Blog Archives
Final battle for roster spots tonight as Rangers battle the Flyers; Jooris back in action
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
This is it; the final preseason game before Alain Vigneault and the Rangers begin their quest for the Stanley Cup on Oct. 13. The roster has been cut down to 29 players (you can read about that HERE) and tonight marks the last opportunity for players to state their case for a roster spot.
Here are the lines for tonight;
Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Pavel Buchnevich
Jimmy Vesey-Kevin Hayes-Nathan Gerbe
JT Miller-Josh Jooris-Brandon Pirri Read the rest of this entry
Changing the system: Alain Vigneault should roll with four skill lines
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Traditionally, a hockey team is structured with 12 forwards composing four different lines; the top two lines are the scoring lines and full of a team’s stars. The third line is more of a two-way line that can chip in scoring and play some defense. And the fourth line is the checking line, your penalty killers and usually not great at scoring.
Most coaches tend to try and structure their lines in this fashion and it’s how hockey has been played for a very long time. But this year, the Rangers need to try something different.
The group of forwards that the Rangers have brought into camp is the most talented group of players that I have seen since I started following the team closely. Buchnevich, Vesey and Zibanejad are some of the talented, young newcomers brought to New York in the offseason, and all of the offseason additions have injected a plethora of speed, skill and scoring prowess into the lineup. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers preseason continues with game against the Devils; Vesey to start
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After a win in the first preseason contest against the Islanders, the Rangers host the Devils tonight at Madison Square Garden as the team continues to look at players fighting for roster spot and their roles in the regular season.
The Rangers announced the lines and defensive pairings the other day, and the top line is the most intriguing. Jimmy Vesey will make his first appearance with the team on the left wing. Kevin Hayes will center that line, and Rick Nash will play on the right. Read the rest of this entry
Brandon Pirri signs one year deal with the Rangers; A sign of a trade to come?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of the Florida Panthers.
Jeff Gorton made another clever depth signing, adding to the already impressive group of forwards he’s assembled. Former Florida Panther Brandon Pirri has inked a one year deal with the Rangers worth $1.1 million, and could factor into the middle of their lineup.
Pirri split time with the Panthers and Ducks this season, scoring 14 goals with 15 assists in a total of 61 games. Back in the 2-14-15 season, he scored an impressive 22 goals in just 49 games, playing mostly with Jimmy Hayes and Vincent Trochek.
It’s important to note that he did bounce around the lineup this past season, never really settling into a set spot on a line or with teammates. He’s not a lock to score 20 goals again, but in a more solidified role, Pirri could see his offensive production increase. Read the rest of this entry
BREAKING: Rangers sign Pavel Buchnevich to Entry Level Contract
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Claus Andersen/Getty Images.
The long awaited news has finally been announced, with the Rangers breaking the news on Twitter that highly touted Russian prospect Pavel Buchnevich has signed his Entry Level Contract, and will play in North America next season. The deal is believed to be three years with a $925k cap hit. (per CapFriendly)
OFFICIAL: #NYR have agreed to terms with forward Pavel Buchnevich on an entry-level contract. pic.twitter.com/gqFSv0YeZG
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 13, 2016
In this last season in the KHL, Buchnevich scored 16 goals and 37 points in 58 games with the Severstal Cherepovets and SKA St. Petersburg, as well as scoring another three points (1-2-3) in the playoffs. Buch is the best prospect in the Rangers’ system, and his KHL numbers at this age are similar to other Russian NHL players Evgeny Kuznetsov and Vladimir Tarasenko, although on the lower end. Read the rest of this entry
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