NYR TODAY Wednesday May 31: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/31 

Art Coulter D (1935-1942) Sam McAdam LW (1930-1931)

Today in NYR History May 31



1961: Defenseman Doug Harvey, a six-time Norris Trophy winner with the Montreal Canadiens, signs a contract with the New York Rangers to serve as player-coach, replacing Alf Pike. The Canadiens receive forward Lou Fontinato from the Rangers as compensation. Harvey goes on to win his seventh Norris Trophy and help the Rangers qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

NYR TODAY Monday May 30: Alumni Birthdays

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/30 

Vic Ripley LW (1933-1934) Giles Villemure G (1963-64,1967-69,1970-75) David Wilkie D (1993-95,1996-97)

NYR TODAY Monday May 29: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/29 

Bill Carse C (1938-1939) Jason Dawe RW (1999-00,2001-02) Mike Keane RW (1997-1998) Brian Noonan RW (1993-1995,1996-97)

Today in NYR History May 29



2014: Dominic Moore scores the game-winning goal in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final to eliminate the Montreal Canadiens, as the Blueshirts advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1994.

NYR TODAY Sunday May 28: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthday 5/28 

Clarence "Taffy" Abel D (1926-1929)

Today in NYR History May 28



The Rangers select Dave Maloney 14th overall and Ron Greschner 32nd overall in the 1974 NHL Entry Draft.

NYR TODAY Saturday May 27: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/27 

Jimmy Bartlett LW (1955-56,1958-60) Ike Hildebrand RW (1953-1954) Ray Sheppard RW (1990-1991)

Today in NYR History May 27



1994: Matteau!!! Matteau!!! Matteau!!!
Stephane Matteau, who had won Game 3 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals with a double-OT goal, swooped in and beat Scott Niedermeyer to the loose puck. Matteau then carried the puck behind the Devils’ cage and emerged on the other side, where defenseman Slava Fetisov was charging towards him. Matteau proceeded to put a wraparound shot off Brodeur’s stick and over the goal line at 4:24 of the second overtime to set off a wild celebration, both on the ice and in the stands at MSG a 2-1 victory in Game 7 for the Rangers! 4-3 series win for the Rangers sending them to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1979

Rangers Top 5 Blueline Prospects

RANGERS TOP 5 DEFENSE PROSPECTS

1. RYAN GRAVES

The 22 year old 6’5” 226 pound left handed shooting defenseman tallied 8 goals, 22 assists, 69 penalty minutes and was -17 on the season in 76 games for Hartford.

A Blueliner with a thunderous shot, Graves uses his size to his advantage and is a physical type of player.

Hockey’s Future says that he projects to be a second pairing defenseman who may be developing ahead of schedule. Graves would fit just about every need the Rangers have on defense.

The 2013 New York Ranger fourth-round draftee (110th overall) competed for the 2016 Eastern Conference All-Stars unleashed a drive of 103.4 miles-per-hour, which was more than three MPH faster than the next-hardest shot recorded in the event.

2. NEAL PIONK

Signed as an Undrafted Free Agent out of Minnesota Duluth the 6’ 190 pound Pionk is coming off a season filled with both team and individual success with the Bulldogs. His seven goals and 27 assists for 34 points were all career-highs, and Minnesota Duluth captured the National Collegiate Hockey Conference Championship and advanced to the National Championship game in Chicago.

He is considered to be the two way puck handling right handed defenseman that the Rangers have been wanting to add to the lineup.

3. ALEXEI BEREGLAZOV

Bereglazov, 23, skated in 60 games with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) this season, registering one goal and 18 assists for 19 points, along with a plus-nine rating and 20 penalty minutes. Bereglazov established KHL career-highs in several categories this season, including games played, assists, points, plus/minus rating, and average ice time (19:27). Bereglazov led KHL defensemen 24 years old or younger in assists and tied for first among KHL defensemen 24 years old or younger in points this season. He led Metallurg in blocked shots (68) in 2016-17. In addition, Bereglazov ranked second among team defensemen in shots on goal (111), tied for second among team defensemen in assists, ranked third among team defensemen in points, and ranked fourth among team defensemen in average ice time and plus/minus rating.

The 6-4, 205-pounder also skated in eight playoff games with Metallurg this season, registering six assists and a plus-eight rating. Bereglazov tied for fifth among KHL defensemen in assists, ranked sixth among KHL defensemen in plus/minus rating, and tied for 10th among KHL defensemen in points in the playoffs this year. In addition, he ranked fourth on Metallurg in average ice time (20:19), and ranked fifth on the team in assists and plus/minus rating in the playoffs.

4. SERGEI ZBOROVSKIY

Zborovskiy a 20 year old 6’4” 200 pound left handed shooting defenseman was drafted 79th overall in 2015 by the Rangers and signed to an ELC in 2016.

Playing for the Regina Pats of the WHL last season Zborovskiy tallied 7 goals and 33 assists in 63 games along with 64 penalty minutes and a plus rating of 72.

Originally touted as a stay at home defenseman due to his size, he has picked up his offensive game in the past three seasons surpassing career offensive highs.

5. SEAN DAY

Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2016 entry draft the 6’2” 231 pound left handed defenseman signed an ELC with the Rangers in March.

Day split his time last season with the Mississauga Steelheads and the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL collecting 15 goals and 22 assists in 63 games combined along with 20 penalty minutes and a plus 11 rating.

Said to make everyone look like they’re in slow motion, when he wants to. Day also has a tremendous ability to jump into the rush and add to the offense that way. Day can close gaps so quickly with his reach and his exceptional skating ability, which he almost uses to a fault.

NYR TODAY Friday May 26: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/26 

Steven Rice RW (1990-1991) P.J. Stock C (1997-2000) Christian Thomas RW (2012-2013)

Today in NYR History 26

1971: The Rangers trade Peter McDuffe to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a first-round pick in the 1971 NHL Draft, which they used to select Steve Vickers.

2010: The Rangers sign forward Mats Zuccarello to an Entry Level Contract.

2015: The New York Rangers avoid elimination from the Eastern Conference Final with a 7-3 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 at Amalie Arena. Derick Brassard scores three goals and has two assists for the Rangers, who score five times in the third period to break open a game that they led 2-1 after two periods. Rick Nash and J.T. Miller each have a goal and three assists for New York.

New York Rangers Prospects: Heirs to the Throne?

RANGERS TOP 5 GOALTENDER PROSPECTS

1. Igor Shestyorkin 

   

From Moscow, Russia and stands 6 foot 1 and weighs 190-pounds. The young 20-year-old was selected by the New York Rangers in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. Shestyorkin plays for SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL.

2. Brandon Halverson   

20-year-old, 6 foot 4, 201-pound native of Traverse City, Michigan. He is also is also rated as one of the best New York Ranger goaltending prospects in years. After being promoted from Greenville to Hartford, Halverson has a record of 3-3-0 with a GAA of 3.88 and a SV% of 861. He was selected by the Rangers in the second round of the 2014 NHL entry draft.

3. Mackenzie Skapski

A 6 foot 3, 192-pound, 22-year-old who hails from Abbotsford, BC. He was selected by the New York Rangers in the sixth round of the 2013 NHL draft. Skapski began this season with Hartford, but has since been sent down to Greenville. He is 6-3-0 with the Swamp Rabbits, with 1 shutout,  a GAA of 2.81 and a SV% of 912.

4. Adam Huska

A 6 foot 3, 201-pound, 19-year-old from Zvolen, Slovakia. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2015 draft. He plays for the UCONN Huskies of Hockey East and is gaining quite a reputation. So far this season, Huska is 4-3-3, with a 2.54 GAA and a .926 SV% with 1 shutout.

5. Tyler Wall

An 18-year-old, 6 foot 3, 216-pound freshman attending UMass-Lowell. A native of Leamington, Ontario, was selected by the New York Rangers is the sixth round of the 2016 draft. Currently Wall has a record of 9-4-1 with 1 shutout, a GAA of 2.08 and a SV% of .918.

NYR TODAY Thursday May 25: Expansion Draft, Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NEW YORK RANGERS EXPANSION DRAFT PROJECTED PROTECTED LIST

(The Hockey News)

Kevin Hayes
Nick Holden
Chris Kreider
Henrik Lundqvist (NMC)
Ryan McDonagh
J.T. Miller
Rick Nash (NMC)
Marc Staal (NMC)
Derek Stepan
Mika Zibanejad
Mats Zuccarello
NMC waived: Dan Girardi

Trade candidate: It’s a tossup between keeping Nick Holden and Kevin Klein as the third protected Ranger defenseman under a 7-3-1 strategy. Holden’s role increased this season, as did his offense, while Klein’s role diminished. Both players have some trade value, however, so GM Jeff Gorton could shop one rather than lose one to Vegas for nothing.

Expansion draft bait: Maybe the Rangers don’t lose a blueliner anyway because their backup goaltender, Antti Raanta, is so darned appealing for Vegas. He’s shown enough talent at 28 to earn a crack at a starting gig in the NHL, and he’s under contract just one more season at $1 million. That’s an ideal goalie for Golden Knights GM George McPhee to target. Should Vegas want some speed and goal-scoring prowess, it appears Michael Grabner will be exposed.

Wild card: The Rangers would be crippled if Girardi refused to waive his no-movement clause. They’d be guaranteed to lose a very important forward in that case. If he won’t waive his NMC, Gorton must buy him out

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/25 



Wayne Dillon C (1975-1978) Nick Fotiu LW (1976-79,1980-85) David Shaw D (1987-1991)

Today in NYR History May 25

1994: Mark Messier delivers on his guarantee that the New York Rangers will defeat the New Jersey Devils in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final.

"We will win tonight," Messier tells reporters with the Rangers down 3-2 in the best-of-7 series. His words are splashed on the front pages of newspapers all around the city.

With the Rangers down 2-0 late in the second period at Brendan Byrne Arena, Messier sets up Alex Kovalev before intermission to cut the deficit to one goal. He ties the game early in the third period, puts New York ahead with 7:48 remaining and caps his performance by shooting the puck the length of the ice into an empty net to give the Rangers a 4-2 victory.

"I felt that [guaranteeing a win] would be a great way to let my players know that I believed we could go in there and win Game 6, because we had beaten them six times during the regular season -- three times in their building," Messier said.

The victory evens the series at three wins apiece with Game 7 at Madison Square Garden two days later, meaning the Rangers don't have much time to celebrate.

"Winning the game was a good feeling, but we didn't have long to relish it," Messier said. "All we had done was send the series back to the Garden, and we knew that Game 7 was no sure thing."

NYR TODAY Wednesday May 24: Alumni Birthdays

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/24 

Kent-Erik Andersson RW (1982-1984) Artem Anisimov C (2008-2012) Bruce Gamble G (1958-1959) Johan Holmqvist G (2000-01,2002-03) Pat Verbeek RW (1995-1996)

NYR TODAY Tuesday ay 23: Today in Rangers History, Prospect Update

Today in NYR History May 23

2013: The Rangers live to play another day following Chris Kreider's overtime winner over Boston in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Rangers Prospects Update

Memorial Cup Update: Day and Windsor Top Gropp and Seattle

by Matt Calamia @MattCalamia / NYRangers.com

Defenseman Sean Day registered an assist for the Windsor Spitfires in its 7-1 win over Ryan Gropp and the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Canadian Hockey League's Memorial Cup on Sunday night.

The 2016 third round pick assisted on Jeremiah Addison's tally 3:48 into the third period that extended Windsor's lead to 6-1. He is a plus-2 with four shots on goal through two games in the round robin tournament.

Windsor improved to 2-0 in the competition. They will face Erie (OHL) on Wednesday night.

Gropp, meanwhile, helped to set up Seattle's lone goal but did not get an assist. He finished with two shots on goal. He has one assist through two games.

Seattle fell to 0-2, and will face Quebec Major Junior Hockey League champion Saint Dog Seat Dogs on Tuesday.

NYR TODAY Monday May 22: Rangers at IIHF Worlds, Alumni Birthdays,Today in Rangers History

Lundqvist, Lindberg take Gold at IIHF World Championships

Henrik Lundqvist and Sweden defeated Canada 2-1 in a shootout to win the Gold Medal at the World Hockey Championships.

Lundqvist stopped 42 of 43 shots during regulation and OT including 20 of 21 in the third period and OT.

He also stopped all four shots he faced in the shootout and was named the Player of the Game.

This is Lundqvist's first Gold Medal at the World Championships, his brother Joel has won his third Gold Medal.

Oscar Lindberg had 2 shots in the game was an even +/- and played 24:45.

NYR Alumni Birthday 

5/22 Bryan Hextall Jr C (1962-1963)

Today in NYR History May 22



1995: Brian Leetch becomes the first Rangers defenseman to record a playoff hat trick against the Flyers, Leetch scores all three New York Rangers goals in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

NYR TODAY Sunday May 21: Rangers at IIHF Worlds, Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

Lundqvist, Lindberg Advance to Gold Medal Round vs Canada

With Sweden's 4-1 win over Finland, Henrik Lundqvist and Oscar Lindberg now advance to the Gold Medal Round against Canada who defeated Russia earlier in the day yesterday.

Lundqvist stopped 22 of 23 shots on goal while Lindberg in 15:14 of total ice time was a plus one with one shot on goal in the contest.

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/21:

Sylvain Blouin LW (1996-1998) Todd White C (2010-2011) Matt Hunwick D (2014-2015)

Today in NYR History May 21



1995: Mark Messier ties his Rangers career-high of three assists in one playoff game during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Flyers.

NYR TODAY Saturday May 20: Alumni Birthdays

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/20 

Dan Blackburn G (2001-2003) Jim Ross D (1951-1952)

NYR TODAY Friday May 19: Rangers at IIHF Worlds, Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

Rangers at IIHF World Championships

Stopping 26 of 27 shots on goal in Sweden’s 3-1 win over Switzerland yesterday, Henrik Lundqvist earned best player of the game honors.

Oscar Lindberg played 16:58 of the game, had 1 shot on goal and was a plus 2 in the contest.

In Team USA’s elimination loss to Finland, Kevin Hayes was a minus 1, won 3 of 4 faceoffs and had 1 shot on goal. Hayes was also penalized twice in the game, a slashing penalty and playing without a helmet.

Brady Skjei was also a minus 1 in the contest

In 3 games overall for Team USA, Hayes had 2 goals and 2 assists, a plus 4, 1 PPG and 7 shots on goal in 17:08 per game.

Skjei had 1 assist, a plus 3, 2 shots on goal and an average of 15:01 in 3 games.

Lundqvist and Lindberg will face off against Finland in the next round of the Championships.

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/19 



Ivan Baranka D (2007-2008) Mark Janssens C (1988-1992) Andreas Johansson LW (2001-2002) Murray Murdoch LW (1926-1937) Carey Wilson C (1988-1990)

Today in NYR History May 19



1994: Stephane Matteau scores at 6:13 of the second overtime to give the visiting New York Rangers a 3-2 win against the New Jersey Devils in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final. Matteau beats Martin Brodeur on the Rangers' 50th shot of the game, putting New York ahead 2-1 in the best-of-7 series. It's the first of two overtime goals by Matteau in the series.

NYR Today Thursday May 18: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/18

Jari Kurri RW (1995-1996) Manny Malhotra C (1998-2000) Marty McSorley D (1995-1996) Darren VanImpe D (2001-2002) Jay Wells D (1991-1995)

Today in NYR History May 18

1965: The Rangers acquire goaltender Ed Giacomin from Providence (AHL).

1997: Wayne Gretzky gets his 10th and final playoff hat trick by scoring three times in the New York Rangers' 5-4 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Spectrum in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final. Gretzky scores twice in less than two minutes in the first period and completes his hat trick midway through the second.

NYR TODAY Wednesday May 17: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthday 5/17 

Claude Larose LW (1979-80,1982 Playoffs)

Today in NYR History May 17



1994: Mike Richter ties a franchise record with his fourth shutout in one playoff year with a 4-0 victory over the Devils in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Rangers News & Notes Tuesday May 16

SHAKEUP IN HARTFORD

Rangers GM Jeff Gorton announced today that Chris Drury has replaced SVP and Assistant GM Jim Shoenfeld as the GM of Rangers AHL Affiliate the Harford Wolf Pack.

Shoenfeld, GM with Hartford for the past 14 years will remain with the team and will focus only on his duties with the Rangers.

Drury was the Rangers Director of Player Development until this season when he was promoted to Rangers Assistant GM under Glen Sather.

The Rangers have also announced that Pack Head Coach Ken Gernander has been relieved of his duties.

After 10 years as Pack Head Coach, Gernander posted a record of 388-304-84and had led the team to two 40 plus win season before this years disappointing 24-46-6. Gernander guided the team to the playoffs in 5 out of those 10 seasons.

Gernander spent 12 years altogether with the Pack as a player, Assistant Coach and Head Coach.

RANGERS AT IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Henrik Lundqvist picked up his second win as Sweden defeated Slovakia 4-2. Lundqvist stopped 13 of 15 shots on goal in the contest.

Oscar Lindberg had 1 shot on goal, was a plus 1 and played 15:05 of total ice time.

Kevin Hayes scored two goals in USA's5-3 Victory over Russia today. Hayes was 2 for 6 on faceoffs, was a plus 1,had 3 shots on goal and played a total of 18:36.

Brady Skjei played a total of 15:13 and was on the ice for a goal for and a goal against.

NYR TODAY Tuesday May 16: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthday 5/16

Floyd Smith RW (1960-1961)

Today in NYR History May 16



1995: The eighth-seeded Rangers upset the No. 1 seed Quebec Nordiques in Game 6 at Madison Square Garden, to win the series, 4-2. It's the last game the Nordiques play before moving to Colorado.

Rangers at IIHF Worlds

How the Rangers Players performed at the IIHF World Championships

Team Sweden
Henrik Lundqvist stopped 19 of 21 shots on goal to pick up the Win for Sweden yesterday 4-2 over Denmark.

Lundqvist admitted his timing was off yesterday but added "It was a good test for me"

Late in the 2nd period there was a scare as Denmark's Mikkel Aagard collided with Lundqvist sending the Rangers netminder reeling and seemingly striking him in the head and also crashing into the goal post. No penalty was called on the play and Lundqvist continued on to finish the game but allowing the 2 Denmark goals in the 3rd.

Team Denmark:
Wolf Pack's Nicklas Jensen logged in 25:09 of ice time, had 1 shot on goal and had no points in the loss to Sweden.

Oscar Lindberg logged in 15:49 of ice time, had an assist, 1 shot on goal and was a plus 2 for the game. Lindberg was on a line with Michael Nylander and Nicklas Backstrom. His assist was a primary on nylander's first goal of the game.

Team USA:
Kevin Hayes picked up two points in USA's 6-1 win over Slovakia. With 2 assists, won 3 of 4 faceoffs, plus 3 for the game and 16:36 of ice time was named the player of the game. Hayes centered a line with former college teammate Johnny Gaudreau and Nick Bjustad.

Brady Skjei, paired with Charlie McAvoy logged in 12:56 of ice time, picked up n assist on the game's first goal, had 2 shots on goal and was a plus 4.

NYR TODAY Monday May 15: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/15 

Billy Boyd RW (1926-1929) Pat Hickey LW (1975-79,1981-82)

Today in NYR History May 15



The Birth of the New York Rangers
1926: The NHL adds a second team in New York when a franchise is granted to Madison Square Garden president Tex Rickard. The team soon becomes known throughout the city as Tex's Rangers, and the name Rangers sticks. The new team joins the one year after the New York Americans, who made their NHL debut in the 1925-26 season. In addition, the NHL says Chicago and Detroit will have teams for the 1926-27 season provided their home rinks are finished. The Rangers, Chicago and Detroit are placed with Boston and Pittsburgh in the American Division. The Americans, who like the Rangers play their home games at the Garden, join Ottawa, Toronto, the Montreal Canadiens and Montreal Maroons in the Canadian Division.

NYR TODAY Sunday 5/14: Alumni and Rangers Birthdays

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/14 



Don Blackburn LW (1969-1971) Cory Larose C (2003-2004) Pierre Plante RW (1978-1979) Gump Worsley G (1952-1963)

NY RANGERS BIRTHDAY



Alain Vigneault Head Coach 2013-Present
Born May 14, 1961 Quebec City, QC, CAN

NYR TODAY Saturday May 13: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/13 

Bill Heindl LW (1972-1973) Jim Hiller RW (1993-1994)

Today in NYR History May 13



2013: Henrik Lundqvist makes 35 saves as the Rangers defeat the Washington Capitals, 5-0, in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. It's the first road Game 7 victory in franchise history.



2014: The Rangers beat the Pittsburgh Penguins, 2-1, in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The win completes the comeback from the Rangers being down 3-1 in the series.



2015: Derek Stepan scores in overtime of Game 7 against the Washington Capitals to send the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final.