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Series Preview, Round 3: Rangers vs. Lightning
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers and Lightning are meeting in the playoffs for the first time ever, with strong connections on both sides. This could be a special series for both teams. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Last night, the Rangers became the first team in NHL history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit in consecutive years following Derek Stepan’s overtime heroics at Madison Square Garden, sending his team back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, and the third time in the past four years.
Now, the Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning will face off in the postseason for the first time ever, fighting for a chance to play for the Stanley Cup. But connections and bloodlines run deep with these teams, making this matchup truly special.
On March 5th, 2014, just hours before the trade deadline ended, the Rangers traded their captain, Ryan Callahan, as well as two draft picks to the Tampa Bay Lightning for their captain, future hall of famer Martin St. Louis. Contract negotiations between Ryan Callahan and Glen Sather went downhill, and the relationship between Martin St. Louis and Steve Yzerman had soured, prompting St. Louis to request a trade to the one place he wanted to be; New York. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers one “Step” closer; Advance to Eastern Conference Finals with overtime win over Caps
The Rangers’ players and coaches celebrate after Derek Stepan scores the overtime winner, sending the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers are back in the Eastern Conference Finals baby!
Despite trailing the series three games to one, the Rangers managed to complete the comeback, winning Game 7 at home thanks to a Derek Stepan overtime winner. They are back in the Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, and the third time in four years.
The Rangers became the first team in NHL history to come back from 3-1 series deficits in consecutive years. Last year, the Rangers faced a 3-1 series deficit against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but were able to overcome that to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Rangers also extended their win streak to 10 consecutive wins when facing elimination at Madison Square Garden. They are also 7-0 in franchise history in Game 7s on home ice. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers and Caps set for another classic Game 7 matchup at the Garden
Bobby Bevilacqua
Ryan McDonagh and Alex Ovechkin, the two captains, will match up one last time in a deciding Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
When it looked like the Rangers were on the brink of elimination in Game 5, Chris Kreider scored with 1:41 left in the third period to send it into overtime, with Ryan McDonagh the hero in the end. They then got it done at the Verizon Center, with two goals from Chris Kreider, and one each by Rick Nash and Dan Boyle, backed up by 42 saves from Henrik Lundqvist.
All of these events sets the scene for a classic Game 7 at Madison Square Garden, “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” a place where the Rangers have won all six Game 7s in their franchise history. Read the rest of this entry
Fourth line clicking when Rangers need them most
Bobby Bevilacqua
Tanner Glass, and the rest of the fourth line, have stepped their game up in the playoffs when the Rangers need their production most. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
In the playoffs, there may be nothing more important a team looking to make a long run than depth. Depth in the forward lines, defenseman and multiple quality goaltenders gives a team the best chance for success.
Last season, the Rangers embodied this mentality, rolling four lines that were a threat to score at any time. Everyone knows about the third line of Benoit Pouliot, Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello, which was arguable the team’s best and most consistent line throughout the playoffs.
But the fourth line Dominic Moore, Brian Boyle, and the rotating wing of Dan Carcillo and Derick Dorsett did a lot of things right too. It was a great defensive line, but could just as easily spend some pinning their opponents back in their own end. Don’t forget, it was Dominic Moore that scored the game winning goal in Game 6 against the Canadiens to send the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Finals. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers force a Game 7 at MSG with stingy defense and superb goaltending
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers managed to stick together and come away with a win in DC, forcing a deciding Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
This series is going back to Madison Square Garden for a winner-takes-all Game 7.
In what Derek Stepan called “our worst game in the series,” the Rangers managed to steal an ugly Game 6 win, thanks to an offensive outburst and a marvelous performance from the Rangers star goaltender Henrik Lundvist. Four goals and 42 saves was enough for the Rangers to send this series back to the Garden.
The game started out heavily in the Rangers’ favor, scoring 40 seconds into the period and dominating the speed play. It was a very wide open first period, with the quick pace of play an advantage to the Rangers. They were dominating with the cycle game, and wound up with a two goal advantage. Read the rest of this entry
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