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Rangers offense explodes in win over Anaheim and break out of scoring slump
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers got a huge win on home ice, scoring a season-high seven goals over the Anaheim Ducks, and moving back into the top spot in the NHL. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After struggling to score for most of the month, the Rangers (46-18-7) offense exploded on Sunday night against the Anaheim Ducks (46-21-7), finding the back of the net seven times en route to a 7-2 statement victory for New York.
Anaheim came into the game with a four game win streak, and they were tied with the Canadiens with 99 points for first in the NHL. But the Rangers did not let that fact faze them, dominating one of the best teams in the league on home ice.
New York has been impressive on home ice this season, posting a 23-8-5 record at MSG, with points in 10 of their last 11 games at Madison Square Garden (9-1-1). They are 13-3-2 in their last 18 games against against Western Conference teams, and 16-4-5 against the West this year. The Blueshirts are 11-1-1 versus the mighty Pacific Division this season. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers head back home to take on the league leading Anaheim Ducks
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers and the Ducks, two of the league’s best teams, face off tonight at 7:30 PM at MSG. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Following a very close game against Carolina, the Rangers (45-18-7) are back at Madison Square Garden where they will take on a well-rested Anaheim Ducks (46-20-7) for the last time this season, with both teams in the race for the President’s trophy.
The Rangers did not have a great effort last night, but managed to escape with two points in a shootout win over the Hurricanes, despite, getting outplayed for large portions of the game. But good teams find ways to win, and that is what New York has continued to do despite not playing at their best in the month of March.
“The last couple of weeks we haven’t played our best hockey, but we’ve still managed to win,” said Mats Zuccarello following his shootout winner last night. “That shows that we’re a good team. Hopefully we can come back to playing our style now.” The Blueshirts are 15-2-2 in their last 19, and their success has propelled them into first place in the Metropolitan division. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers escape with shootout win in Raleigh; Fast and Miller both score
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers celebrate JT Miller’s second period goal, one of two in the period for New York as they went on to win in the shootout. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Despite getting outplayed for the better parts of two periods, the Rangers (45-18-7) managed to come away with a 3-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes (26-36-9) in the shootout, capturing their 45th win of the season, the eighth time in team history that they have reached that win total.
The win gives now have 97 points this season, surpassing last year’s point total by one. They remain five points ahead of the Islanders, and are tied with the Montreal Canadiens, but have two games in hand.
The Rangers also swept the season series against Carolina, coming away with five wins in the five games they played. They have won 16 of the last 17 games against the Hurricanes, the best 17 game span versus one opponent in franchise history. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers look for season series sweep in Carolina; Talbot in net for New York
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers and the Hurricanes will face off for the fifth and final time this season, and the Rangers are looking to sweep the season series. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Following Wednesdays 1-0 home ice loss to the Blackhawks, the Rangers (44-18-7) are in Raleigh, North Carolina to take on the Hurricanes (26-35-9) for the fifth and final matchup of the season, and the first game of a back-to-back for New York.
While the Rangers have been streaking, fighting for the top spot in the NHL, the Hurricanes have struggled for most of the season, sitting in last place in the Metropolitan Division and third to last in the Eastern Conference, and scoring the third fewest goals in the entire league.
With that in mind, Saturday is almost a must-win for the Rangers, presenting an opportunity to earn a huge two points in the standings, and keep them in a fighting chance in the President’s trophy race, and the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers Practice Report; Kevin Hayes back to center
Bobby Bevilacqua
Kevin Hayes is back in the center position for tomorrow’s game, as Alain Vigneault believes that it gives the Rangers three lines that can facilitate offense. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Following Wednesday’s loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, Alain Vigneault decided to switch up the lines, trying to find something that clicks in the absence of Martin St. Louis.
On Wednesday, James Sheppard played center on the third line alongside Carl Hagelin and JT Miller, while Kevin Hayes moved alongside Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello. Rick Nash as reunited with Derek Stepan and Chris Kreider, a line that worked well last season.
“It was very important for me to get a look at Shep in the middle, and we used the last game to do that,” Vigneault explained. “We know he can play all three forward positions which is a big bonus for us; but there’s no doubt that having Kevin in the middle gives us three lines that I believe can play a little more offensive hockey.” Read the rest of this entry
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