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Rangers look to start the second half strong in a division battle against the Devils
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
With the All Star Weekend in the rear view mirror, the Rangers (27-17-5) focus shifts to a battle for the playoffs. Thirty-three games spanning the next 68 days. Fifteen of those will come against Metropolitan Division opponents, including tonight’s matchup against the New Jersey Devils (25-20-5).
At this same point last season, there were six teams in the Eastern Conference ahead of the Rangers, but they had a comfortable eight point playoff cushion. This year, only six teams in the NHL have more points than the Rangers. But in a much more competitive Metropolitan Division, and a tight East, the playoff cushion is just four games.
The Rangers have reason to feel confident though. In the last 10 weeks of last regular season, Alain Vigneault’s squad went 25-7-3 and secured the President’s trophy with their play after March. These last 33 games are incredibly important, especially since many of the games come against Division foes looking to take over the Rangers playoff spot. Read the rest of this entry
The New York Rangers clinch the President’s Trophy with 4-2 win in New Jersey
Bobby Bevilacqua
Kevin Hayes and Cam Talbot celebrate after the Rangers win in New Jersey, clinching the President’s Trophy for the first time in 21 years. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Tonight’s win confirmed something that the Rangers and their fans have known for quite some time; the New York Rangers are the best team in the National Hockey League.
Despite playing last night, the Rangers (52-21-7) came out strong, outdueling the New Jersey Devils (32-35-13) early and holding onto their lead despite some late scares, securing their fifth straight win, first place in the Eastern Conference, and the President’s Trophy awarded to the team with the best record in the NHL.
The win was the Rangers’ 52nd of the season, tying the franchise record for most wins in a season, previously set in the 1993-94 season. With 111 points, the Rangers are just one point shy of the franchise record for points in a season, also set in the 1993-94 season. This is the first time the Rangers have won the President’s Trophy since, you guessed it, that magical 1993-94 season in which they won the Stanley Cup. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers aiming to clinch the President’s Trophy tonight in New Jersey
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers and the Devils will face off for the last time this season, with New York aiming to sweep the season series, as well as clinch the President’s trophy. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After an amazing comeback win last night, the Rangers (51-21-7) are back at it again tonight, heading to New Jersey to take on the Devils (32-34-13) for the fourth and final time this season, with New York looking to sweep the season series and extend their four game win streak.
A win tonight would give the Rangers 111 points, which would be good enough to clinch both the Eastern Conference title as well as the President’s trophy, a huge advantage for a team looking to make another long run in the playoffs. New York is one win shy of tying their franchise record in wins (53), and three points shy of tying their franchise record in points (112). Both of those record were set in the 1993-94 season, the year that the Rangers won the Stanley Cup.
This is the last game between these two cross-river rivals this season, with the Rangers winning the previous three by a 13-5 margin. They played as recently as Saturday, when the Rangers dominated play en route to a 6-1 win. Henrik Lundqvist was phenomenal, finishing with 35 saves. The Rangers got goals from Rick Nash, Keith Yandle, Derick Brassard, Derek Stepan, and two goals from Dominic Moore. Read the rest of this entry
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