Blog Archives

Rangers snap road losing streak in Tampa; Boyle and Moore have big nights

Alexandra Russo

mats zuccarello goal celebration 12-30

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

The Rangers (21-13-4) looked to end their eight game road losing streak sating back to November 21st, and they succeeded. They controlled most of the play, despite a few penalties and skated off the ice victorious with a 5-2 win over the Lightning (21-13-4).

Coach Alain Vingeault sent a message before the game, benching young forward Kevin Hayes for his lack of performance. He expected more out of him to this point, and Hayes knows it, too. Maybe after being a healthy scratch last night he’ll recognize that he’s got to up his game to keep a spot on the roster.

The rest of the Rangers must have gotten a message because right off an offensive zone faceoff with just under two minutes into play, Keith Yandle made a great pass from the point to Dan Boyle, who was open at right circle. He didn’t hesitate as he slid the puck past Bishop to notch his fifth goal of the season and give his team a one goal advantage. This goal was also his third in the past five games, as he remains on a hot streak.  Read the rest of this entry

Two struggling contenders face off as Rangers take on Lightning; Hayes a healthy scratch

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers vs lightning faceoff 12-1

Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

There are a lot of former contenders around the league struggling to live up to the lofty expectations set by the fans, the experts and reporters, and even the team itself. The Rangers (20-13-4) and the Lightning (18-15-4) are two of those teams.

Last year, the Rangers and Lightning squared off for seven games, battling for the title of Eastern Conference Champion. Things could hardly be more different now.

The Rangers have dropped to third in the Metropolitan Division behind Washington and the Islanders, winning just four of their last 16 games. Last year’s Presidents’ Trophy winners are struggling to score goals, losing their fundamentals, and failing to play the same style that helped give them so much success over the last two seasons. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers Rumor Mill: Is Patrick Marleau headed to Broadway?

Bobby Bevilacqua

The crazy trade rumors are starting really early this year.

October 19, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Patrick Marleau (12) during the second period against the Calgary Flames at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks defeated the Flames 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Photo courtesy of Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports.

An annual occurrence, Patrick Marleau’s name has been coming up in some trade rumors early. First reported by Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area, Marleau had supposedly stated that he would accept a trade to the Los Angeles Kings, the Anaheim Ducks or the New York Rangers.

Marleau is currently in the second year of a three year, $20 million contract. He has a full no trade clause and would need to approve any trade the Sharks would try. TSN’s Bob McKenzie later reported that it is more likely that Marleau asked the Sharks to look at trade possibilities, and it probably wasn’t the Sharks asking for a list of teams.

Read the rest of this entry

Rangers lose third straight to Lightning; Power play continues to score

Bobby Bevilacqua

rangers vs lightning faceoff 12-1

The Rangers dropped their third straight game against the Lightning this season by a score of 6-3. Martin St. Louis scored against his former team again, but it was not enough to beat the high powered Tampa Bay team. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

For the third time in two weeks, the Rangers (11-9-4) fell to the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning (17-6-2), this time by a score of 6-3.

The Rangers were in the game for the first two periods, and playing pretty well, until two goals in 1:24 in the third period derailed New York. Tampa would seal the win with an empty netter late in the period.

Henrik Lundqvist really struggled tonight, giving up 5 goals on the first 17 shots he faced. He would finish with 15 saves and a .750 save percentage. Read the rest of this entry

Rangers ready to take on Tampa Bay again; Kreider returns to the lineup

Bobby Bevilacqua

chris kreider vs lightning

Chris Kreider will make his return to the lineup against the Lightning tonight, assuming his normal second line duties. Kreider has 13 points in 22 games this year. Photo courtesy of the New York Rangers.

After sweeping the Flyers in a home-and home series, the Rangers (11-8-4) will face the Tampa Bay Lightning (16-6-2) for the final time this season, with tonight’s match being played at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers are coming off of a 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, where Jesper Fast scored his first NHL goal and JT Miller providing some offense as a replacement for the grieving Chris Kreider. Read the rest of this entry