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Raanta makes 32 saves as Rangers take down the Capitals
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After a tough loss in Pittsburgh, the Rangers (38-21-6) bounced back with a huge win over the league-leading Washington Capitals (47-13-4) on the road, thanks to a goal from Derek Stepan and 32 saves from Antti Raanta.
Before the game, it looked like the odds were stacked against the Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist was injured, Marc Staal was coming back from the flu, there were a few other minor injuries, and they were playing the Caps. Not a recipe for success, but they found a way to win.
The Rangers bounced back from a loss again, and they haven’t lost back-to-back games since December 20th. Also, the Rangers didn’t allow Alex Ovechkin to score a goal, snapping a nine game goal streak against the Rangers Read the rest of this entry
Raanta in net for the injured Lundqvist as Rangers battle the Capitals
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After losing focus and falling to the Penguins last night, the Rangers (37-21-6) are back on the road to close out their brief road trip against the league-leading Washington Capitals (47-12-4), a team that’s winning at a historic pace.
The Capitals 47 wins have already passed last year’s total with 19 games left on the schedule. Their 47 wins through 63 games are the most for any team in NHL history, and their 98 points through that same span is the most since the Detroit Red Wings in the 1995-96 season, and they have an 18 point lead over the New York Rangers. Needless to say, the Rangers will have their work cut out for them.
Last night, the Rangers had a mental lapse for 1:39, allowing three goals and ultimately losing the game because of that. Against Washington, they’ll need a complete 60 minute effort because the Caps are built to win from the net out. Read the rest of this entry
Trade deadline implications: The Rangers are going all-in
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
- The Rangers made one move at the trade deadline, and it was a big one, acquiring Eric Staal from the Hurricanes for two second round picks and Aleksi Saarela. In exchange, they acquired a versatile forward who still has quality years left in him, all without giving up a roster spot.
- That was the key for the Rangers; they didn’t surrender a first round draft pick or a roster player. So they were able to add Staal, but they were able to keep guys like Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes, as well as important depth players like Jesper Fast and Oscar Lindberg. They plucked Staal from Carolina and added him to a roster that’s already pretty good.
- Some people were confused as to why Gorton didn’t acquire a bottom six PK specialist or some defensive help. When Rick Nash returns, they’ll have their best penalty killer back on the ice, so that’ll help. And if they got a defenseman, where would he go? None of the current six players would be taken out of the lineup, and the new guy would join McIlrath in the press box. It just wasn’t worth it.
Raanta brilliant as Rangers take down Columbus in Eric Staal’s debut
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
In Eric Staal’s debut, the New York Rangers (37-20-6) came away with a thrilling late victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets (26-30-8) thanks to a shorthanded goal from Derek Stepan, and 26 saves from Antti Raanta.
That extended the Rangers win streak to three games, including wins in five of their last six games. They also are 10-2-1 in the last 13 games, and 23-6-3 on home ice.
Eric Staal made his debut as a Ranger tonight, skating for 15:43 at center and on the wing. He didn’t pick up a point, but won 53% of his faceoffs and was solid defensively as well as with the puck. As he get practices and more games in, I’m sure he will be more comfortable and more effective. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers close out road trip with huge win over Dallas; Lundqvist makes 36 saves
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The road warriors are back in business.
After struggling away from home for much of the season, the Rangers (36-20-6) picked up their fifth road win in the last six games, scoring a late goal to take down the Dallas Stars (38-19-6) and continue their strong play as of late.
The Rangers have climbed up the standings with a 9-2-1 run over their last 12 games, finding ways to win and getting excellent goaltending from Henrik Lundqvist in the process. He made 36 saves, marking the third straight game that he stopped at least 35 shots. After claims that this team was done, lain Vigneault’s squad are not just four points behind the Stars for the second best record in the entire league. Read the rest of this entry
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