Blog Archives
Signing Mats Zuccarello, at the right price, was the right move for the Rangers
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers made the right decision in re-signing Mats Zuccarello, keeping the Norwegian in NYC for the next four seasons. Photo courtesy of Paul J. Bereswill/NY Post.
On March 2nd during a press conference, Glen Sather formally announced the finalization of a four year contract extension with Norwegian winger Mats Zuccarello worth $18 million (4.5 AAV), and including a no trade clause in the first year of the deal. Rangers GM Glen Sather remarked on how much he liked and respected Zuccarello.
“I like everything about him – his tenacity, his hard work, his seeing the ice, the way he plays, the chemistry he brings to our team and the way he is in the dressing room,” said Sather. “He’s been a perfect player for us.”
Quite high praise from Sather. But Zuccarello truly deserves it. Last season, he was the Rangers leading scorer, with 19 goals and 40 assists, helping the team get into the playoffs. While he will not match that production this year, he is still having a solid year, and is a key reason that guys like Rick Nash and Derick Brassard are having tremendous success. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers win statement game over Predators; Zuccarello strong after extension
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers took down the top team in the NHL, dominating most facets of the game in a 4-1 victory. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
In the Rangers (39-17-6) first game since acquiring Keith Yandle and re-signing Mats Zuccarello to a four year deal, the re-energized Rangers shut down the best team in the NHL, handing the Nashville Predators (41-16-7) their third straight loss by a final score of 4-1.
With the win, the Rangers leap-frogged the Islanders for first place in the Metropolitan Division, tied with 82 points, but the Rangers have two games in hand. New York is 9-1-1 in their last 11 games, 21-5-5 at home since October 16th, and 28-7-2 since December 8th.
This was one of the most impressive showings of the season, with New York really muffling the Predators scoring ability, keeping the puck to the outside, and really controlling play for almost the entire game. It especially showed when the Predators pulled Rinne at the 16:00 mark of the final period, and barely got any shots on goal. The defensive effort was outstanding. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers point streak comes to an end in Philly; JT Miller impressive in loss
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers fell short of the Flyers, ending their 10 game point streak, but losing just their second game in regulation this month. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
It seems that the trade rumors may have rattled the Rangers (38-17-6), looking flat at times and dropping their first game to the Philadelphia Flyers (27-25-11), ending their 10 game point streak as well as their four game win streak.
The Rangers were looking to set a new franchise record for wins in the month of February, but fell a win short, finishing the month with a 10-2-2 record. The Islanders also lost to the Hurricanes today, so the Rangers remain just two points behind the Isles with three games in hand. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers take on Flyers in rivalry matchup with trade rumors looming
Bobby Bevilacqua
Carl Hagelin and the Rangers are in Philadelphia looking to extend their win streak to five games in a rivalry matchup. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Looking to extend their win streak to five, and set a record for wins in February with 11, the Rangers (38-16-6) will take on the Philadelphia Flyers (26-25-11) for the final time this season, with the Flyers desperately trying to get back into the playoff race.
The Rangers are looking to finish a season series sweep against the Flyers, having already won the first three game this season. The Rangers have outscored the Flyers 10-2 in those games, shutting them out twice. Coincidentally, Cam Talbot was in net for both of the shutouts, and will be the Rangers goalie again tonight. Read the rest of this entry
Now in first place, the Rangers still have room to grow
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers have won four in a row and are 10-1-2 this month, but are yet to find their “A” game. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers came back from a 3-1 deficit on Tuesday against the Coyotes, eventually winning 4-3 to extend their win streak to four games, and giving the Blueshirts points in 10 consecutive games (8-0-2). The Rangers are 10-1-2 in the month of February, largely without star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.
The Rangers are 27-6-2 since December 8th, an incredible streak of success that propelled them into first place in the Metropolitan Division ahead of the New York Islanders. Earlier in the season, the Rangers trailed the Islanders by 14 points, but have closed that gap, and are now second in the Eastern Conference. Read the rest of this entry
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