Blog Archives
Rangers pushed to the brink with shutout loss at the Garden
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers dropped a crucial Game 5 at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, forcing them into a situation where htey need to win the next two games in order to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
It’s disappointing that the Rangers laid an egg in one of the most important games of the season, and not taking what they learned in Game 4 into their game plan. They didn’t crash the net at all or get to the middle of the ice for prime scoring chances and rebounds, which is one of the ways they scored goals on Friday. The power play was anemic tonight, and two good plays from Tampa cost the Rangers.
New York had tons of puck possession and zone time, but it didn’t lead to shots on goal, The Rangers were trying to pass their way into the net, and the Lightning were having none of it. Instead of driving to the net, they stayed around the perimeter. It was ultimately a 60 minute skating session, with the Rangers not doing enough to get pucks past Bishop. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers prepared for pivotal Game 5 at MSG; Nash and St. Louis ready to continue success
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers are back on home ice, looking to come away with a win in a very important Game 5, and move to within one game of advancing. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
What a difference Friday’s 5-1 win at Amalie Arena makes in the series. Following a 6-2 loss and a 6-5 overtime loss in consecutive games, panic was widespread through Rangerstown about many facets of the Rangers game. Now, the series is tied at two games apiece, both teams have scored 14 goals in the series, and the Rangers get to play a crucial Game 5 on home ice tonight.
Game 5 is always seen as one of the most important games in the series, especially when the series is tied like it is for the Rangers and the Lightning. The winner of tonight’s game has a huge advantage, needing to win just once in two games to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. Tampa Bay gets to play Game 6 at Amalie Arena, and the Rangers would have the advantage in a potential Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.
Needless to say, this game is very important. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers rebound in big way with 5-1 win over Lightning; Nash scores twice
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers played well in Game 4, with a better defensive effort, better goaltending, and getting contributions from their best players. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Needing to respond and win after allowing 12 goals in Game 2 and 3, the Rangers did exactly that, winning by a final score of 4-1, and having nearly everything go right for them. The biggest takeaway from tonight is that Vigneault was able to get huge performances from his best players, including Henrik Lundqvist, Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis.
It was the Rangers first win in the playoffs by a margin of more than one goal, which was nice for a change. A big win was exactly what they needed to build confidence. The series now heads back to Madison Square Garden all tied up at two games apiece.
After Game 3, and following a weak overtime winner in Game 3, Henrik Lundqvist seemed dejected in his postgame interview. Larry Brooks from the New York Post questioned (foolishly) if Henrik Lundqvist should start in Game 4, and there was worry from some fans. But like he always has, Lundqvist upped his performance. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers ready for crucial Game 4 in Tampa; Stronger defense key
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers and Lightning are back at it tonight in a crucial game for New York in what feels like a must win for Vigneault’s squad. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Forget about the last two games, start fresh on Friday, and earn a split in Tampa to bring the series back to MSG for Game 5.
That’s the mentality that all of the Rangers’ skaters must have when heading into Game 4 tonight at Amalie Arena, a crucial, almost must win for New York. After a disastrous past two games, full of undisciplined play and defensive breakdowns, the team needs to move past that and be much better tonight.
While it’s not technically a must-win elimination game, it surely feels like that. The Rangers still only trail the Lightning by a two games to one series lead, and a win tonight would send the series back to Madison Square Garden with the series even, and home ice advantage back in favor of New York.
That will be no easy task, as the Lightning have built up a ton of momentum after scoring a dozen goals in the last two games. Their offense has been electric, generating a ton of high quality chances and converting on a lot of their opportunities. They have confidence, posing a challenge to the Rangers. Read the rest of this entry
Zuccarello resumes skating, shooting drills; Have faith in Henrik
Bobby Bevilacqua
Mats Zuccarello was back on the ice for an optional skate Thursday afternoon, which is a very good sign for Rangers fans. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Thursday wound up being an off day for the Rangers’ skaters, but the team’s extra players all skated, which means Ryan Bourque, Chris Summers, Matt Hunwick and Cam Talbot. But this afternoon, there was another face on the ice, injured winger Mats Zuccarello.
Zuccarello has been out of the lineup since the conclusion of the series against the Penguins, when he was struck in the head with a puck in Game 5. It’s likely that he is sidelined with a concussion, although the team has not said anything about his injury.
Zucarello was in full gear for the optional skate, shooting on Cam Talbot and skating with Hunwick, Bourque and Summers. There wasn’t any contact, but seeing him skate, shoot and participate in basic drills is very encouraging. Read the rest of this entry
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