NYR TODAY WED 5/4; NYR Grades, Alumni, TDINYRH

RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
DYLAN McILRATH Defenseman

As an intimidating sight on the ice the much awaited first full season for the 6'5" 220 lb rookie defenseman was limited at best. With veteran D Men already manning the blueline McIrath only appeared in 34 games last season collecting 2 goals and 2 assists and a plus 6 rating. McIlrath finally got his shot, suffering a major knee injury early in his career after being selected as the Rangers number one pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Overall with limited ice time he played well and stuck up for teammates when needed but kept his penalty minutes down. There were a few mistakes here and there for the rookie but most were expected coming into his first year in the NHL having only played 4 games previously as a call up in 2012-2013 and 2013-2014. Although he suffered a knee injury at the end of the season which put him on the shelf for a few games and less than 1/2 a season to go by, his grit, hard accurate shot and determination have shown that he can play in the Bigs. McIlrath heading into July as an RFA should be awarded an extension by the Rangers and barring injury or a major signing he should have a spot next season on the 3rd pairing. His grade determined only by limited playing time. Wish we had seen more of the lurking big man during the 2015-2016 season.
GRADE C+

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/4 
Matthew Barnaby RW (2001-2004) Leon Rochefort RW (1960-61,1962-63) Don Smith C (1949-1950) John Tripp RW (2002-2003)

Today in NYR History May 4

1972: The New York Rangers win their first Stanley Cup Final game at Madison Square Garden since 1940 by defeating the Boston Bruins 5-2 in Game 3. Defenseman Brad Park has two goals and two assists for the Rangers, who haven't played a home game in the Final since April 3, 1940. In the 1950 Final, New York played two "home" games at Toronto and the rest at Detroit because the Garden was hosting the circus.

1997: Mike Richter records his eighth career playoff shutout, passing Dave Kerr for the most by a Rangers goaltender in franchise history in a 2-0 win over New Jersey.