Blog Archives
Signing Mats Zuccarello, at the right price, was the right move for the Rangers
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers made the right decision in re-signing Mats Zuccarello, keeping the Norwegian in NYC for the next four seasons. Photo courtesy of Paul J. Bereswill/NY Post.
On March 2nd during a press conference, Glen Sather formally announced the finalization of a four year contract extension with Norwegian winger Mats Zuccarello worth $18 million (4.5 AAV), and including a no trade clause in the first year of the deal. Rangers GM Glen Sather remarked on how much he liked and respected Zuccarello.
“I like everything about him – his tenacity, his hard work, his seeing the ice, the way he plays, the chemistry he brings to our team and the way he is in the dressing room,” said Sather. “He’s been a perfect player for us.”
Quite high praise from Sather. But Zuccarello truly deserves it. Last season, he was the Rangers leading scorer, with 19 goals and 40 assists, helping the team get into the playoffs. While he will not match that production this year, he is still having a solid year, and is a key reason that guys like Rick Nash and Derick Brassard are having tremendous success. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers dominate in the desert over Coyotes; Vigneault earns 500th career win
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers used a dominating third period to propel past the Arizona Coyotes for their third straight win on the road trip. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
The Rangers (33-16-5) ended the Annual Fathers trip on a high note, exploding for four goals in the third period to take down the Arizona Coyotes (20-30-7) for their third straight win. With the win, Alain Vigneault became the 21st coach in NHL history to reach the 500 win mark. He has also reached that milestone in the fourth fewest contests, having coached just 942 games in the NHL.
The Rangers have won the first three games of their road trip, and are 6-1-1 in their last eight games, as well as 4-1-1 since Henrik Lundqvist was sidelined with the vascular injury. Read the rest of this entry
Rangers head to the desert to take on Coyotes; Hayes and Hagelin developing chemistry
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers will look to close out their Fathers Trip with a win in Arizona in the first meeting between these first two teams this season. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Rangers (32-16-5) will spend Valentine’s Day in Glendale, Arizona, where the annual Fathers Trip will conclude following a matchup against the Arizona Coyotes (20-29-7). Rangers Head Coach Alain Vigneault is just one win shy of 500 for his career, a milestone that he would love to reach before heading back to New York.
The Coyotes are coming off of a loss to the San Jose Sharks last night, giving up four straight goals and losing their sixth consecutive game at the Gila River Arena. Read the rest of this entry
Why the Rangers need to sign Zuccarello ASAP
Bobby Bevilacqua
Mats Zuccarello is in the midst of a career high point streak, and continues to show why the Rangers need to resign him as soon as they can. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Every year around the trade deadline, rumors begin flying around every team, and big trades can happen in the blink of an eye. Evander Kane and Zach Bogosian were traded to the Buffalo Sabres in the first blockbuster trade of the year, and now Phil Kessel’s name is being tossed around in trade rumors.
With Glen Sather as general manager, trades are always a possibility. Last season he made headlines by sending then-captain Ryan Callahan to the Tampa Bay Lightning for their captain at the time, Martin St. Louis. Read the rest of this entry
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