Blog Archives

No need to worry, the Rangers are much better than their .500 record

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers-vs-red-wings-10-19

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

Through four games this season, the Rangers are doing fine with a 2-2-0 record. Although there was a lot of hype built up around the forwards and the youth movement GM Jeff Gorton seems to be going for, given the state of the defense this is a pretty good start.

While it’s only been four games and things can change in a flash, there should be a sense of confidence throughout the locker room and among the fans. I wasn’t expecting to have this much fun watching the Rangers this year, but from what I’ve seen so far, they have me really excited for not only the future, but seeing how far this forward group can carry the team this season.

So far, the Rangers have scored 15 goals in four games this season, and that was with the team scoring just one two days ago against the Red Wings. The 12 goals allowed is a little higher than many would have hoped for, but that was somewhat expected when you have Nick Holden as your top pairing defenseman playing on his offside. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers take on the Red Wings in Original Six battle; Klein back in the lineup

Bobby Bevilacqua

kevin-klein-full-body-profile-10-25

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

UPDATE: Jimmy Howard will start for Detroit, not Petr Mrazek. Howard is making his season debut. He’s had success against the Ramgers in the past and has been in some great goalie battles against Lundqvist over the past three or four years so this should be a good one. 

The Rangers (2-1-0) will look to start their first winning streak of the season when they take on the Detroit Red Wings (1-2-0) at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers are coming off of a thrilling seven goal win over the Sharks on Monday, a game that featured seven different goal scorers and another two-point game from Chris Kreider in Antti Raanta’s season debut. New York nearly surrendered a three goal lead but managed to respond and hold on.

The Red Wings last played on Monday, their final season opener at the Joe Louis Arena. They beat the Senators 5-1, with defenseman Mike Green scoring his first career hat trick and two goals from Darren Helm. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers score seven goals in win over the Sharks; Vesey scores the game winner

Bobby Bevilacqua

jimmy-vesey-goal-celebration-first-10-17

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

The Rangers continued to showcase their new offensive style and forwards, getting scoring from throughout the lineup in a 7-4 win over the San Jose Sharks.

Two of the goals came on empty netters, but the Rangers put five goals past Martin Jones, who had only allowed three goals in the last two games. I’m not quite sure what Alain Vigneault has done, but this forward group is meshing so well together. The breakouts are improved, the depth is tremendous and the power play looks fantastic.

Here are my thoughts and observations from the game; Read the rest of this entry

Rangers back home to take on the Sharks; McIlrath in for Girardi

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers-vs-sharks-3-19

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

UPDATE: Pavel Buchnevich will not play tonight along with Dan Girardi. Read on for details.

Following a fantastic offensive effort in a game against the St. Louis Blues, the Rangers (1-1-0) are back at Madison Square Garden for four of the next five games, starting tonight against last year’s Western Conference Champs, the San Jose Sharks (2-0-0).

The teams split the two meetings last season, with the home team winning each game. The Rangers shut out the Sharks 4-0 on October 19 and San Jose won 4-1 at the SAP Center. Marc Staal, Jesper Fast, Mats Zuccarello and Viktor Stalberg scored in the shutout win with Antti Raanta in net, while Dan Boyle was the only Ranger to score in the road loss. Joel Ward had two goals while Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski both scored once.

The Sharks have gotten off to a good start following their magical run to their first ever Stanley Cup Final appearance. Martin Jones has allowed three goals in 120 minutes, the defense looks good and Brent Burns and Joe Logan Couture have already started scoring. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers head to St. Louis for first road game; Klein still out with back strain

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers-vs-blues-2-25

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

After an exciting season opening win over the Islanders at home, the New York Rangers (1-0-0) are on the road in St. Louis to take on the Blues (2-0-0) for the team’s first road game of the season.

This is one of just three road games this month for the Rangers, who will return to Madison Square Garden to play five of their next seven games.

The Rangers are looking to win their third straight game against the Blues after sweeping the season series last year. St. Louis has beaten Chicago and Minnesota so far, and are aiming to win their first three games of the season for just the fourth time in franchise history. Over the past six years the Blues have dominated Eastern Conference foes, posting a Western Conference best 84-33-15 record. Read the rest of this entry