Blog Archives
Rangers open Conference Finals at home against familiar faces
Bobby Bevilacqua
Martin St. Louis faces off against his former team, a place where he accomplished so much, as they stand between him and a return trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers and the Lightning are meeting for the first time in five and a half months, as well as the first time ever in the Stanley Cup Playoffs as both teams battle for a chance to play in the Stanley Cup Final. The Rangers are looking to make it back to the finals for the second straight year, while the Lightning are in the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2011.
The connections between these two teams are well documented, especially following the captain for captain trade last season involving Ryan Callahan and Martin St. Louis. Anton Stralman and Brian Boyle both played on the Rangers last season, and Dan Boyle and Dominic Moore were both key members of the Lightning at one point.
But all of that is behind the two teams, who are focused on doing whatever they can to win. St. Louis said it best following Friday’s practice. “You try and approach it as any other team. They’re the team in the way of where we want to be.” Read the rest of this entry
6 Keys to the Rangers taking down the Tampa Bay Lightning
Bobby Bevilacqua
After an emotional comeback against the Washington Capitals, the Rangers find themselves back in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Here’s what they need to do to win. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Washington Capitals presented a lot more obstacles in the second round than were originally anticipating, building up a 3-1 series lead and taking the Rangers through a physical, exciting seven game series. But Alain Vigneault and his coaching staff were able to make the right adjustments, and counter Barry Trotz’s strategies to come away with a series win.
The Capitals and Penguins both tried to focus on shutting down the Rangers’ strengths; their speed, transition game, and puck possession. It worked for the most part, as each series was very close, and forced the Rangers to mostly abandon the long stretch passes and work on other ways of creating possession and scoring chances.
That probably won’t be a problem against the Lightning, mainly due to the fact that the Lightning can actually match up against the Rangers’ speed. So expect a more wide-open style of play, with more scoring chances, odd-man rushes, and probably more goals. Read the rest of this entry
Series Preview, Round 3: Rangers vs. Lightning
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers and Lightning are meeting in the playoffs for the first time ever, with strong connections on both sides. This could be a special series for both teams. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Last night, the Rangers became the first team in NHL history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit in consecutive years following Derek Stepan’s overtime heroics at Madison Square Garden, sending his team back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, and the third time in the past four years.
Now, the Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning will face off in the postseason for the first time ever, fighting for a chance to play for the Stanley Cup. But connections and bloodlines run deep with these teams, making this matchup truly special.
On March 5th, 2014, just hours before the trade deadline ended, the Rangers traded their captain, Ryan Callahan, as well as two draft picks to the Tampa Bay Lightning for their captain, future hall of famer Martin St. Louis. Contract negotiations between Ryan Callahan and Glen Sather went downhill, and the relationship between Martin St. Louis and Steve Yzerman had soured, prompting St. Louis to request a trade to the one place he wanted to be; New York. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers lose third straight to Lightning; Power play continues to score
Bobby Bevilacqua
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 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
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