Blog Archives
“Kids” steal the show as Rangers snap losing streak; McIlrath scores first NHL goal
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After a really rough road trip, the Rangers (19-9-4) snapped their three game winless streak, ending the Oilers (14-16-2) six game win streak and heading out on their road trip following a 4-2 win.
With Dan Girardi sidelined due to a swollen knee, the Rangers needed to rely on two of their young defensive prospects, turning to Dylan McIlrath and Brady Skjei to shoulder some tough assignments and hold down the fort. They were both fantastic.
Dylan McIlrath scored his first career goal in the second period, and Brady Skjei logged 15 minutes of ice time, including over two minutes on the penalty kill. Both helped the Rangers play a much more focused, sound defensive game. Read the rest of this entry
Skjei Hello! Rangers seek revenge against Oilers at home, Girardi OUT
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
When the Rangers (18-9-4) take on the Edmonton Oilers (14-15-2) at Madison Square Garden, one of the Rangers top defensive prospects will be making his NHL debut.
With Dan Girardi sidelined with swelling in his knee, the Ranger will start Brady Skjei, the 21 year old defenseman out of the University of Minnesota. Skjei, pronounced “shay,” debuted with the Wolf Pack at the end of last season, eventually playing on the top pairing in the playoffs. He leads Hartford defensemen with 11 points (2-9-11) in 29 games, and has nine points (2-7-9) in the last 18 games.
Skjei looked to be NHL ready right out of college, an excellent skater who has always been a shut-down type of defenseman. He has shown some offensive skills, but never blew anyone away with point production. However, he’s a good passer and his transitional skills out of the defensive zone is a big part of his game. Read the rest of this entry
Mailbag Monday: Potential trades, defensive miscues and is this the real Rangers?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Welcome to Mailbag Monday, a series where I take questions from you, the reader, and give my opinion. This is the first mailbag article during the regular season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Emotions are running high after the Rangers failed to win a game during their three game road trip. They’ve won just two of their last 10 games, have had countless defensive breakdowns, and are seeing their flaws exposed.
If you’d like to be in a future Mailbag Monday article, you can contact the page by hitting the Contact tab at the top. Follow the page on Facebook and Twitter (In the sidebar) and look for updates on the next article.
Without further ado, let’s get started. Read the rest of this entry
Winless road trip as Rangers defense throws away game to the Flames
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
“I feel like sh-t.”
Those were the words from leading scorer Mats Zuccarello after the game, a game that saw the Rangers (18-9-4) salvage a point but throw away a game to the Calgary Flames (13-14-2) in a 5-4 overtime loss. The Rangers are 2-6-2 in their last 10 games and are losing ground in the Metropolitan Division.
Mats Zuccarello scored the Rangers fourth goal to tie the game with just over a minute left to play. But the defensive game from the team was in shambles for the second consecutive night. Despite resiliency from the forward group yet again, it was too big of a hole to climb out of. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers need statement win in Calgary, Brassard picking up the slack
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Western Canada roadtrip has not been kind to the Rangers (18-9-3), falling to the Oilers in heartbreaking fashion, squandering multiple ties and comebacks as the defense collapsed. Now they’ll take on the Calgary Flames (12-4-2), winners of four straight games and eight straight at home.
This is the second and final matchup between these two teams, and New York is looking for their second series sweep in as many years. The Rangers won at MSG on October 25th by a final score of 4-1. Dan Girardi scored the go-ahead goal and Antti Raanta made 22 saves in the win.
Jiri Hudler scored the lone goal for the Flames in that game, but the 31 year old veteran may not even suit up. Calgary currently has the flu-bug running through the locker room, forcing Hudler and goaltender Karri Ramo to sit out Thurdsay’s game against the Sabres. Read the rest of this entry
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