Blog Archives

Rangers continue with fourth round of cuts, Raanta designated as backup

Bobby Bevilacqua

raphael diaz hi five line

Raphael Diaz is one of the players that has made the final roster cuts. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

The Rangers made a few more significant cuts following their win over the New Jersey Devils, cutting down the roster to just 25 players; 15 forwards, eight defenseman and two goalies. Vigneault will have to cut two more forwards and likely one defenseman.

The Rangers reassigned Luke Adam, Ryan Bourque, Brian Gibbons, Ryan Graves, Chris Summers, Mat Bodie, Brady Skjei and Magnus Hellberg, and they will report to Hartford’s training camp.

Vigneault’s latest roster moves means that we’re in the final stages of the cuts. Dylan McIlrath is still fighting for a spot and Jayson Megna, Oscar Lindberg and Jarret Stoll are still looking to get Tanner Glass out of the lineup. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers make third round of cuts, Staal and Girardi to debut in Jersey

Bobby Bevilacqua

Oscar Lindberg hi five line 9-21

Oscar Lindberg will start his fourth consecutive preseason game tonight in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

As Vigneault said, the Rangers continued to make their roster cuts, reducing to just over six forward lines, 12 defensemen and three goalies. With just three preseason games remaining, we’re in the final stretch of roster decisions.

The Rangers assigned five players to the Wolf Pack training camp. Marek Hrivik, Brett Bellemore, Adam Tambellini, Tommy Hughes and Jeff Malcolm all reported to Hartford for their camp.

This will be Tambellini’s first season in the AHL, and he’s one of my favorite prospects. I’m excited to see how he does this season. I’m also happy that Bellemore wasn’t cut from the roster completely. He was pretty good in the preseason game, and has some NHL experience, so it’s nice depth to have. Read the rest of this entry

The New York Rangers clinch the President’s Trophy with 4-2 win in New Jersey

Bobby Bevilacqua

cam talbot and kevin haayes 4-7

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

rangers vs devils 4-4

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

Rangers pick up win number 50 over Devils; Lundqvist triumphant in return to MSG

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers goal celebration 4-4

The Rangers exploded for six goals on Saturday, dominating the rival New Jersey Devils thanks to a stellar performance from Henrik Lundqvist and the rest of the team. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

In Henrik Lundqvist’s first start at MSG in over two months, the Rangers (50-21-7) exploded for six goals, burying their rivals, the New Jersey Devils (32-34-13), by a final score of 6-1, playing a very solid game for their third straight win.

With the win, New York reached the 50 win mark for just the fourth time in franchise history, putting them at 107 points for the season. That ties them with the Anaheim Ducks for the best record in the league, and brings them closer to further home ice advantage in the playoffs. Three points would clinch the Eastern Conference title for the Rangers, and two wins would clinch the President’s Trophy for the Rangers. Read the rest of this entry