Blog Archives
Rangers Practice Report: McIlrath, Glass, Lundqvist to play against Jets
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Alain Vigneault made a huge statement after practice on Monday afternoon, announcing that Dylan McIlrath would make his season debut while veteran and $4.5 million defenseman Dan Boyle would be a healthy scratch.
Dan Boyle has not been all that impressive in the three games this season, picking up one assist and making at least one costly defensive miscue. During the home opener, Vigneault switched him and Kevin Klein, relating Boyle to the third pairing.
While he hasn’t been great, this is also about seeing what McIlrath can do. He made the team after a very strong preseason, and having him sit in the press box isn’t going to do him any good. The Rangers could use another defensively responsible, crease clearing physical defenseman on the ice.
This is also a big statement from Alain Vigneault. He’s showing that is doesn’t matter whether you’re a veteran or have a big salary. There are other options throughout the lineup. If Boyle isn’t playing well and if he still isn’t fitting into the system, then McIlrath can come in and steal some games from him. Read the rest of this entry
How Swede it is! Lundqvist, Lindberg power Rangers to 5-2 win over Columbus
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers can thank Sweden for their win tonight.
The Rangers (3-0-0) cruised to a 5-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets (0-2-0), winning their third straight game to start the year, all three of the games being home openers.
Out of the three games to start the season, this was easily the best for Vigneault’s squad. They made sure to jump on the Blue Jackets early, trying to neutralize any intentions of a physical start. Despite playing their third game in four night, the team looked very fresh, and totally dominated the early stages of the game.
The only lineup change came on the fourth line, with Tanner Glass making his season debut, replacing Jesper Fast on the fourth line. This was likely made as a response to the physical nature of Columbus. Glass had a decent game, recording two shots on goal and seven hits, and finishing with a plus one rating. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers come home to MSG for second round with the Blue Jackets
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Hockey at the Garden is finally back.
The Rangers (2-0-0) are back under the lights at Madison Square Garden for the first time this season to finish off a home and home series with the Columbus Blue Jackets (0-1-0). The Rangers will play five of their next six games on home ice.
Under improbable circumstances, Alain Vigneault’s squad showed resiliency yet again, overcoming a 2-1 deficit by scoring three goals in 1:17 to secure a 4-2 road victory. Mats Zuccarello scored twice in the game, while Oscar Lindberg scored his second goals in as many games to begin his first full NHL season. Henrik Lundqvist was great again, stopping 31 of the 33 shots that he faced.
For tonight, Lundqvist is expected to start his third game in four nights. Vigneault wanted him to get off to a good start and get a nice workload early, so expect him between the pipes for the home opener. The Rangers also have a total of 17 back to backs this season, and there is plenty of opportunity for Raanta to start. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers explode for three late goals to give Vigneault 100th win in New York
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
There is a heated rivalry brewing between the Rangers and the Blue Jackets, and the disdain for each other was on full display tonight.
Despite improbable circumstances, the Rangers score three goals in a span of 77 seconds to propel them over the Blue Jackets, spoiling their home opener and heading back to Madison Square Garden after a 4-2 win and with a 2-0 record.
For large stretches of the night, Columbus was the aggressor, energized by their home fans and looking to make an impact in the first game of the season. But the Rangers weathered the storm, played an excellent defensive game, and grinded out another road win.
The victory also gave Alain Vigneault his 100th win as the head coach of the Rangers, becoming the 10th head coach to win 100 regular season games with the Rangers. He was the fastest to reach that total out of the 10. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers Look to Open Season with Back-To-Back Road Wins
Drew Williams
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
The New York Rangers will faceoff Friday night against a revamped Columbus Blue Jackets team at Nationwide Arena, and will look to build on a 3-2 win over Chicago in their season opener.
This Metropolitan Division matchup will certainly be different from last year, as Columbus added a big name in the offseason in Brandon Saad, at the expense of forward Marko Dano, Jeremy Morin, Artem Anisimov, Corey Tropp, and a fourth-round pick in 2016. The addition of Saad makes for a potent top line for Columbus, as he will play with center Ryan Johansen and winger Nick Foligno.
The Rangers lines will stay the same in Columbus, according to SNY. Read the rest of this entry
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