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Raanta remains in net as the Rangers take on the Islanders; Marc Staal OUT
Bobby Bevilacqua

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
After bouncing back with a huge win over the Capitals, the Rangers (38-21-6) close out a tough three-game stretch against division rivals when they take on the New York Islanders (35-20-7), returning to MSG for one game before another short road trip.
Although the Rangers hold a five game lead over the Islanders, the Isles have three games in hand, making this a true battle for second place in the Metro. Both teams are coming into this game playing well, and both teams will be playing hard to get the two points.
This is the third out of four games between the Rangers and Islanders, and the first game at MSG this season. The last five encounters have all been played at the Islanders’ home; three at the Nassau Coliseum and two this year at the Barclays Center. The Rangers are 0-1-1 this year against the Isles, losing 2-1 in a shootout in December and 3-1 on January 14th. Read the rest of this entry
Pavel Buchnevich offered contract extension by SKA St. Petersburg
Bobby Bevilacqua

Photo courtesy of Claus Anderson/Getty Images.
UPDATE: An article for this news story was written/broken on Full Tilt NYR by Steven Cifuentes. Please go support that article and site HERE since he wrote about the situation first.
The Pavel Buchnevich situation has gotten a bit more interesting, and the Rangers could have some trouble bringing their top prospect over to North America next season.
According to Aivis Kanins, a hockey writer covering the KHL, SKA St. Petersburg has offered Buchnevich a contract extension to stay with them beyond these playoffs. Buchnevich started out with the Severstal Cherepovets, but was traded during the season. He finished the regular season with 37 points (16-21-37) in 58 games, and has three points (1-2-3) in four playoff games with SKA.
Hearing Pavel Buchnevich has received an offer to extend his contract with SKA St.Petersburgh
— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) March 3, 2016
The reason this contract extension is concerning is because of the situation surrounding Ilya Kovalchuk and St. Petersburg. Kovalchuk, the former Atlanta Thrashers and New Jersey Devils star, was left off of the playoff roster by SKA and is working to have his contract terminated. It’s widely believed that he is planning on returning to the NHL. Read the rest of this entry
Raanta makes 32 saves as Rangers take down the Capitals
Bobby Bevilacqua

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After a tough loss in Pittsburgh, the Rangers (38-21-6) bounced back with a huge win over the league-leading Washington Capitals (47-13-4) on the road, thanks to a goal from Derek Stepan and 32 saves from Antti Raanta.
Before the game, it looked like the odds were stacked against the Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist was injured, Marc Staal was coming back from the flu, there were a few other minor injuries, and they were playing the Caps. Not a recipe for success, but they found a way to win.
The Rangers bounced back from a loss again, and they haven’t lost back-to-back games since December 20th. Also, the Rangers didn’t allow Alex Ovechkin to score a goal, snapping a nine game goal streak against the Rangers Read the rest of this entry
Raanta in net for the injured Lundqvist as Rangers battle the Capitals
Bobby Bevilacqua

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After losing focus and falling to the Penguins last night, the Rangers (37-21-6) are back on the road to close out their brief road trip against the league-leading Washington Capitals (47-12-4), a team that’s winning at a historic pace.
The Capitals 47 wins have already passed last year’s total with 19 games left on the schedule. Their 47 wins through 63 games are the most for any team in NHL history, and their 98 points through that same span is the most since the Detroit Red Wings in the 1995-96 season, and they have an 18 point lead over the New York Rangers. Needless to say, the Rangers will have their work cut out for them.
Last night, the Rangers had a mental lapse for 1:39, allowing three goals and ultimately losing the game because of that. Against Washington, they’ll need a complete 60 minute effort because the Caps are built to win from the net out. Read the rest of this entry
