Blog Archives

Miller, Brassard look to stay hot against Hagelin and the Penguins

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers vs penguins game 1 faceoff 4-16

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

For the first time since the Rangers (30-18-5) eliminated the Pittsburgh Penguins (27-18-7) in Game 5 of the opening round of the playoffs, these two bitter rivals will face off once again. Despite playing every other team in the Metropolitan Division, this is the first game between New York and Pittsburgh in this regular season.

The Rangers are currently riding a three game win streak, the first time they’ve won that many consecutive games since the middle of November. Things are starting to look up; more possession, more shots on goal, better defensive play, and less mistakes. That’s given the Rangers six wins in their last eight, and something to build off of.

The Penguins are also coming into tonight’s game playing extremely well. Under former Rangers assistant coach and now current head coach Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh has greatly improved their play, finding the right line combinations, scoring more and winning more. The Penguins have won six of their last seven games, outscoring opponents 23-14 in those games. Read the rest of this entry

The Impact of the Next Three Weeks on the Rangers’ future

Ezra Kwestel

Gorton

Photo via Getty Images

Being that this is my first post as a writer for The Ranger Zone, I want to take a moment to introduce myself. I am a junior in college and have been a Rangers fan since the day I was born. I began writing as a member of NYRFullTilt last March and joined the team at TRZ this past Thursday. I welcome the opportunity and look forward to interacting with you all on twitter. My twitter handle is @ekwestel. Questions, comments etc. are always welcome, so feel free. Now to the actual article…

We sit just under three weeks until the NHL Trade Deadline (Feb. 29). This is the time when teams identify themselves as buyers or sellers. With the new scheduling format instituted two seasons ago, more teams find themselves within arms reach of the playoffs, with less inter-conference games being played. This day has had major significance for the New York Rangers throughout their history, but even more so the past three seasons. To recap:

April 3, 2013: Rangers trade Marian Gaborik to Columbus in exchange for Derek Dorsett, Derrick Brassard, John Moore and a 6th round pick Read the rest of this entry

Top trade targets and how the Rangers should approach the deadline

Bobby Bevilacqua

Jeff Gorton and Glen Sather

Photo courtesy of Bruce Bennet/Getty Images.

Following the conclusion of an exciting 2016 NHL All Star game, one that saw Pacific Division captain John Scott scored two goals and help led his team to the million dollar prize, the league will get back to business with games starting on Tuesday.

Perhaps more importantly is the approaching trade deadline, when the trade window closes on February 29. Team’s looking to improve their roster and make a playoff push will be inquiring about several players around the league, and the Rangers are expected to be right in the middle of it, both as buyers and sellers.

With Alain Vigneault’s misuse of Keith Yandle and his expiring contract, the Rangers may unfortunately wind up dealing him to a team looking for a puck moving defenseman. However, they’ll also likely be in the market for a top six winger to add some consistent scoring, something they really need. Read the rest of this entry

Quick Hits: NHL All Star Game, Patrick Kane, and the Dennis Wideman hit

Bobby Bevilacqua

Welcome back to quick hits, where I talk about the most interesting topics around the league. The NHL is entering a break with the All Star Weekend festivities taking place this weekend. But there’s still some interesting things going around the league.

Jonathan Toews, Alexander Ovechkin will not participate in the 2016 All Star Game

alex ovechkin

Photo courtesy of Even Habeeb/USA TODAY Sports

This afternoon, we had the first two players bow out of the All Star game due to “injuries.” Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin both announced that they would skip the All Star festivities to deal with injuries. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers look for revenge against the Capitals; Raanta gets the start

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers vs capitals 1=9

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

The Setup:

The Rangers (24-15-5) picked up a crucial two points in a divisional battle against the Flyers, securing just their second win in their last 11 road games (2-7-2), and drawing equal with the Islanders in the standings. Now they face another tough test against a divisional foe that sits 16 points ahead of them in the Metropolitan. The Washington Capitals (33-8-3) are having an incredible season, and they’re easily the most dangerous team in the NHL.

The Capitals are coming off of a 4-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on the road, and now they head back to the Verizon Center, where they play six of their next seven games. Washington is 17-3-1 on home ice this season, and despite the loss to the Sabres, they’re still 14-2-1 in their last 17 games. Read the rest of this entry