NYR TODAY THURS 5/19: NYR Grades: Lundqvist, Alumni Birthdays, TDINYRH

RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
HENRIK LUNDQIVIST Goaltender

In what many may categorize as a sub-par season for the "King of New York", Henrik Lundqvist picked up his 10th 30 plus win season with a record of 35-21-7, a GAA of 2.48 and a save % of .921 in 65 games, ranking him 5th in the league for the 2015-2016 Regular Season. Lundqvist faced a league leading 1944 shots against, leading the league with 1788 saves. Lundqvist started out strong at the beginning of the season but suffered through the end of October through December as did his teammates and was pulled from numerous games during the season in favor of backup Antti Raanta. Yes, Henrik Lundqvist wasn't the  Henrik Lundqvist that Rangers Fans were used to during the 2015-2016 campaign but he was still for the most part the backbone of the team, once again standing on his head to make saves but also giving up the "soft goal" on many occasions. The toll of too many games in the past 3 regular and post seasons has certainly had an affect on the 34 year old goaltender along with the diminished play of the defenders in front of him last year but, at the end of the season a sub-par Henrik Lundqvist on the Rangers is still a "star" goaltender on any team in the league. Lundqvist could have been better but so could have his teammates. A usual grade of an A in previous seasons drops to:
GRADE B

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.
https://youtu.be/W9026YUPoLk

NYR TODAY TUES 5/18; NYR Grades: Girardi, Alumni Birthdays, TDINYRH

RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
DAN GIRARDI Defenseman

Another Rangers defenseman worn down by too many games played over the past few seasons, Girardi looked over matched many times during the 2015-2016 season. In 74 games Girardi tallied 2 goals, 15 assists, was a plus 18 and averaged 20+ minutes of ice time per game. Undergoing ankle surgery in the off season it seemed as though the lately oft injured Girardi couldn't get back on track and find a consistency to his game. Another D man who was thought to be suffering through injuries all season Girardi fessed up on "breakup" day and let it be known he was diagnosed with a concussion late in the season after a hit by former NY Rangers teammate Brian Boyle. Missing the final 2 games of the regular season, Girardi played in game 1 of the first round playoffs and wasn't able to return again until game 5 collecting an assist in those 2 games while being a minus 2 it was obvious he wasn't in shape to return to the lineup. The usual "Iroman" of the Rangers D is one of the players that should benefit from the extra 2 months rest to heal from the toll of injuries and extended ice time. With 5 years left on a 5.5 million per year contract along with young upcoming defenseman in the Rangers system there are rumors of the Rangers using their buyout on his contract. It should be interesting to see if the career Ranger remains on Broadway come July 1st.
GRADE C-

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 TUES 5/17; Jensen, NYR Grades, Alumni Birthdat, TDINYRH

Rangers Prospect Nicklas Jensen Impresses at Worlds

The 23 year old Jensen has now collected 5 goals and 2 assists at the Men's World Championships in Moscow for Denmark. On Sunday Jensen scored the game winning goal in the shootout to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1. In 41 games for the Hartford Wolf Pack Jensen scored 15 goals and added 10 assists after coming to the Rangers from Vancouver for Emerson Etem.




RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
MARC STAAL Defenseman

Once again a rough season for Staal whom many say was dealing with nagging injuries during the regular season and playoffs this past year. Collecting only 2 goals and 13 assists along with a plus 2 in 77 games it looked as though the work load over the past 2 seasons for the veteran D Man in his 9th pro season has taken it's toll. Staal who underwent ankle surgery in the off season didn't look his best but still managed to average close to 20 minutes per game. With 5 years remaining on a 5.7 million per year contract the 29 year old Staal is the highest paid defenseman on an already high priced Rangers defense. Hopefully with the extended time off Staal can regain some of what's been missing from his game the past few seasons.
GRADE D-

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.

NYR TODAY MON 5/16: Notes, NYR Grades, Alumni Birthdays, TDINYRH

NYR Notes 5/16: Bucnevich, Radulov, Coaching Staff. World Championships

Rangers Director of Player Personnel Gordie Clark commented on recent signing of Pavel Bucnevich saying "that he reminds him of late Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov, "same kind of style, real nice head and hands."
Buchnevich is highly skilled, can play any forward position, has skill, hands and good smarts" and made "great strides" from one summer to the next.
In 2015 Clark and Glen Sather told Buchnevich at the World Juniors that he was ready to play in the NHL. The Rangers are still looking into signing Alexander Radulov to mentor Pavel Bucnevich on and off the ice, but it'S said he is a long shot to be signed by New York at best.

Word is that Alain Vigneault's coaching staff will remain intact from this past season.

Derick Brassard had a goal, an assist, was 6 and 5 on faceoffs, 4 shots on goal and 17:26 (5:50, 5:54, 5:42) for Team Canada on Saturday.

Nicklas Jensen scored twice for Denmark Friday, including the shootout winner, to beat Latvia 3-2.

RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
ERIC STAAL Center

 Acquired at the trade deadline from Carolina in exchange for Finnish Prospect Aleksi Saarela, the 2016 second-round pick and the 2017 second-round pick, Staal spent most of his time centering the Rangers 3rd line. Playing in only 20 regular season games, the elder Staal brother tallied 3 goals and 3 assists and was a plus 1 averaging close to 16 minutes of ice time per game. In 5 post season games for the Rangers Staal was held to 0 points and was a minus 7. Factoring in that Staal came to the Rangers having to learn a new system along with only playing in 25 games it's tough to determine a grade in his tenure with the team. Staal is a UFA come July 1 and seeing that the Rangers might be heading in a new direction along with Staal's previous contract of 9.5 million per season it seems likely he will be signing elsewhere.
GRADE: INCOMPLETE 

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.

NYR TODAY SUN 5/15: Birth of the Rangers, NYR Grades, Alumni Birthdays

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.







RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
RYAN McDONAGH Captain, Defenseman

Once again logging in 20 plus minutes per game Captain McD tallied 9 goals, 2 goals coming on the power play. He added 34 asssits and was a plus 26 in 73 games on the season. McDonagh suffered through numerous injuries, hand, neck/jaw, shoulder and a concussion suffered from a sucker punch by the Flyers' Wayne Simmonds in February, McD only missed 9 regular season games. Ice time logged in per game and the additional pressure of the captaincy seemed to have affected McDonagh's game the past 2 seasons but he seemed more comfortable in the role last season. With the Rangers early exit in Round 1 McDonagh has more off time than normal and should be able to rest and heal completely. McDonagh's leadership skills have come into question the past 2 seasons if he was the right choice for Captain especially during November and December when the Rangers looked as though they couldn't buy a win. It is something McDonagh needs to work on during the off season if he expects to continue to lead New York with "significant" changes rumored to be coming from management.
GRADE B-

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/15 
Billy Boyd RW (1926-1929) Pat Hickey LW (1975-79,1981-82)

NYR Today Sat 5/14: Buchnevich, NYR Grades, Alumni

ICYM: Rangers signed prospect Pavel Buchnevich to Entry Level Contract

Additional Contract Clause:
Pavel Buchnevich has a European Assignment Clause in his contract with the Rangers which means that he has the right to play in Europe if not on the Rangers roster.
Buchnevich would rather return to the KHL rather than play in the AHL. If Bucmnevich does not make the Rangers roster and is sent down to the AHL he can return to Europe but he if is called up he has to return to the team.

RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
KEITH YANDLE Defenseman

Playing in his 6th 82+ game season Yandle showed why he was brought to the Rangers at last year's trade deadline leading the team in assists with 42. Yandle also added 5 gooals, 2 of which came on the anemic Rangers power play. A minus 4 on the season Yandle did find himself caught in the opposition's end many times where he could not get back into defensive position resulting in goals against, a problem that plagued him being paired with an aging Dan Boyle who had lost more than a few steps in his game. Overall a good season for Yandle who most likely will garner a 6 million plus per year contract somewhere else rather than in New York due to an already over priced defense corps.
GRADE B

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 FRI 5/13: NYR Grades, Alumni, TDINYRH

RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
KEVIN KLEIN Defenseman

At times the best defensive defenseman on the 2015-2016 season a plus 16 in 69 games Klein collected 9 goals and 17 assists, 4 of those goals coming as game winners. Klein logged in an average of 13 minutes of ice time per game this season and battled through 2 hand injuries. Still with 2 years left on a 5 year contract that he signed with Nashville before being traded to the Rangers for Michael Del Zotto in 2013-2014, Klein will make 2.75 million each year, a reasonable contract on a high paid defense. With Yandle and Boyle possibly leaving the Rangers in their UFA year it will be up to Klein to steer the younger crop of D-Men in the right direction.
GRADE B

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.

NYR TODAY THURS 5/12: NYR Grades: Moore, Alumni, TDINYRH

RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
DOMINIC MOORE Center

A rough year for Dom, starting off the season on the 4th line wing instead of his usual center position due to the signing of Jarett Stoll. Moore never picked up his game, looking lost at times during the season. A 9 point drop in production from the previous season saw Moore only tally 6 goals, 9 assists and garnering a minus 2 point percentage in 80 games. Moore's faceoff percentage dropped was decent at 55.3% during the 2015-2016 regular season (476-384) but that was mainly the high point of his year. An unrestricted free agent come this July 1 look for Moore to head to free agency and the Rangers to replace the former stalwart center. Although Dom plays with heart his production speaks for itself.
GRADE F



NYR Alumni Birthday 5/12 
Sherman White C (1946-47,1949-50)

 Today in NYR History May 12

2012: Brad Richards and Michael Del Zotto score in a 2-1 Game 7 win over the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden.

NYR TODAY WED 5/11: IIHF MWC, NYR Grades, Alumni, TDINYRH

NYR IIHF 2016 World Championships Notes

Mats Zuccarello scored his first goal at the 2016 World Championships. Zucc has now recorded two points (1-1-2) in three games at the World Championships.

Rangers prospect Nicklas Jensen earned his third point at the World Championships, picking up an assist in Denmark's 3-2 overtime loss to Switzerland, Jensen now has 2 goals and an assist for 3 points in the tourney.

Derick Brassard, Brady Skjei, Zuccarello and Jensen all will be in action for their respective countries today.






RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
DEREK STEPAN Center

 Stepan was actually a very solid player for the Rangers last season collecting 22 goals and 31 assists, his second highest point production and highest goal scoring in his NHL Career. Stepan logged in an average of 11.5 minutes per game in 72 games with a faceoff percentage of 46.6 (515-589) also a career high. Stepan who was signed to a 6 year contract last July is under wraps for the next 5 seasons with a cap hit of 6.5 million per year. Although the Rangers had a sub par season to say the least, Step was as he has always been, a solid two way player playing both power play and penalty kill minutes, collecting 3 shorthanded and 5 power play goals. A team first player who always gives 100% even through injury.
GRADE A-


NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/11 
Lloyd Ailsby D (1951-1952) Per Djoos D (1991-1993) Dutch Hiller LW (1937-41,1943-44) Mark Morrison C (1981-82,1983-84) Ulf Nilsson C (1978-81,1982-83)

Today in NYR History May 11

1997: Adam Graves scores 14:08 into overtime to eliminate the New Jersey Devils in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

NYR TODAY MON 5/9: NYR Grades, Alumni, TDINYRH

RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
OSCAR LINDBERG Center/Wing

 
Lindberg who won the Lars-Erik Sjoberg Award last fall as the top Rangers rookie in the team's 2015 training camp was a scoring machine at the beginning of the season who cooled off too fast for the liking of Coach Vigneault. Relegated to mostly bottom 6 play when he wasn't a healthy scratch from the lineup Lindberg tallied 13 goals, 15 assists and was a plus 12 during 68 games in his first season with the Rangers. Lindberg did fit nicely on the 3rd line with Center Kevin Hayes and countryman Viktor Stalberg but soon was a healthy scratch by Vigneault rotating on and off with Hayes. What looked to be a stellar season for Lindberg turned into mediocrity along side his teammates similar play. Lindberg who is an RFA come July 1st recently underwent hip surgery and will miss at least the first month of the 2016-2017 season. If he stays with the Rangers or winds up in Hartford remains to be seen depending on if the Rangers pick up a player during the summer or if there is a breakout teammate during camp.
GRADE C

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/9 
Stan Brown LW (1926-1927) Joe Cirella D (1990-1993) Mark Tinordi D (1987-1988)

Today in NYR History May 9

 
1994: The Rangers eliminate the Washington Capitals with a 4-3 win in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

NYR TODAY SUN 5/8: NYR Grade, Alumni, TDINYRH

RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
CHRIS KREIDER Left Wing

 
Coming into the 2015-2016 season big things and high production were expected for 4th year pro Chris Kreider and saying that 3/4 of the season were a disappointment would be an understatement. Kreider did turn it up a notch late in the season and wound up collecting 21 goals and 22 assists in 79 games and was a plus 10 for the regular season. Kreider once again showed flashes of the talent he possesses along with great speed but those were spotty at best. Whether his problems resulted in thinking too much on the ice or from his off season visit to a sports psychologist messed with his head, what should have been a pace to set a 30-30 season wasn't there. Kreider did keep his late season push intact scoring 2 goals in the postseason vs Pittsburgh in 5 games tying Rick Nash for the lead in goals. Although Kreider did score the same amount of goals as the previous season his assists were down by 3 and his plus minus was down by 14.
Factoring in his slow start and late surge during the last quarter of the season on a Rangers team that was lacking for most of 2015-2016 overall it was a disappointing but decent year for the former BC Eagle.
GRADE B-

New York Rangers Birthday
Kevin Hayes, Center / Right Wing #13
Born May 8 1992, Dorchester, MA

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/8 
Corey Locke C (2009-2010) Jussi Markkanen G (2003-2004)

Today in NYR History May 8

 
1979: The Rangers advance to the Stanley Cup Final after beating the Islanders, 2-1, in Game 6 of the Semifinals at MSG.

1997: Mike Richter records his ninth and final playoff shutout of his career, making 35 saves in a 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

NYR TODAY SAT 5/7: Lindberg, NYR Grade, Alumni, TDINYRH

Lindberg Undergoes Successful Surgery

New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that Oscar Lindberg underwent a successful simultaneous bilateral hip labral repair. The surgery was performed by Dr. Bryan Kelly at Hospital for Special Surgery. The expected recovery time is six months.

Lindberg, 24, skated in 68 games with the Rangers in 2015-16, registering 13 goals and 15 assists for 28 points, along with a plus-12 rating and 43 penalty minutes. Lindberg tied for second among NHL rookies in plus/minus rating, ranked eighth in hits (132), and tied for 10th in even strength goals (12) this past season. He received the Lars-Erik Sjoberg Award as the top Rangers rookie in Training Camp in 2015.

Oscar Lindberg

May 6 - 11:43am by MattCalamia 

 

RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
ANTTI RAANTA Goaltender

 
Acquired by the Rangers for Ryan Haggerty from Chicago to replace recently traded fan favorite Cam Talbot, Raanta had a spectacular start to the season backing up Henrik Lundqvist winning his first 4 starts as a Ranger. Raanta just like his teammates had a miserable November and December often replacing a faltering Henrik Lundqvist when he was pulled from games until he suffered a head injury on December 17 in a game vs Minnesota. In 25 games played Raanta posted a record of 11-6-2 with a GAA of 2.24 and a save percentage of .919. Although he had a few rough games Raanta proved himself to be an adequate backup on an often lacking defensive team. Raanta resigned with the Rangers on May 2nd of this year to a 2 year, 1 Million per contract extension. By the time his contract expires the Rangers should have an idea of where their young goaltending talent has progressed.
GRADE C+

 

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/7 

Brad Isbister LW (2006-2007) Dave Karpa D (2001-2003) Reg Mackey D (1926-1927) Lawrence Nycholat D (2003-2004)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Win Elliot

Win Elliot (Sportscaster.  Born, Chelsea, MA, May 7, 1915; died, Norwalk, CT, Sept. 17, 1998.)  From the time he attended the first N.H.L. game played in the U.S. (at Boston, 1924), Irwin Elliot Shalek was hooked on hockey.  Elliot played goal for Michigan, called the first televised N.H.L. game, and was the Rangers radio voice for four seasons.  A CBS Network announcer for decades, he did horse racing, boxing, and baseball, but hockey was his love and he may been the best at it ever in America.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today in NYR History May 7

 
1986: John Vanbiesbrouck posts the first playoff shutout of his career in a 2-0 win over the Canadiens in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012: Brad Richards ties Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with 7.6 seconds remaining, and Marc Staal wins it in overtime against the Washington Capitals at MSG.

 

NYR TODAY FRI 5/6: NYR Grades, Alumni, TDINYRH

RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
DERICK BRASSARD Center

 
In his third full season with the Rangers since coming over in the Marion Gaborik trade with Columbus in 2013, Brassard had his best year as a Ranger. Although his point production dropped by 2 points from last year's 60 points to 58, Brassard scored a career high 27 goals 5 of those came as game winners. Brass added 31 assists and was a plus 12 on the season. With his 58 points he finished second in scoring behind linemate Mats Zuccarello (61) and was tied for the points lead during the postseason with a goal and 3 assists. Brassard's faceoff percentage was slightly higher as well also having a career best of 50.4% (668 W-658 L) in 17:52 total ice time per game. Brassard signed a 5 yr - 25 million contract with the New York Rangers in 2014. With an annual average salary of $5,000,000 and 4 years remaining on his contract he should be in the Rangers plans for next season. If his increased production continues he should be a major part of the team for his remaining contract years.
GRADE A


NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/6 
Steve Baker G (1978-1982) Tim Bothwell D (1979-1983) Fredrick Sjostrom RW (2008-2009)

Today in NYR History May 6

2013: Derick Brassard scores his first career playoff goal and adds two assists in a 4-3 win over the Capitals in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at MSG.