Blog Archives
New York Rangers have a true number one center in Derick Brassard
Bobby Bevilacqua
Derick Brassard has emerged as the Rangers number one center, and is second on the team in points behind fellow linemate Rick Nash. Photo courtesy of SNY Rangers Blog.
During the lockout-shortened 2012-2013 season, the New York Rangers traded away Marian Gaborik, a two-time 40 goal scorer in New York, to the Columbus Blue Jackets for some young talent, including Derek Dorsett, John Moore, and Derick Brassard.
Brassard was a highly-touted prospect in Junior Hockey, and was drafted sixth overall by Columbus in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He had his best season with them in the 2010-2011 season, putting up a career high 47 points (17-30-47).
Brassard came over to the Rangers, and in 13 games, tallied 11 points (5-6-11), as well as another 12 points (2-10-12) in the Rangers 12 playoff games.
Last season, Brassard had a very important role, centering what was arguably the Rangers most consistent line throughout the season, with Benoit Pouliot and Mats Zuccarello playing on the wings. Brassard had a career high 18 goals to go along with 27 assists, totaling 45 points in 81 regular season games. Read the rest of this entry
The growth and emergence of Jesper Fast
Bobby Bevilacqua
Jesper Fast has been a nice surprise for the Rangers this season, playing very strong defensively and showing glimpses of his offensive abilities. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers have been one of the league’s hottest teams over the last month, winning 10 of their last 11 games, vastly outscoring their opponents in that streak (40-17), and playing fantastic defensively, with some help from Henrik Lundqvist and Cam Talbot in net.
It’s easy to pick out players like Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis, who lead the Rangers in points, or to say that the strong defense from players like Ryan McDonagh and Marc Staal have been the reason for the Rangers success. Read the rest of this entry
What should Vigneault do with the bottom two lines?
Bobby Bevilacqua
JT Miller has been a much improved player since his return, However, he was scratched in favor of Lee Stempniak. There is controversy over who Vigneault should be playing on a daily basis. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
In the Rangers win over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, VIgneault reinserted Lee Stempniak back into the lineup, as he had finally recovered from the mumps. However, he sat one of the Rangers hottest scorers; JT Miller.
Many fans, critics, and Rangers reporters were not happy with the decision to remove Miller, who has four goals and an assist since returning to the Blueshirts.
Early on in the season, Lee Stempniak was one of the Rangers better players. He was scoring, creating offense, and contributing to the forecheck and on defense. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers Prospect Watch; Duclair scores in pre-tourney game
Bobby Bevilacqua
Anthony Duclair played well in his first game for Team Canada, playing right wing on the first line, and picking up a goal and an assist.
About two weeks ago, the Rangers announced that they would loan 19 year rookie to Anthony Duclair to Team Canada for the World Juniors Championship. The tournament doesn’t officially start until the 26th of December, but teams have already played some pre-tourney games, similar to a preseason.
Last night, Team Canada defeated Team Sweden by a final score of 5-2. Duclair scored the third goal of the game, and also picked up an assist in the game.
Duclair skated on Team Canada’s top line alongside other top prospects, like Sam Reinhart of the Buffallo Sabres, and Max Domi of the Arizona Coyotes. The trio generated a ton of scoring chances, and was one of the best lines on the team. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers loan Anthony Duclair to Team Canada for World Juniors Championship
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers announced that rookie forward Anthony Duclair will play for Team Canada in the IIHF World Junior Championship. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
This afternoon, New York Rangers General Manager Glen Sather announced that rookie forward Anthony Duclair will be loaned to Team Canada for the 2015 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship.
Duclair has played in 18 games with the Rangers, and has one goal and six assist, totaling seven points, as well as a plus-four rating. Duclair’s first game was the Rangers season opener on October 9th against the St. Louis Blues. His first career goal came against the Minnesota Wild on October 27th. Read the rest of this entry
therangerzone.com 