Rangers Assign Steven Kampfer to Hartford

New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has assigned defenseman Steven Kampfer to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Kampfer registered two shots on goal and was credited with three blocked shots in 15:44 of ice time while making his Rangers debut on Feb. 28 vs. Washington. He has skated in 41 games with the Wolf Pack this season, registering four goals and 12 assists for 16 points, along with 42 penalty minutes. He is tied for third among Wolf Pack defensemen in goals, and ranks fourth among team defensemen in assists and points in 2016-17. Kampfer registered seven points (two goals, five assists) in his last nine AHL games prior to being recalled by the Rangers on Feb. 28.

Rangers Recall Seven Players From Hartford

Statement from the Rangers website.

New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has recalled forwards Chris Brown,Nicklas Jensen, Jayson Megna, and Daniel Paille, and defensemen Mat Bodie, Ryan Graves, and Chris Summersfrom the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Brown, 25, skated in 40 AHL games with the Wolf Pack and Hershey Bears this season, registering six goals and 12 assists for 18 points, along with 40 penalty minutes. He recorded nine points (three goals, six assists) in 20 games with Hartford after he was acquired by the Rangers from Washington on Feb. 28, 2016.

Jensen, 23, skated in 68 AHL games with the Wolf Pack and Utica Comets this season, registering 19 goals and 18 assists for 37 points, along with a plus-10 rating and 32 penalty minutes. He established AHL career-highs in games played, goals, assists, points, and plus/minus rating in 2015-16. Jensen notched 25 points (15 goals, 10 assists) and posted a plus-seven rating in 41 games with Hartford after he was acquired by the Rangers from Vancouver on Jan. 8, 2016.

Megna, 26, skated in 68 games with the Wolf Pack this season, registering 15 goals and 29 assists for 44 points, along with a plus-seven rating and 22 penalty minutes. He established AHL career-highs in games played, assists, and points in 2015-16. Megna tied for the team lead in assists and ranked second on Hartford in points this season. In addition, Megna skated in six regular season games with the Rangers in 2015-16, tallying two points (one goal, one assist).

Paille, 32, skated in 54 AHL games with the Wolf Pack and Rockford IceHogs in 2015-16, recording six goals and nine assists for 15 points, along with eight penalty minutes. He registered 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 23 games with Hartford. Paille also skated in 12 regular season games with the Rangers after he signed with the team as a free agent on Jan. 21, 2016.

Bodie, 26, skated in 76 games with the Wolf Pack this season, registering seven goals and 29 assists for 36 points, along with a plus-five rating and 38 penalty minutes. He established AHL career-highs in games played, goals, assists, and points in 2015-16. Bodie tied for the team lead in assists and ranked fifth on the Wolf Pack in points this season, and he led team defensemen in both categories.

Graves, 20, skated in 74 games with the Wolf Pack during his rookie season in the AHL in 2015-16, recording nine goals and 12 assists for 21 points, along with a plus-six rating and 53 penalty minutes. He represented the Wolf Pack in the 2016 AHL All-Star Challenge, and he won the AHL Skills Competition’s Hardest Shot contest with a 103.4 MPH shot. Graves led all Wolf Pack defensemen in goals this season.

Summers, 28, skated in 74 games with the Wolf Pack this season, registering three goals and eight assists for 11 points, along with a plus-two rating and 51 penalty minutes. He also skated in three regular season games with the Rangers in 2015-16, recording four penalty minutes.

Rangers recall D Raphael Diaz

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

The New York Rangers on Monday recalled defenseman Raphael Diaz from the Hartford Wolf Pack.

Diaz was a member of the 2013-14 Rangers team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals.

Rangers recall G Magnus Helberg from Hartford (AHL) after injury to Lundqvist

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

Magnus Hellberg

The New York Rangers on Thursday recalled goaltender Magnus Hellberg from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League due to the injury sustained to Henrik Lundqvist in game one of the Rangers' first round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday.

Lundqvist was hit in the eye with teammate Marc Staal's stick in the game, finished the first period, and did not return for the second or even the rest of the game.

Hellberg has appeared in one game with the Rangers this season.

Rangers send F Marek Hrivik back to Hartford (AHL)

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

The New York Rangers sent forward Marek Hrivik back down to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League after the Rangers' 3-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

Zuccarello and Stalberg out against Red Wings; Raanta to start; Hrivik recalled

@RNYRF Staff Report

The New York Rangers on Friday made plenty of news and moves.

Forwards Mats Zuccarello and Viktor Stalberg, who did not practice with the team on Friday morning, are out for the Rangers' game against the Red Wings on Saturday with what the Rangers say are "lower-body issues."

Antti Raanta will start in goal for the Rangers on Saturday, and the Rangers recalled forward Marek Hrivik from the Hartford Wolf Pack from the American Hockey League.

NYR AFFILIATE REPORT: AHL HARTFORD WOLF PACK, ECHL GREENVILLE SWAMP RABBITS

RNYRF WOLF PACK WEEKLY NEWS AND NOTES: 3/13-3/20

 
GAME RESULTS:
**Mar. 13, 2016
Graves' two third-period Goals Fuel Pack Comeback   
Wolf Pack Win third straight, 4-3 in Portland
**Mar. 18, 2016
Jensen's OT Goal Finishes Hat Trick, Pirates   
4-3 Win Ties Pack with Portland in Points
**Mar. 19, 2016
Wolf Pack Tie Late, Beat Falcons in Shootout   
Nehring Scores twice, Pack Win fifth Straight
**March 20, 2016
 Malcolm, Pack Blank Falcons for Home and Home Sweep   
Jensen has Goal, Assist, Malcolm Stops 25 in 3-0 Road Win

Player Notes:
Nick Jensen now is 4-3-7 +5 in his last 3 games; Raphael Diaz has a point in 6 of 7 (2-5-7 +9); Marek Hrivik has a point in 4 of 5 (2-4-6 +7). Magnus Hellberg recorded his 5th consecutive win on 3/19 and is 18-6-0 in his last 24 games.

THIS WEEKS UPCOMING GAMES: 
Wed. 3/23 vs Providence Bruins, Fri. 3/25 vs Bridgeport sound Tigers, Sat. 3/26 @ Lehigh Valley Phantoms

RNYRF RABBIT TRACKS WEEKLY: 3/13-3/20

 
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News and Notes
GAME RESULTS:
**March 13, 2016
Middle Frame Dooms Greenville in 5-2 Loss to Florida
Jack Combs scored twice on the power play Saturday but the Swamp Rabbits surrendered three goals in the second period and suffered a 5-2 setback to the Florida Everblades.
**March 18, 2016
Everson’s Hat Trick Leads Atlanta Past Greenville
Atlanta’s Max Everson scored a hat trick on Friday, including the game-winner in overtime, as the Swamp Rabbits suffered a 3-2 loss to the Gladiators.
**March 19, 2016
Swamp Rabbits Shred Gladiators 5-0
Mackenzie Skapski earned a 29-save shutout on Saturday and five different skaters found the back of the net as the Swamp Rabbits defeated the Atlanta Gladiators, 5-0.
**March 20, 2016
Combs’ Two Goals Not Enough in 4-3 Shootout Loss
Jack Combs scored twice in regulation, once in a shootout, and added an assist on Sunday, but the Swamp Rabbits suffered a 4-3 shootout loss to South Carolina.

THIS WEEKS UPCOMING GAMES: 
Wed. 3/23 @ Orlando Solar Bears, Fri. 3/25 @ Florida Everblades, Sat. 3/26 @ Florida Everblades

NYR TODAY THURSDAY MARCH 10: TEAM NOTES, PROSPECTS UPDATE, WOLF PACK & SWAMP RABBITS NOTES

TODAY IN NYR HISTORY MARCH 10
1931: The Rangers defeat the Detroit Falcons, 3-2, at Madison Square Garden for the 100th victory in franchise history.

1987: The Rangers acquire future Hall of Famer Marcel Dionne, along with Jeff Crossman and a third-round pick in 1989 from Los Angeles for Bobby Carpenter and Tom Laidlaw.

Rangers Notes:
BRADY SKJEI & MAGNUS HELLBERG RETURNED BY THE RANGERS TO AHL HARTFORD WOLFPACK
With both Henrik Lundqvist and Marc Staal returning to the Rangers linup this weekend the Rangers demoted bot Skjei and Hellberg to the Pack on Wednesday.

ZUCCARELLO SURPASSES LAST SEASONS TOTALS
Mats Zuccarello had a goal and two assists versus Buffalo for the Rangers and his 14th multi-point game of the season.
With his three points, Zuccarello surpassed his point total for last season (49) and currently leads the Rangers with 51 points.

RANGERS HAPPY WITH PROGRESSION OF BRADY SKJEI
Alain Vigneault said after the game in Buffalo that he thought Skjei played well and he is very pleased with the progression Skjei has made in his game.
Reports the Rangers were getting from Hartford on Skjei were that he is playing "extremely well."

RANGERS PLAN TO USE ERIC STALL IN FRONT OF THE NET
Alain Vigneault metioned that along with Rick Nas, Chris Kreider and J.T. Miller Staal has a very strong presence in front that the Rangers need to take advantage of.

INJURY REPORT:
The demotions of Brady Skjei and Magnus Hellberg on Wednesday should be a sign that both Henrik Lundqvist and Marc Staal are healthy enough to return to the lineup this weekend. The decision on which game, Saturday in Detroit or Sunday vs Pittsburgh that Lundqvist will start has not yet been revealed by Alain Vigneault. Rick Nash is said to be progressing normally and might be able to return to the Rangers lineup sometime next week. Defenseman Dylan McIlrath is still listed as week to week due to an injury to his right knee after a collision with NY Islanders Cal Clutterbuck. With Brady Skjei being returned to the Wolf Pack look for the Rangers to recall another defenseman to add as the 7th. Earlier in the week Vigneault metioned that Skjei might be returned to Hartford due to "Cap Issues". Skjei is a $900,00 cap hit while playing with the Club.

PROSPECTS REPORT

 Three Stars of the Week

Ryan Gropp, LW, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) – Gropp tallied six points (four goals, two assists) in four games during the week. The Rangers’ second round pick (41st overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft registered his second hat trick of the season, notched the game-winning goal, and posted a plus-three rating on Mar. 1 vs. Tri-City. Gropp has notched a point in 23 of the last 28 games (15 goals, 21 assists), including 19 of the last 23 games (12 goals, 16 assists). Gropp has also recorded a point in 37 of the last 52 games, tallying 59 points (28 goals, 31 assists) over the span. He has established WHL career-highs in goals (33), assists (35), and points (68) this season. Gropp leads Seattle in goals, ranks second in points, and ranks third in assists in 2015-16.

Brad Morrison, C, Prince George Cougars (WHL) – Morrison posted three multi-point games in four contests during the week, registering six points (two goals, four assists) in those games. The Rangers’ fourth round pick (113th overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft has tallied a point in eight of the last 11 games, registering 12 points (five goals, seven assists) over the span. Morrison has recorded 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) in the last 44 games, including 36 points (17 goals, 19 assists) in the last 37 games. Morrison has also recorded a point in 15 of the last 23 games, registering 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) over the span. He has established WHL career-highs in goals (26), assists (32), and points (58) this season.

Cristoval Nieves, C, University of Michigan (NCAA) – Nieves registered two assists in each of Michigan’s two games during the week. The Rangers’ second round pick (59th overall) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft is one assist and three points away from tying collegiate career-highs in each category. Nieves has recorded seven assists/points in the last seven games and 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in the last 20 contests.

Emerging from the Pack

Nicklas Jensen registered the game-deciding goal in the shootout on Mar. 2 at Bridgeport and notched an assist on Mar. 6 vs. Bridgeport. Jensen has recorded 12 points (eight goals, four assists) and a plus-four rating in 23 games with the Wolf Pack this season.

Marek Hrivik tallied an assist on Mar. 6 vs. Bridgeport. He leads the Wolf Pack in assists (22) and is tied for second on the team in points (29) this season.

Quick Hits

    Daniel Bernhardt, RW, London Knights (OHL) – Bernhardt recorded the game-winning goal on Mar. 4 vs. Sault Ste. Marie. The Rangers’ fourth round pick (119th overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft has registered nine points (three goals, six assists) and a plus-three rating in 23 games with London this season, and two of his three goals have been game-winning goals.
    Pavel Buchnevich, LW, SKA-St. Petersburg (KHL) – Buchnevich tallied his first career KHL playoff goal in Game 5 while helping SKA win its first round playoff series against Lokomotiv. The Rangers’ third round pick (75th overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft recorded a point in three of the final four games of the series (one goal, two assists). Buchnevich tied for second on the team in plus/minus rating (plus-three), tied for third in assists (two), and tied for fourth in points (three) during the series against Lokomotiv.
    Brandon Halverson, G, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) – Halverson stopped 29 of 31 shots he faced and earned a win on Mar. 3 at Sarnia. The Rangers’ second round pick (59th overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft has made at least 27 saves in each of his last 10 appearances, including 30 or more saves in eight of those contests.
    Adam Huska, G, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) – Huska stopped 21 of 22 shots he faced and earned a win on Mar. 4 vs. Muskegon. The Rangers’ seventh round pick (184th overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft has posted an 11-1-2 record, along with a 1.76 GAA, a .929 SV%, and 2 SO in his last 14 appearances. In addition, Huska has posted a 20-5-2 record, along with a 1.69 GAA, a .938 SV%, and 4 SO in his last 27 USHL appearances. He leads the USHL in GAA (1.82) and SV% (.933), is tied for second in SO (four), and ranks fourth in wins (20) this season.
    Keegan Iverson, RW, Portland Winterhawks (WHL) – Iverson recorded two points (one goal, one assist) and posted a plus-one rating on Mar. 4 vs. Tri-City. The Rangers’ third round pick (85th overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft has tallied three points (one goal, two assists) in the last three contests and 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists) in 48 games with Portland in 2015-16.
    Robin Kovacs, RW, AIK (Allsvenskan) – Kovacs tallied two assists during the first three games of the Allsvenskan Finals. The Rangers’ third round pick (62nd overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft recorded an assist in each of AIK’s two wins thus far in the series.
    Ryan Mantha, F/D, Niagara IceDogs (OHL) – Mantha notched an assist in two of three games during the week (two assists). The Rangers’ fourth round pick (104th overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft has recorded four assists/points in the last seven games. Mantha has established an OHL career-high in assists this season (18).
    Sergey Zborovskiy, D, Regina Pats (WHL) – Zborovskiy tallied an assist and posted a plus-two rating on Mar. 4 vs. Swift Current. With the assist, the Rangers’ third round pick (79th overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft added to his WHL career-high in points (23) and tied his WHL career-high in assists (16). Zborovskiy has notched 12 points (three goals, nine assists) and has posted a plus-12 rating in the last 29 games.

WOLF PACK WEEKLY HEADLINES 3/01-3/09

Mar. 01, 2016
Pack Return Combs to Greenville   
Has Tallied two Goals and four Points in 18 Wolf Pack Games

Mar. 02, 2016
Wolf Pack Come from Behind for Shootout Win   
Erase 2-0 and 3-1 Deficits in 4-3 Victory at Bridgeport

Mar. 03, 2016
Five Wolf Pack Alumni on World Cup of Hockey Rosters   
Pack Heritage Represented on five Different World Cup Squads
Five former Wolf Pack players were named to World Cup rosters, for five different teams.  Those names include: Lauri Korpikoski (Team Finland), Artem Anisimov (Team Russia), J.T. Miller (Team North America), Mats Zuccarello (Team Europe) and Ryan McDonagh of Team USA.

Mar. 04, 2016
Hellberg on Emergency Recall to Rangers   
Has Started 20 of last 22 for Wolf Pack

Mar. 06, 2016
Pack can't Make up Ground on Sound Tigers   
Bridgeport Wins at XL Center, 3-2

Mar. 07, 2016
Rangers Put in Emergency Recall for Skjei   
Has Played in three NHL Games in Rookie Season

Mar. 09, 2016
Hellberg, Skjei Return to Wolf Pack   
Had Both been on Emergency Recall to Rangers

UPCOMING GAMES:
Friday, March 11 at the Providence Bruins (Boston) at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Providence, 7:05 PM
Saturday, March 12 vs. the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Flyers) at the XL Center, 3:00 PM
Sunday, March 13 at the Portland Pirates (Florida) at the Cross Insurance Arena, 3:00 PM

Recent Transactions:
Jack Combs – returned by the Wolf Pack to Greenville (ECHL) March 1.
Magnus Hellberg – recalled from the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers March 4, returned later in the day and recalled again March 5.
Mackenzie Skapski – reassigned by the New York Rangers to the Wolf Pack from Greenville (ECHL) March 4.
Brady Skjei - recalled from the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers March 7
Magus Hellberg, Brady Skjei - reassigned by the New York Rangers to the Wolf Pack March 9

RABBIT TRACKS
Greenville Swamp Rabbits Weekly Notes 3/01-3/10

March 1
Overall Picture: The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (24-24-7), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, completed a four-game road trip last week with a frustrating three-game series through the North Division. The Swamp Rabbits fell in each of their three games against Wheeling, Toledo and Brampton and dropped five points behind Elmira for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

March 2
Swamp Rabbits Trade Knackstedt To Quad City

March 3
 The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, today announced the club has acquired rookie goaltender Alain Valiquette (pictured) from the Elmira Jackals in exchange for future considerations. In addition, forward Darian Dziurzynski has been traded to the Missouri Mavericks for a player to be named.

March 4
Mackenzie Skapski Reassigned to AHL Hartford

March 5
Swamp Rabbits Fire on All Cylinders in 6-1 Victory over Atlanta Gladiators

March 6
Rashid, Fleming Score Twice in 4-1 Win in Atlanta

March 8
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits announced Tuesday Alain Valiquette has been named CCM ECHL Goaltender of the Week for Feb. 29 – Mar. 6 after going 2-0-0 in his first two starts with Greenville

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits announced Tuesday the team has signed rookie winger Kevin King out of the University of Calgary (Dinos)

March 9
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits announced Wednesday goaltender Mackenzie Skapski has been reassigned to the team from the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers.

March 10
Forward Kevin King has been loaned to the AHL’s Texas Stars.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Thursday, Mar. 10 vs. South Carolina (33-18-7) – 7 p.m.
Friday, Mar. 11 vs. Florida (36-19-2) – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 12 vs. Florida (36-19-2) – 7 p.m.

Each of the Swamp Rabbits next nine games will take place in the South Division, running all the way through Mar. 26. Greenville will play all four division foes during that span including Atlanta (2x), Florida (4x), South Carolina (2x) and Orlando (1x). The Swamp Rabbits are 17-13-5 against division opponents this season, better than the club was against the division last season when it went 15-18-3 against those four teams through Mar. 8.

Rangers once again call up Brady Skjei

@RNYRF Staff Report

The Rangers had once again called up Brady Skjei from the Hartford Wolf Pack O the American Hockey League.

The call up was made on Monday.

Rangers Recall Magnus Hellberg From Hartford on an Emergency Basis

Statement from the Rangers website.

Magnus Hellberg

New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has recalled goaltender Magnus Hellberg from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) on an emergency basis.

Hellberg, 24, has appeared in 40 games with the Wolf Pack this season, posting a 22-16-2 record, along with a 2.39 GAA, a .919 SV%, and 3 SO. He has established an AHL career-high in appearances and has tied his AHL career-high in wins in 2015-16. Hellberg is tied for third in the AHL in appearances, ranks sixth in wins, is tied for seventh in SO, and is tied for ninth in GAA and SV% this season. He has posted a 14-6-0 record, along with a 2.08 GAA, a .931 SV%, and 2 SO in his last 20 appearances.

The 6-6, 200-pounder has appeared in one game with the Rangers this season, making his debut with the Blueshirts on Dec. 20 vs. Washington.

WOLF PACK REPORT 2/1

Good Morning Rangers Fans,
I hope you all enjoyed this past weekend's All Star Events in Nashville Tenn. Anyway like the Rangers the Wolf Pack are currently are on their All Star break which is being held in Syracuse NY at the home of the Syracuse Crunch (TBL) and it will conclude this evening with the Game itself. Now the Wolf Pack did play 2 Games prior to the Break and although they saw their 8 game winning streak come to an end last Friday they were able to bounce back on Saturday as they try to countine their push to get back into the AHL's Playoff Picture.
Weekly Game Recaps: 1/26/16 - 2/1/16
1/27/16 at WBS Penguins (PIT) - The Wolf Pack entered Weds. Night's game at Mohegan Sun Arena in WBS Penn.against the Divison leading Penguins on a season high 7 game winning streak. They would make it 8 straight Wins in a Row with a thrilling 3 - 1 victory over the Pens thanks to an early 3rd Period Goal from #7 Adam Tambellini. The Wolf Pack also got goals from former Penguin #23 Jayson Megna and #11 Travis Olysek sealed the victory with an Empty net Goal for the Packs 8th Straight Win. #45 Magnus Hellberg once again stood tall in Goal by making 27 saves on 28 Penguins shot for the Win.
1/29/16 vs BPT Sound Tigers (NYI) - Entering Friday night's contest at the XL Center in Hartford CT the Wolf Pack were currently on the Franchises 2nd longest Winning Streak with a total of 8 straight Wins. However their in state nemesis the Bridgeport Sound Tigers finally snapped the Pack's Winning Streak with a 4 to 1 Victory over Hartford on Friday night. The Wolf Pack's only goal on the night came off the stick of #3 Chris McCarthy his 4th of the Year.
1/30/16 vs St. Johns IceCaps (MTL) - After seeing their 8 Game Winning Streak snapped on Friday Night the Wolf Pack looked to bounce back on Saturday vs the St. Johns IceCaps and that's just what they did. The Wolf Pack Defeated the IceCaps 4 to 1 at the XL Center behind two goals from #16 Chad Nerhring and Goals from #27 Ryan Graves and #74 Nick Tarnasky. In a rare start for him Wolf Pack goaltender #33 Jeff Malcom stopped 21 of 22 St. Johns shots for the Win.
Week Ahead 2/1/16 - 2/7/16
2/1/16 - 2016 AHL All Star Game at Syracuse
2/5/16 at Portland Pirates (FLA) at 7:00 pm
2/6/16 at Albany Devils (NJ) at 5:00 pm
Despite their loss on Friday which snapped their 8 Game Winning Streak the Wolf Pack still have Won 9 of their last 10 Games and are right back in the Playoff Picture in the AHL's Eastern Conference. The Wolf Pack will look to keep the mometum going on Friday when they begin a 2 Game Road trip which begins in Portland Maine on Friday.
Talk To You All Next Week!!!!!!!!
LETS GO WOLF PACK!!!!!!!!!

Alex Pflaum RNYRF Staff Reporter

NYR STRONG THIRD PERIODS, Q&A WITH WOLF PACK'S RYAN GRAVES, PROSPECT REPORT (NEWS AND NOTES)

 Third Periods Becoming Strength for Blueshirts

Photo by Jared Silber/ MSG Photos

From the head coach down, the Rangers feel they're returning to the style of play that has been so successful since Alain Vigneault took over the helm to start the 2013-14 campaign. A big reason for that has been success in the third period.
Since the Rangers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning, 5-2, on Dec. 30, the Blueshirts have out-scored their opponents 11-2 in the third period, including two goals Monday night that turned a 1-0 deficit in the third period into a 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden. It just so happens that the Rangers are 3-1-1 in those games.
The victory was the Rangers' first this season when trailing after two periods.
In total through the first 42 games of the season, the Rangers have scored 50 goals in the third period, compared to 37 in the first period and 33 in the second period.
"It was the same as [Saturday against Washington]," said Jesper Fast, who scored the game-winning goal Monday with 1:42 remaining in the third period. "We had a really good push in the third, and I think we had the same feeling coming into this period. We never quit. We have to work hard, and it finally paid off."
Unlike Saturday afternoon, it did pay off for the Blueshirts. They didn't break under a final flurry from the Bruins in the closing seconds of the contest, and didn't sit back waiting for something to happen.
"Those dying seconds there, after what happened with Washington, it's a good sign to get back to protecting the house there and getting that one timely save there from Henrik, which was clutch," said captain Ryan McDonagh, who had an assist and two blocked shots in 24:27. "For the majority of the game, we competed really well and didn't give them too many odd-man looks. Against a team like Boston, they don't give you much."
It was the Rangers' top players being their top players in the third period Monday, helped along by clutch scoring from their depth. The game-tying goal from Derick Brassard came on assists from Mats Zuccarello and McDonagh, while Keith Yandle picked up an assist on the game-winner.
"I think at the end of the day, you need your top players to come up big for you," Vigneault said. "Tonight, you see Quickie come through for us there. He was in front of the net trying to screen the goaltender. Both games we've come back from deficits. It's not easy to do. A very positive sign."
__________________
The Rangers improved to 15-4-1 in their last 20 home games, and have earned at least a point in 17 of their last 21. Dating back to last season, the Rangers have at least one point in 48 of 62 games (41-14-9), including 31 in their last 40 (27-9-4).
No two players have feasted on the Garden more than Zuccarello and Brassard, who have combined for 18 goals and 21 assists for 39 points in the last 17 home games.
__________________
Vigneault coached his 1,012th regular season game Monday, tying Terry Murray for 20th place on the NHL's all-time games coached list. Vigneault's 543rd win passed Billy Reay on the all-time wins list, and he is now tied with Toronto's Mike Babcock for 16th place.
By Matt Calamia

Q&A With AHL All Star Ryan Graves

Chris Rutsch/Hartford Wolf Pack

Last week Ryan Graves, the Rangers 20 year old prospect playing in his rookie pro season with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League, was selected to play in the 2016 AHL All Star Game, the lone Wolf Pack representative and one of only two rookies selected from the Eastern Conference.
The 6-foot-5 defenseman is tied for the goal-scoring lead among Wolf Pack blueliners with three so far this season and his 11 points are third among Hartford defensemen. Graves also has picked up 27 penalty minutes in 37 games played and has been extremely solid and poised, according to assistant coach Jeff Beukeboom, in his own end of the ice.
Graves, who was the Rangers fourth round pick (110th overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, chatted recently with BlueshirtsUnited.com's Jim Cerny about the All Star honor and his first professional season in Hartford.
BSU: First off Ryan, congratulation on being selected to the AHL All Star Game. What was your initial reaction when you heard the news?
Graves: I was pretty excited and honored to be selected. Obviously I was a little surprised, as well. You never know that something like this is going to happen, but I'm excited and looking forward to the experience.
BSU: What are your expectations for when you arrive for the All Star weekend?
Graves: I'm not really sure how it's going to go. I'm going to go with an open mind and just look to have some fun. There's a skills competition which is always fun, then there's a different format this year with the three-on-three and four-on-four during the game, so I'm sure it'll be exciting for the fans and fun for the players, too.
BSU: Can we expect a breakaway goal from Ryan Graves during the three-on-three?
Graves: (laughing) That would be great if that happened, but I wouldn't count on it!
BSU: You're halfway through your first pro season, so where do you think your game is at compared to when you came to training camp right out of junior this past fall?
Graves: Obviously I want to keep growing and improving as a player as the season goes along. I keep working hard during the season; and there's also a learning curve for me in this league. I'm playing against bigger, faster guys, so I have to try and adjust. We have a pretty young team here in Hartford this year so there are guys in the same situation as me, and we're just trying to get used to it all, learning what it takes to be a good pro.
BSU: Last year your offensive numbers took a big jump from where they had been previously (Graves scored 15 goals in 50 regular season games in the QMJHL and another seven in the post-season). What was the biggest difference for you offensively last season?
Graves: I guess when you are older, it was my fourth year in the league, you tend to have more success and try more things; but really it was a combination of two things. The year before (in 2013-14) I played with a really offensively-minded team in Val-d'Or and I learned a lot from some of the really talented offensive defensemen we had on that team. Then last year (2014-15) playing in Quebec City for (head coach) Philippe Boucher (former NHL defenseman who recorded 300 career points) he helped me a lot. He played in the NHL for a lot of years, was a power play guy who had a lot of points himself. He helped me with technique and my shot and things like when to shoot, where to shoot. He was a huge help to me.
BSU: Do you think your success, both offensively and defensively, plus your great playoff run last spring and the chance to play in the Memorial Cup, all of that really boosted your confidence and set you up for a solid rookie pro season this year?
Graves: Yeah for sure. A big part of hockey is confidence and playing with confidence, and not just confidence in your ability to score points, but confidence in all aspects of your game. It comes from a combination of working hard and experiences like that long playoff run which really helped me grow as a player.
Jim Cerny

Rangers Prospect Report 1.11.16

Photo by Chris Rutsch/ Hartford Wolf Pack

2016 IIHF World Junior Championship
Three Rangers prospects – Brandon Halverson (United States), Adam Huska (Slovakia), and Aleksi Saarela (Finland) – represented their country in the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Saarela registered the primary assist on the game-winning goal in overtime in the Gold Medal Game on Jan. 5 against Russia. The Rangers’ third round pick (89th overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft registered seven points (four goals, three assists) and posted a plus-two rating in seven games during the tournament while helping Finland capture a gold medal. He tied for first among all skaters in the tournament in power play goals (three).

At least one Rangers prospect has helped his country win the gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship in three of the last four years and in four of the last seven years (Saarela – 2016; Anthony Duclair – 2015; J.T. Miller – 2013; Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider, Ryan Bourque – 2010).

Huska led all goaltenders in the tournament in saves (169), even though he only appeared in five games (Huska averaged 33.8 saves per game in the tournament).

Halverson posted a 0.65 GAA and a .973 SV% in two appearances in the tournament. In three appearances in the IIHF World Junior Championship over the last two years, Halverson posted a 0.40 GAA and a .980 SV% (50 saves on 51 shots).

Emerging From the Pack

Mat Bodie tallied an assist/point in each of Hartford’s three games during the week (one goal, four assists), and he posted back-to-back multi-point games on Jan. 9 vs. Bridgeport and Jan. 10 vs. Albany. Bodie notched two assists and posted a plus-three rating on Jan. 9, and registered two points (one goal, one assist), including the game-winning goal in overtime, and posted a plus-three rating on Jan. 10.

Bodie extended his assist streak to five games and his point streak to six games (two goals, six assists, plus-seven rating over his six-game point streak). He has also registered a point in seven of the last eight games (two goals, seven assists over the span). He is tied for the team lead in assists (14) and ranks fifth on the Wolf Pack – and leads team defensemen – in points (17) this season. Bodie also ranks second on Hartford – and leads team defensemen – in plus/minus rating in 2015-16 (plus-five).

Nicklas Jensen tallied a goal, registered four shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating while making his Wolf Pack debut on Jan. 9 vs. Bridgeport. Jensen, who was acquired by the Rangers from Vancouver on Jan. 8, recorded six shots on goal over the two games he played with Hartford during the weekend.

Adam Tambellini registered two points (one goal, one assist), including an assist on the game-winning goal, led all skaters with six shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating on Jan. 9 vs. Bridgeport. The Rangers’ third round pick (65th overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft has tallied six points (three goals, three assists) in the last nine games and is tied for second on the Wolf Pack in goals (nine) in 2015-16.

Ryan Graves was selected to represent the Wolf Pack in the 2016 AHL All-Star Game. The Rangers’ fourth round pick (110th overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft has registered 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 37 games thus far during his rookie season in the AHL.

Quick Hits

Daniel Bernhardt, RW, London Knights (OHL) – Bernhardt committed to and entered into an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Standard Player’s Agreement with the London Knights on Jan. 8.

Pavel Buchnevich, LW, SKA-St. Petersburg (KHL) – Buchnevich tallied his first assist/point with SKA-St. Petersburg and recorded three shots on goal in 15:36 of ice time on Jan. 6 against Vityaz.

Steven Fogarty, C, University of Notre Dame (NCAA) – Fogarty registered two points (one goal, one assist), recorded five shots on goal, and posted a plus-three rating on Jan. 8 vs. Western Michigan. The Rangers’ third round pick (72nd overall) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft is tied for third on the team in goals (seven) and ranks fifth in points (14) this season. 

Ryan Gropp, LW, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) – Gropp established a single-game WHL career-high with three assists, recorded the primary assist on the game-winning goal in overtime, and posted a plus-three rating in Seattle’s 3-2 win against Everett on Jan. 9. The Rangers’ second round pick (41st overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft has recorded a point in 15 of the last 25 games, tallying 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) over the span. Gropp is tied for the team lead in goals (18) and ranks fourth on Seattle in points (35) this season (36 games played).

Brandon Halverson, G, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) – After representing Team USA in the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, Halverson stopped 34 of 36 shots he faced on Jan. 8 against Erie. The Rangers’ second round pick (59th overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft has made at least 30 saves in 12 of his 21 OHL starts in 2015-16.

Keegan Iverson, RW, Portland Winterhawks (WHL) – Iverson tallied two assists and posted a plus-two rating on Jan. 9 vs. Kamloops. The Rangers’ third round pick (85th overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft has registered four points (two goals, two assists) in the last five games and 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in the last 21 contests.

Robin Kovacs, RW, AIK (Allsvenskan) – Kovacs tallied a shootout goal on Jan. 8 against Almtuna. The Rangers’ third round pick (62nd overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft leads all players younger than 20 years old in Allsvenskan in goals (13) and points (21) this season.

Ryan Mantha, F/D, Niagara IceDogs (OHL) – Mantha registered two points (one goal, one assist) on Jan. 6 at Hamilton. The Rangers’ fourth round pick (104th overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft extended his assist/point streak to four games (two goals, four assists over the span). He has tallied ten points (two goals, eight assists) in the last 14 games.

Brad Morrison, C, Prince George Cougars (WHL) – Morrison tallied three assists/points in three games last week. The Rangers’ fourth round pick (113th overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft has notched 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in the last 19 games, including 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in the last 12 games. Morrison ranks third on Prince George in points (34) and is tied for third in assists (20) this season.

Cristoval Nieves, C, University of Michigan (NCAA) – Nieves registered two assists in each of the Wolverines’ two games last week. The Rangers’ second round pick (59th overall) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft extended his assist/point streak to four games (six assists over the span), and he has tallied a point in six of his last seven games (two goals, eight assists) and in eight of his last ten contests (three goals, nine assists).

Igor Shesterkin, G, SKA-St. Petersburg (KHL) – Shesterkin made 23 saves and earned his fifth consecutive KHL win on Jan. 6 against Vityaz. The Rangers’ fourth round pick (118th overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft has posted a 5-1-0 record, along with a 2.49 GAA, a .919 SV%, and 1 SO in six KHL appearances this season.

Sergey Zborovskiy, D, Regina Pats (WHL) – Zborovskiy tallied an assist and posted a plus-three rating on Jan. 9 at Spokane. The Rangers’ third round pick (79th overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft has registered three points (one goal, two assists) in the last five games.

HARTFORD WOLF PACK DEFEAT ALBANY DEVILS IN OT

Pack Solve Devils in OT, 4-3

Jan 10, 2016 The Wolf Pack closed out a three-game weekend of home games, and a six-game homestand, with 4-3 overtime win against the Albany Devils on Sunday at the XL Center.
Netminder Magnus Hellberg saved 31 of the 34 shots against him. Mat Bodie scored just 19 seconds into the overtime period, securing the win.
On the first shift of overtime, a Ryan Bourque pass sent Bodie unchecked down the slot in the Albany zone.  With time to wind up, Bodie hammered a slap shot past Albany goaltender, and former Wolf Pack, Yann Danis for the winner.
“That was just all him [Bourque],” Bodie said of the winning play.  “I wasn’t really calling for it, he had two guys who were pretty close to him, but he made a great play. I had tons of lane to the net, I just picked my shot and hit it.”
It was Hartford that struck first after a long possession at 4:59 of the first period, when Marek Hrivik deflected a shot by teammate Brady Skjei, and then knocked the carom out of the air and into the net.
Albany struck back with 2:07 left in the period, when Corey Tropp wove through the Hartford defense to find the equalizer, beating Hellberg with a backhander to the stick side.
The second period started out roughly for the Pack after a long shot by Albany’s Dan Kelly took an awkward bounce off Hartford’s Ryan Graves and went into the net, at 3:48. The home team found their footing again at 10:21 when Chris McCarthy sped down right wing and slapped a sharp-angle shot through Danis.
At 17:11, Albany’s Ryan Kujawinski took the puck down the center of the ice and snuck a shot past Hellberg, taking advantage of a power play after Wolf Pack captain Ryan Bourque was called for unsportsmanlike conduct at 16:31.
In the third period, the Wolf Pack was quick to even the score once again with Josh Nicholls scoring his first AHL goal at 3:03, assisted by Tommy Hughes and Brady Skjei. Neither team scored for the remainder of the period, bringing the game to overtime.
Excited to finally score with the Wolf Pack, Nicholls said, “All the chances I’ve had for the last couple weeks here myself, just waiting for that first one, to get those bounces, it’s definitely a huge relief.”
Coach Ken Gernander said of the Wolf Pack’s finishing the homestand with consecutive wins, “Maybe it’s a sign of growth over the course of the weekend, and hopefully it’s a trend moving forward here.”
The Wolf Pack’s next action is this Friday night, January 15, when they make their first visit of the season to Springfield for a 7:00 PM game against the Falcons. 

WOLF PACK AND SWAMP RABBITS GAME NOTES

Adam's two Goals Help Pack Edge Bridgeport
Luke Adam scored twice, and Adam Tambellini added a goal and an assist Saturday night at the XL Center, as the Wolf Pack snapped a three-game losing streak with a 5-4 win over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Skapski Backstops Rabbits to 2-1 Shootout Win
Mackenzie Skapski halted 36 shots including several highlight-reel saves in the third period on Saturday, helping the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (18-13-6) to a 2-1 shootout victory against the Florida Everblades (25-11-1) at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Justin DaSilva netted Greenville’s lone tally in regulation, while Jordan Knackstedt scored the only goal in a three-round shootout. With the win, the Swamp Rabbits improved to 10-6-5 on SANDLAPPER Securities Rink.

Hartford Wolf Pack, Greenville Swamp Rabbits Game Summaries Friday 1/8

Late Springfield Goal Sinks Wolf Pack
The Wolf Pack battled back from a 2-0 deficit against the Springfield Falcons Friday night at the XL Center to tie the game at two, but a Craig Cunningham goal with only 55.6 seconds remaining in the third period sent the Wolf Pack to a 3-2 defeat.
Chris McCarthy and Nick Tarnasky scored in the second period for the Wolf Pack, and Jeff Malcolm made 26 saves. Ross Mauermann had both of the other Springfield goals, and Eric Selleck assisted on both.

 Blades Slide Past Swamp Rabbits in Overtime
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (17-13-6), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, earned a point for the ninth time in the last 10 games, but suffered a 3-2 overtime loss to the Florida Everblades (25-11-0) at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Friday.
Florida’s Mark Nemec netted the game-winning goal with just 47.8 seconds left in the extra frame, while Michael St. Croix and Darian Dziurzynski each scored in regulation for Greenville. With the loss, the Swamp Rabbits fell to 9-6-5 on SANDLAPPER Securities Rink.

Rangers Recall Megna From Hartford

New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has recalled forward Jayson Megna from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Megna, 25, has skated in 34 games with the Wolf Pack this season, registering seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points, along with 12 penalty minutes. He leads Hartford in shots on goal (110), ranks second in points, is tied for third in assists, and is tied for fourth in goals in 2015-16. Megna has tallied a point in 15 games this season, including ten of the last 21 games (five goals, eight assists over the span). In addition, Megna has recorded six points (two goals, four assists) in the last 12 games.

The 6-1, 195-pounder was also recalled by the Rangers on Nov. 30, 2015. Megna has skated in 48 career NHL games over parts of two seasons, all with Pittsburgh, registering five goals and five assists for ten points, along with 20 penalty minutes. Last season, Megna registered one assist in 12 games with the Penguins.

The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native was signed by the Rangers as a free agent on July 1, 2015.

Wolf Pack Weekly Report

Good Morning RNYRF's
Sorry that its one day late but never the less its time for my Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly Report. This past weekend heading into the Holiday Break the Wolf Pack earned a split of their 2 Game Road Trip in Upstate NY with visits to Rochester and Uitca.
Although they were able to earn the split the Wolf Pack remain in 14th Place in the AHL's Eastern Conference as well as in Last Place in the Atlantic Division in the AHL.
Game Recaps for 12/18/15 and 12/19/15:
12/18/15 at Rochester Americans (BUF) - On Friday Night at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester NY the Wolf Pack were crushed
7 to 1 by the Rochester Americans. Seven different Amerks got goals for the Americans and it wasn't until Chad Nerhing scored with only 21.7 seconds left to go in the Game for the Wolf Pack to Avoid being Shutout in Rochester. Wolf Pack Starting Goaltender Mackenzie Skapski was pulled after allowing 5 Goals on 22 Rochester Shots. Backup Goalie Jeff Malcolm would allow two more Amerks shots to beat him as well.
12/19/15 at Uitca Comets (VAN) - The Wolf Pack contiuned their upstate NY road trip on Saturday by traveling to the Uitca Memorial Auditroum to face off with the Uitca Comets. The Wolf Pack finally got bounce here and there en route to a 2 to 1 Shootout Victory over the Comets. Adam Tambellni got the Pack's only goal in regulation but would also add a huge goal in the shootout the propel the Wolf Pack to the Victory. Jeff Malcolm who got the Start made 25 saves in the Win.
Week Ahead for the Hartford Wolf Pack:
Sat 12/26/15 at Binghamton Senators (OTT) at 7:05 pm.
Sun 12/27/15 at Rochester Americans (BUF) at 5:05 pm
Tue 12/29/15 vs Portland Pirates (FLA) at 7:00 pm
Before I forget RNYRF's, I am going to be in Chicago starting on Weds. So thier will be No HWP Weekly Report at least until after New Years aka January 4th.
So I Hope you all Have a Very Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year!!!!!!
I will talk to you all again when the calander year offically turns to
2016.
Until then...
Lets Go Wolf Pack!!!!!!
‪#‎RUNWITHTHEPACK‬

THE WEEKLY WOLF PACK REPORT

Good Monday Morning RNYRF'S,
Its that time once again. Its time for my Hartford Wolf Pack weekly report. This weekend the Wolf Pack went 1 and 2 resulting in their record being 11 - 14 - 2. Sadly the Wolf Pack find themselves in 2nd to Last place in the AHL's Eastern Conference. This how this past weekend went for the Pack.
12/11/15 at Providence Bruins (BOS) - The weekend kicked off for the Wolf Pack with the 1st of two meetings this past weekend in Providence RI vs the Providence Bruins. The Wolf Pack as seen time and time again had problems putting the Puck in the Goal and fell 3 to 1 in the 1st of two meetings this past weekend. Bruins Goaltender Maclum Subban stopped 34 of the 35 Wolf Pack shots although Ryan Graves did scored a Goal for the 2nd Straight Game for the Pack.
12/12/15 vs Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NYI) - For the 1st time this season the Wolf Pack welcomed their In State Rivals the Bridgeport Sound Tigers to the XL Center in Hartford. In their previous three meetings the Sound Tigers had won each time in Bridgeport. However the Wolf Pack had enough to edge the Sound Tigers which resulted in 4 to 2 Victory over Bridgeport. The Wolf Pack got a Shorthanded Goal from Marek Hrivik which turned out to be the Game Winner. The Pack also got 25 Saves from Magnus Hellberg for the Victory.
12/13/15 at Providence Bruins (BOS) - The Wolf Pack looked to start a new winning streak on Sunday as they returned to Providence for the rematch against the Bruins. Although the Wolf Pack battled back from a 2 to 0 Defcit to tie the Game at 2 - 2 the Bruins would ulitmatey get the victory 4 to 2 on Sunday. The Pack got goals from Luke Adam and Brian Gibbons both scored the 2 Goals for the Pack in the Loss.
Wolf Pack Week Ahead -
Fri. 12/18/15 at Rochester Americans (BUF) at 7:05 pm
Sat. 12/19/15 at Uitca Comets (VAN) at 7:00 pm
Sun 12/20/15 at Binghamton Senators at 7:05 pm
The Wolf Pack are currently in the midst of 5 Game Road Trip.
Hopefully before its too late the Wolf Pack can finally turn their season around and come back in the AHL's Eastern Conference.
Have A Great Day Everybody!!!!!!
and as always...
LETS GO WOLF PACK!!!!!!!
‪#‎RUNWITHTHEPACK‬

WOLF PACK NOTES

Consistency Earns Bodie Wolf Pack Leadership Position

Photo by Chris Rutsch

From the Hartford Wolf Pack
Hartford Wolf Pack defenseman Mat Bodie has always been a leader throughout his hockey career, including two seasons as the captain of a Union College squad that developed into an NCAA championship team.

Still, it’s unusual that a player who is only in his second year of pro hockey would be tabbed to wear one of the assistant captains’ “A”s on his jersey, and that is the designation the Wolf Pack coaches have bestowed upon Bodie.  He is among a group of four players, joined by Chris Summers, Marek Hrivik and Jayson Megna, who have rotated wearing the A’s this season, and Bodie is grateful for the nod.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the coaching staff,” he said recently.  “We’ve got a pretty good leadership group here and there’s a few more guys who could be wearing letters.  So you don’t go about changing your game, just go out and play hard.”

That steadiness factor extends to Bodie’s interaction with his fellow Wolf Pack players.  Being only a second-year pro and a titled leader of more experienced teammates might seem to be somewhat of an uncomfortable position, but for Bodie, it’s just a matter of being the same guy he always has been.

“I don’t think you change much,” he said.  “We’ve got a good group of guys, so it’s not like you have to keep guys in check.  It’s just a matter of carrying yourself the right way and hoping guys will follow.

“Regardless of where you are, you shouldn’t be changing the way you play, or the way you act, just because you have a letter, or not, on your jersey.  And I don’t think any of the guys here that are wearing letters have changed at all.”

A 25-year-old native of East St. Paul, Manitoba, Bodie is an intelligent, articulate individual, as one might expect of a guy with a degree from a school like Union.  He is not a loud, aggressive personality, and it’s hard to picture him giving many rah-rah speeches in the locker room, but that hardly hampers him from being a factor in the team’s leadership group. 

“There’s times for that (raising one’s voice), but if you’re doing it all the time, guys are going to start to tune you out,” Bodie said.  “So you’ve just got to pick your spots, and if something needs to be said, you step up and say it, but other than that you just go about your business.”

That businesslike approach allowed Bodie to make a smooth transition from the ECAC to the AHL last season, as he tied for the Wolf Pack team plus/minus lead, with a +11, and chalked up five goals and 32 points in 75 games.  That was after a Senior season at Union that saw him lead all NCAA blueliners in points, with 8-31-39 in 40 games.  The offensive numbers have not flowed as freely for Bodie so far this year, but that is not a big concern to him.

“You need to take care of your own end first, play a 200-foot game,” Bodie said.  “A lot of times when you’re playing smart defensively, the offensive side just kind of falls into place.  And it’s not something that I’m too worried about, offensively, but just making sure you’re keeping pucks out of your own end, because that’s your job first.”

The task of defending down low in the zone is not made any easier by Bodie’s relatively small and slight stature, which sees him check in at six feet and 170 pounds.  That means that his effort level and smarts become his most important assets.

“You’ve got to kind of pick your battles,” Bodie said, “and just make sure you have good body position, not trying to necessarily out-muscle guys, but just keeping them to the outside, getting good stick on puck as well, and win the battles any way you can.”

Bodie’s game also has a distinct edge to it, as many opposing forwards who have wrestled him for position in the hard areas of the Wolf Pack zone can attest.

“A guy challenges you and you’ve got to step up to the plate, whether that be fighting or just kind of stepping up for teammates, or whatever it may be,” Bodie said.  “But you definitely don’t let anyone push you around, and just play hard.”

The second-year pro Bodie has actually been the veteran on his defensive pairing for most of the season, as he has most often skated with one of two rookies, either Brady Skjei or Ryan Graves.  Bodie has played his off-hand side, the right side, in both of those tandems, but has felt comfortable alongside both first-year pros.

“I think it’s gone pretty good,” he said.  “We feed off each other pretty well, and the communication is starting to really help us, I think.  But as far as being a leader on the back end, just go out and do your job, and some of the younger guys are going to look up to that and just follow suit.”

Playing with the former first-round pick Skjei, in particular, was quite a bit different than Bodie’s experience last year, when he spent much of the season paired with another ex-first rounder, Dylan McIlrath, whose calling cards are rugged physical play and intimidation.

“More puck-possession (with Skjei), there seem to be a little more D-to-D passes, and trying to play in the offensive zone as much as possible,” Bodie said.  “But any time we are in the D-zone, he does a good job hitting stick, and hopefully get that puck out of our end as soon as possible.

“He’s a great-skating defenseman, that’s the thing you’re going to notice first if you come watch him.  Big guy, uses his body well, and I think the offensive side for him is starting to come as well.”

In addition to his regular duties, one of Bodie’s major roles is helping to quarterback the Wolf Pack power play.  That has been the source of some frustration, as the man-advantage unit has struggled for much of the season, and Bodie feels that the key to improving its success is not all that complex.

“First and foremost, just outworking the opponent,” is how he put it.  “Especially on special teams, that’s going to be the first cause for success.  Secondly, we need to start sending more pucks towards the net and more traffic in front of the net.

“Don’t try and complicate things when it’s not going your way, just simplify as much as you can, and outwork the other team.”

Words to live by, to be sure, in all aspects of the game, and those of a leader.

By Bob Crawford

Rangers call up Tanner Glass from Hartford (AHL)

The New York Rangers have brought back a powerful enforcer to their lineup to hopefully gain the team some momentum as the team is injury-ridden right now.

Tanner Glass is back, and he has been called up from the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL.

Glass has been known during his time in the NHL as a player who can boost a team's momentum tremendously.

The Rangers are most likely hoping that Glass can boost the Rangers' momentum as the Rangers are missing two key players, Kevin Klein, and Derek Stepan.