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Rangers take down the Isles in final Coliseum matchup; Nash nets game winner
Bobby Bevilacqua
Marc Staal and Kevin Klein congratulate Cam Talbot on his 29 save performance in the Rangers 2-1 win over the Islanders. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
After an abysmal first period, the Rangers (41-17-7) scored two straight goals to take down the New York Islanders (43-22-4) for the second straight game, and bringing the Blueshirts to within one point of the first place spot in the Metropolitan Division, with four games in hand.
It was a playoff atmosphere at the Nassau Coliseum, and the game itself was played out like a playoff game; very close, very physical, good defense, and an extremely competitive game.
The Rangers were back on their heels for the first 20 minutes, but picked up their play in the second period. A gorgeous Kevin Hayes goal got the Rangers going, and Rick Nash’s 39th goal of the season sealed the 2-1 win for the Rangers. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers prepared for one last battle at Nassau Coliseum against the Islanders
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers and Islanders will play for the final time in the regular season, and potentially the last time at Nassau Coliseum. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The stage is set for a crucial game tonight between the Rangers (40-17-7) and the Islanders (43-21-4), the last regular season matchup at Nassau Coliseum ever. The Rangers have four games in hand, and a win would bring them to within one point of the Islanders.
This is the fifth and final game between these two teams, with the Islanders winning three of the first four games. In the last game, the Rangers battled back for a thrilling 6-5 victory, with Kevin Klein scoring the game winner. Chris Kreider, Martin St. Louis and Kevin Klein both had a goal and an assist, Ryan McDonagh had two goals, and Derek Stepan had a goal and two assists.
Jaroslav Halak and Cam Talbot were the goalies, with both netminders facing over 40 shots. They will be the goalies again this time around, although I expect a much closer, tight checking game. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers excited for last hurrah at Nassau; Dan Boyle playing more comfortably
Bobby Bevilacqua
Tomorrow night will be the last time that the Rangers and the Islanders will face each other during the regular season at the Nassau Coliseum. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
On Tuesday night, the Rangers will play 126th and final regular season contest at Nassau Coliseum in the revived Rangers-Islanders rivalry this season. It could potentially be the last time that these two teams face off at the Nassau Coliseum, also known as “The Barn” out in Long Island.
The Islanders are set to make a move to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and although they have needed an upgrade for a while, it doesn’t mean that the fans and players will miss the loud and raucous atmosphere of the Barn.
“It’s old, but you don’t really think about it because it’s a great environment when the Rangers and Islanders play there,” said Mats Zuccarello. “With the fans getting into it, it’s always exciting games there for sure.” Read the rest of this entry
Brassard gives Rangers the overtime win in Chicago; Talbot picks up the shutout
Bobby Bevilacqua
Derick Brassard celebrates his first goal in 15 games, and the game winning goal for the Rangers over Chicago. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images.
After a scoreless 60 minutes of hockey, all it took was one Derick Brassard slap shot just 32 seconds into overtime to send the Rangers home with a big two points, bringing them to within just one point of the Islanders in the division with three games in hand.
The defensive effort from the Blueshirts was absolutely incredible, doing a really fantastic job of stopping some of the higher quality opportunities from Chicago. When there were a few lapses, Cam Talbot was there again, having his third consecutive extremely strong start.
Talbot would finish the night with 29 saves, earning his 14th win of the season, as well as his fifth shutout of the season. It was the first Chicago shutout for the Rangers since January 25, 1969. The Rangers also lead the NHL with 10 shutouts, just the eighth time in franchise history that they have reached that mark. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers look for rebound win in the Windy City; Nash looking to get going again
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers are looking to continue their success on the road and against the Western Conference tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers (39-17-7) continue their road trip tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks (39-21-5), the only remaining team that the Rangers have not played yet. The Rangers had two days off at home before practicing Saturday afternoon and heading out to Chicago for the second game of their five game road trip.
Alain Vigneault stressed rest and recovery, especially with tonight’s showdown beginning a series of three games in four days. After tonight, the Rangers will head to Nassau for the final regular season matchup against the Islanders before going down to Washington D.C. to take on the Capitals.
New York has fared well away from the Garden, with a solid record of 18-10-2 on the road. The Blueshirts also have a seven game point streak (5-0-2) against Western Conference teams, their best since the 1996-97 season. They are also 5-1-1 in their last seven games on the road. Read the rest of this entry
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