first period. But they had just three shots on goal, and eight shot attempts. The Hurricanes controlled the flow of the period and had more chances, evident by their eight shots on goal and 24 shot attempts. That’s been the norm in a lot of the games they play. They’re out possessed, out chanced, and even outplayed in some instances, but still coming away with wins. That really is a testament to….
- Their goaltending. The Rangers have the best goaltender duo in the NHL, hands down. Henrik Lundqvist has moved past his history of slow starts, beginning the season in playoff mode. Antti Raanta has been absurdly good in his three starts, allowing two goals in all of the games. He was four seconds away from a second shutout against the Coyotes, but he still finished with 39 saves. New York has the second best goal differential in the league (+20), behind only the Montreal Canadiens and their incredible +30 differential. The Rangers have allowed 24 goals or fewer in the first 15 games of the season for the first time since 1939-40 and for the sixth time in team history. Henrik Lundqvist’s .949 save percentage is the best mark that any NYR goalie has posted in their first 12 starts since the NHL began tracking that stat in 1975-76. Lundqvist has allowed just 20 gals this season, the fewest of any goalie that has started at least 10 games. He’s also faced the most shots against (384) than any NHL netminder this season. That speaks volumes about…
Hurricane Warning; Rangers back at MSG to take on Carolina, Nash “good to go”
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers (10-2-2) are back on home ice after sweeping their brief two game road trip, facing off against the Carolina Hurricanes (6-8-0), the first of four games between these Metropolitan Division foes.
New York has had tremendous success against Carolina in the past few years, winning all five games against them last season, outscoring the Hurricanes 13-5. Four of the five wins were one goal games, with three of the games ending in a shootout.
The Rangers are off to their best start through 14 games in franchise history, posting an impressive 10-2-2 record with 22 points, sitting atop the Metropolitan Division and winning five straight games. They’ve picked up a point in nine consecutive games, going 7-0-2 following their loss to the Montreal Canadiens on October 15th. Read the rest of this entry
Alain Vigneault is not using Keith Yandle effectively
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Keith Yandle isn’t doing enough this season.
Normally, this is where an article would begin to criticize the player for his play, what he isn’t doing enough of and what, in this case, Yandle would need to do better.
It’s true. Yandle hasn’t been doing enough. But it’s not his fault.
It’s Alain Vigneault’s fault. Read the rest of this entry
Make it 5! Rangers take down Coyotes thanks to Raanta’s goaltending
Alexandra Russo
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Although the Rangers haven’t really played their best hockey yet, they’ve been very consistent in collecting points and wins. They’ve gained 16 of a possible 18 points in their last nine contests, going 7-0-2 in the span, and a season-high five game winning streak has earned them a pretty comfortable seat atop the competitive Metropolitan Division standings, where they’ve posted a 10-2-2 record (22 points).
In the last 16 back-to-backs, the Rangers have improved their record to 14-1-1 in the second game. They’re also 158-1-9 when taking a lead into the third period, a streak dating back to February 6, 2010. Read the rest of this entry
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