Rangers Notebook: Rangers acquire Holland from Montreal; Zibanejad has concussion

New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has acquired forward Peter Holland from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Adam Cracknell.

Holland, 26, has skated in 20 games with the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL) this season, registering eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points, along with 19 penalty minutes. He was tied for second on Laval in assists, ranked third on the team in goals, and was tied for third on the team in points this season. Holland posted five multi-point games in 20 contests with Laval in 2017-18, including a four-point game (three goals, one assist) on Nov. 4 vs. Syracuse. The 6-2, 205-pounder has skated in 243 career NHL games over parts of six seasons (2011-12 - 2016-17) with Anaheim, Toronto, and Arizona, registering 35 goals and 46 assists for 81 points, along with 105 penalty minutes. Holland established career-highs in assists (18) and points (27) with Toronto during the 2015-16 season, and he tallied a career-high, 11 goals with the Maple Leafs in 2014-15. The Toronto, Ontario, native was originally selected by Anaheim in the first round, 15th overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Cracknell skated in four games with the Rangers this season after he was claimed off waivers from Dallas on Oct. 9, 2017.

Zibanejad has concussion: The Rangers announced today that forward Mika Zibanejad did not skate today and has a concussion.

Zibanejad was a late scratch for Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Florida Panthers with what the team said was an upper body injury.

RNYRF 2017 PLAYOFFS POST GAME RECAP: RANGERS vs CANADIENS GAME 5 4.20.17

Rangers Beat Habs 3-2 in Overtime, Take Series lead 3-2

A hard fought battle tonight in Montreal between both teams with the Rangers coming out on top in overtime.

Down 1-0 in the first period on a Canadiens goal by Artturi Lehkonen the Rangers were able to tie the game while on the penalty kill when Mika Zibanejad fed Jesper Fast beating Carey Price for the Rangers first goal of the night. The tie was short lived as 25 seconds later Montreal retook the lead 2-1 while still on the power play when Brendan Gallagher put one past Henrik Lundqvist.

Henrik Lundqvist kept the Rangers in the game during the second period with another solid goaltending performance until Brady Skjei scored on the rebound of a Rick Nash shot to tie the game at two with less than 1:30 to go in the period.

The Rangers controlled most of the third period action but could not get one past Montreal's Carey Price and continued their up tempo play into overtime. Mika Zibanejad converted on a Chris Kreider shot/pass to put one over top Price for the game winner and give the Rangers the lead in the series 3-2.

The Rangers now head back home to MSG on Saturday at 8 PM to try and end the first round match up with the Canadiens.

EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS GAME 5

FINAL GAME REPORT Rangers lead Series 3-2

NEW YORK RANGERS 3 MONTREAL CANADIENS 2
FINAL OVERTIME

POWER PLAY: NYR 0/2 MTL 1/4

SHOTS ON GOAL: NYR 36  MTL 36

FO: NYR 52% MTL 49%

HITS: NYR 49  MTL 51

BLKS: NYR 28  MTL 28

GVA: NYR 26  MTL 14

GOALTENDERS:
New York - H. Lundqvist (34 SV)
Montreal - C. Price (33 SV)

SCORING SUMMARY
1ST PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
12:07 Montreal Artturi Lehkonen (2) ASST: Nathan Beaulieu (1), Alex Galchenyuk (3) 0-1
15:56 New York SHG - Jesper Fast (2) ASST: Mika Zibanejad (2) 1-1
16:20 Montreal PPG - Brendan Gallagher (1) ASST: Andrei Markov (1), Artturi Lehkonen (1) 1-2
2ND PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
18:28 New York Brady Skjei (2) ASST: Rick Nash (1), Jimmy Vesey (2) 2-2
3RD PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
No Scoring
OT PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
14:22 New York Mika Zibanejad (1) ASST: Chris Kreider (1) 3-2

PENALTY SUMMARY
1ST PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
05:23 Montreal Alexei Emelin - Tripping - 2 minutes
10:36 New York Brendan Smith - Fighting - 5 minutes
10:36 Montreal Andrew Shaw - Fighting - 5 minutes
14:29 New York Kevin Hayes - Stick Holding - 2 minutes
2ND PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
01:26 New York Ryan McDonagh - Slashing - 2 minutes
03:30 New York Mats Zuccarello - High-sticking - 2 minutes
3RD PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
00:16 Montreal Brendan Gallagher - Slashing - 2 minutes
14:13 New York J.T. Miller - Slashing - 2 minutes
OT PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
No Penalties

NYR STARS OF THE GAME: 

1. MIKA ZIBANEJAD

2. HENRIK LUNDQVIST

BROADWAY HAT:

MIKA ZIBANEJAD

Rangers at Canadiens (Game 5): Pregame Notes

NEW YORK RANGERS at MONTREAL CANADIENS
Thursday, Apr. 20, 2017, 7:00 p.m. ET
Bell Centre - Montreal, QC

Rangers: 2-2
Canadiens: 2-2

TONIGHT'S GAME
The Rangers play Game 5 of their Eastern Conference First Round series against the Montreal Canadiens tonight, Apr. 20, at Bell Centre (7:00 p.m. ET - TV: MSG Network; Radio: ESPN 98.7 FM). The best-of-seven series is tied at two games apiece, following the Rangers' 2-1 win in Game 4 of the series at MSG.

RANGERS VS. CANADIENS - PLAYOFF HISTORY
The Rangers are facing the Canadiens in a playoff series for the 16th time in franchise history. New York has won eight of 15 all-time playoff series against Montreal. The Blueshirts have played more playoff series and have won more playoff series against Montreal than against any other NHL opponent in franchise history. The two teams are meeting in a playoff series for the first time since the Eastern Conference Final in 2014, when the Rangers defeated the Canadiens, four games to two.

RANGERS-CANADIENS CONNECTIONS

• Ryan McDonagh was selected by Montreal in the first round (12th overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
• Alain Vigneault began his NHL head coaching career with the Canadiens in 1997-98. Vigneault served as Montreal's Head Coach for parts of four seasons (1997-98 - 2000-01).
• Mats Zuccarello and Andreas Martinsen are the only two Norwegian-born players who are currently in the NHL. Zuccarello and Martinsen have been teammates with Team Norway in several international tournaments.
• J.T. Miller, Jimmy Vesey, and Alex Galchenyuk helped Team USA win a gold medal at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship.
• Al Montoya was selected by the Rangers in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
• Max Pacioretty is a native of New Canaan, Connecticut, and he was a Rangers fan growing up. 

INDIVIDUAL CAREER STATISTICS VS. CANADIENS (Statistics are only from playoff games)

• Henrik Lundqvist - 10 GP, 6-3, 2.04 GAA, .932 SV%, 2 SO - In his last five playoff games against the Canadiens (since Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final in 2014), Lundqvist has posted a 3-2 record, along with a 1.53 GAA, a .950 SV%, and 2 SO.
• Ryan McDonagh - 10 GP, 2-9-11 - McDonagh has tallied a point in six of 10 career playoff games against Montreal. McDonagh registered 10 points against Montreal in the Eastern Conference Final in 2014, becoming the first Rangers defenseman to register at least 10 points in one playoff series since Brian Leetch in the Stanley Cup Final against Vancouver in 1994.
• Mika Zibanejad - 15 GP, 2-7-9 - Zibanejad has played 15 of his 20 career NHL playoff games against the Canadiens. He has tallied seven points (one goal, six assists) in eight career playoff games on the road in Montreal.
• Rick Nash - 10 GP, 5-2-7 - Nash has recorded a goal/point in five of 10 career playoff games against Montreal. 

SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE
Since the start of the 2012 Playoffs, seven of the 14 playoff series the Rangers have played have been tied at two games apiece through the first four games (including the First Round against Montreal in 2017). The Blueshirts have posted a 4-2 series record in series which were tied at two games apiece over the span.

FINISHING STRONG
The Rangers have posted a 10-5 record in their last 15 contests which were Games 5-7 of a playoff series, dating back to Game 7 of the First Round against Philadelphia in 2014.

ROAD WARRIORS
The Blueshirts are tied for the NHL lead in playoff wins on the road since the start of the 2014 Playoffs (13). The Rangers posted a 27-12-2 record on the road during the regular season in 2016-17 and led the NHL in road wins this season. New York has earned at least one road win in 12 of its last 14 playoff series (including the First Round against Montreal in 2014), dating back to the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against Ottawa in 2012.

TWO GOOD
The Rangers have earned at least two wins in 11 of 14 playoff series since the start of the 2012 Playoffs and in 15 of 20 playoff series since the start of the 2007 Playoffs.

WINNING HAB-IT
New York has won 10 of its last 14 playoff games against Montreal, dating back to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in 1996.

HITTING MACHINE
The Blueshirts were credited with 74 hits in Game 2 at Montreal. The Rangers' 74 hits were the most the team has recorded in a playoff game since hits were tracked by the NHL in 1997-98. The Rangers lead the NHL in hits in the playoffs this year (203).

PLAYOFF PERFORMERS
The Rangers lead the NHL in playoff games played since the start of the 2012 Playoffs (85). In addition, the Blueshirts lead all Eastern Conference teams in playoff wins (42) and playoff series wins (eight) over the span. New York has won at least one playoff series in four of the last five years.

PLAYING THE GAME
Four players currently on the Rangers roster rank among the top five players in franchise history in career playoff games played (among skaters): Dan Girardi (first - 114), Marc Staal (second - 96), Derek Stepan (fourth - 89), Ryan McDonagh (fifth - 88). In addition, Henrik Lundqvist leads all players (skaters or goaltenders) in career playoff appearances with the Rangers (120).

AV SQUAD
Alain Vigneault is one of three head coaches in Rangers history who have guided the team to the playoffs in at least four consecutive seasons (Lester Patrick and Emile Francis). Entering this season, Vigneault was tied for second among NHL head coaches in playoff series coached (20) and playoff games coached (117) since 2007. The only NHL head coaches who have coached in as many playoff series and games over the span are Joel Quenneville and Mike Babcock.

KING HENRIK
Henrik Lundqvist established a single-game playoff career-high with 54 saves in Game 2 at Montreal. Lundqvist's 54 saves were also the most he has made in any game of his NHL career (regular season or playoffs), and according to the Elias Sports Bureau, his 54 saves were the most a Rangers goaltender has made in a playoff game since expansion (1967-68). Lundqvist has posted a 2-2 record, along with a 1.89 GAA and a .944 SV% thus far in the playoffs this year. He leads the NHL in saves (134) and ranks fourth in the NHL in SV% in the 2017 Playoffs. Lundqvist leads all active NHL goaltenders in career playoff appearances (120), career playoff wins (57), and career playoff shutouts (10). In addition, he is the Rangers' all-time leader in playoff appearances, wins, and shutouts. Lundqvist has started 119 consecutive playoff games, dating back to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against New Jersey in 2006. Lundqvist is one of three goaltenders in NHL history who have started at least 100 consecutive playoff games with one franchise (Brodeur - New Jersey; Roy - Colorado).

RICK ROLLING
Rick Nash has tallied a goal/point in seven of his last 12 games (dating back to the regular season), tallying seven goals over the span. He has registered 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in his last 13 playoff games, dating back to Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final in 2015 against Tampa Bay. In addition, Nash has notched a point in six of his last seven playoff games on the road, registering 11 points (five goals, six assists) in those seven contests.

FAST FACTS
Jesper Fast is tied for the team lead in points (two), assists (one), plus/minus rating (plus-three), and hits (19) in the 2017 Playoffs. He has recorded a point in each of the Rangers' two wins thus far in the 2017 Playoffs.

UP FOR GRABS
Michael Grabner has tallied a goal/point in two of the Rangers' four playoff games this year, and he is tied for third in the NHL in goals in the playoffs in 2017 (two). Grabner was one of three NHL players who registered at least 27 goals and a plus-22 rating during the regular season in 2016-17 (along with Connor McDavid and T.J. Oshie).

CAPTAIN MAC
Ryan McDonagh was selected as the Rangers' MVP this season, becoming the third defenseman to win the award at least twice (Brian Leetch and Barry Beck). McDonagh established a career-high in assists this season (36), and he was one of six NHL defensemen who recorded at least 40 points and a plus-20 rating in 2016-17. The Rangers captain recorded his 27th career playoff assist as a Ranger in Game 4 vs. Montreal, passing James Patrick for the fourth-most playoff assists by a Rangers defenseman in franchise history. The only Rangers defensemen who have tallied more career playoff assists than McDonagh are Brian Leetch, Brad Park, and Ron Greschner.

KREID-ING HIGH
Chris Kreider established career-highs in goals (28) and points (53), and he tied his career-high in assists (25) this season. He also led the Rangers in goals and games with a goal (24) in 2016-17. Kreider ranks 10th on the Rangers' all-time playoff goals list (20), and he is tied for 10th in the NHL in playoff goals since the start of the 2012 Playoffs. Kreider is expected to skate in his 70th career playoff game with the Rangers in Game 5 at Montreal. He would become the 13th skater (and 15th player) to appear in at least 70 playoff games with the Rangers in franchise history, and he would tie Mark Messier and Jeff Beukeboom for 11th place on the franchise's all-time playoff games played list (among skaters).

SKJEI HEY KID
Brady Skjei tallied his first career NHL playoff goal in Game 3 vs. Montreal. He recorded 39 points this season, and his 39 points were the most a Rangers defenseman tallied in his rookie season since Brian Leetch in 1988-89. Skjei led NHL rookies in even strength assists in 2016-17 (27). According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Skjei became the first NHL defenseman to record at least 27 even strength assists in his rookie season since Larry Murphy in 1980-81.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Power Play:

• The Rangers were 0-for-2 (2:34) in Game 4 vs. Montreal.
• The Blueshirts were 13-for-38 (34.2%) on the power play over the final 15 regular season games (from Mar. 9 until the end of the regular season) and led the NHL in power play efficiency over the span.

Penalty Kill:

• The Rangers were 3-for-3 (4:34) in Game 4 vs. Montreal.
• Dating back to the regular season, New York has not allowed a power play goal against in seven of its last nine games (22-for-25; 88.0%).
• The Blueshirts tied for sixth in the NHL in SHG in the regular season in 2016-17 (nine). 

INJURIES (0 Man-Games Lost to Injury in Playoffs)
None

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Apr. 16 - Recalled Magnus Hellberg from Hartford (AHL)
Apr. 14 - Agreed to terms with Steven Kampfer on a new contract

THIS DAY IN RANGERS HISTORY

• Apr. 19, 1990 - Bernie Nicholls registered a hat trick and added an assist as the Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals, 7-3, in Game 1 of the Patrick Division Finals at MSG.
• Apr. 19, 2013 - Brad Richards tallied his first career NHL hat trick and the Rangers established a franchise record for the fastest five goals scored by recording five goals in a span of 2:58. The Blueshirts defeated the Buffalo Sabres, 8-4.
• Apr. 20, 1950 - Don Raleigh registered his second overtime goal in as many games, tallying the game-winner 1:38 into the extra session as the Rangers defeated the Detroit Red Wings, 2-1, in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.
• Apr. 20, 1980 - Ron Duguay tallied a hat trick as the Rangers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers, 4-2, in Game 4 of the Quarterfinals at MSG.
• Apr. 20, 1997 - Wayne Gretzky registered his first playoff goal, assist, and point as a Ranger, and Mike Richter stopped all 31 shots he faced as the Rangers defeated the Florida Panthers, 3-0, in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

NYR TODAY Thursday 4/20: Rangers vs Canadiens Game 5 Preview, Alumni Birthday, Today in Rangers History

NEW YORK RANGERS GAME DAY PREVIEW
Rangers look to use momentum heading into Game 5

NEW YORK RANGERS vs MONTREAL CANADIENS EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS GAME 5
Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, CN 7:00 PM, TV: MSG, USA, CBC, TVA Sports RADIO: 98.7 WEPN

Coming off their first win at home in 5 playoff games the Rangers will look to use the momentum and earn their second win at the Bell Centre.

The Rangers will most likely go with the same lineup as game four as during yesterday's practice the lines and pairings were kept intact for the most part. The only exception was both Pavel Buchnevich and Tanner Glass rotating shifts on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. Buchenevich and Galss both rotated at the previous practice on Monday as well.

Rick Nash is on a roll picking up his 2nd goal of the playoffs in Tuesday's match up, continuing to be a major factor for the Rangers offense.

Henrik Lundqvist coming off a 23 save performance will once again mind the twine for the Rangers as he has been the one steady factor in the lineup since game one.

NYR Alumni Birthday April 20:

Dylan McIlrath D (2013-2016)

Today in NYR History April 20:

1950: Don Raleigh becomes the first player in Stanley Cup Playoff history to score in overtime in back-to-back games during the Final when he beats Harry Lumley 1:38 into OT to give the New York Rangers a 2-1 victory against the Detroit Red Wings in Game 5 at Olympia Stadium. 

1997: Wayne Gretzky scores his first playoff goal as a Ranger and Mike Richter makes 31 saves in a 3-0 shutout of the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

RNYRF 2017 PLAYOFFS POST GAME RECAP: RANGERS vs CANADIENS, GAME 4 4.18.17

Rangers Down Habs 2-1 Even Series 2-2

In what was a much better team showing and a much better crowd showing the Rangers won their first home playoff game in the last 6 games played at MSG.

A nice full 60 minute performance by the Rangers with 23 saves from Henrik Lundqvist helped the Rangers pick up the win.

Jesper Fast put the Rangers ahead 1-0 close to the halfway point of the first period. The Rangers held the lead until less than two minutes left in the first when Torrey Mitchell scored on a Canadiens 2 on 1 break against Rangers D-Man Nick Holden. The play actually should have been called back due to both the Rangers and Montreal both having too many men on the ice.

 Rangers coach Alain Vigneault adamantly went after the linesman before the start of the second period complaining about the missed call and subsequent Canadiens goal.

Just under five minutes into the second period Rick Nash took a pass from Ryan McDonagh and crashed the net putting one by Canadiens goaltender Carey Price for the 2-1 lead and the eventual game winning goal.

The third period was a very chippy period with many penalties left uncalled, two by Canadiens Alexander Radulov on Rangers Brendan Smith. One a slash across the wrist which sent Smith to the bench in severe pain and a second by Radulov again on Smith, an elbow that opened a cut on Smith.

What carries over into game 5 come Thursday in Montreal will be seen.

EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS ROUND 1 GAME 4
SERIES TIED 2-2

FINAL GAME REPORT

NEW YORK RANGERS 2 MONTREAL CANADIENS 1

POWER PLAY: NYR 0/2 MTL 0/3

SHOTS ON GOAL: NYR 32  MTL 24

GOALTENDERS:
Montreal - C. Price (30 SV)
New York - H. Lundqvist (23 SV)

SCORING SUMMARY
1ST PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
11:39 New York Jesper Fast (1) 0-1
18:37 Montreal Torrey Mitchell (1) ASST: Shea Weber (2), Alexander Radulov (4) 1-1
2ND PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
04:28 New York Rick Nash (2) ASST: Ryan McDonagh (1) 1-2
3RD PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
No Scoring

PENALTY SUMMARY
1ST PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
13:25 Montreal Andrew Shaw - Tripping - 2 minutes
14:21 New York Rick Nash - Goaltender Interference - 2 minutes
15:59 Montreal Alexander Radulov - High-sticking - 2 minutes
19:55 New York Ryan McDonagh - Slashing - 2 minutes
2ND PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
17:28 New York Derek Stepan - Hooking - 2 minutes
3RD PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
No Penalties

NYR STARS OF THE GAME: 

1. RICK NASH

2. HENRIK LUNDQVIST

BROADWAY HAT:

RICK NASH

NYR TODAY Tuesday 4/18: Rangers vs Canadiens Preview, Rangers & Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NEW YORK RANGERS GAME DAY PREVIEW
Rangers Aim to Tie Series at Two

NEW YORK RANGERS vs MONTREAL CANADIENS 
EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS GAME 4 Montreal leads Series 2-1
Madison Square Garden, NYC 7:00 PM, TV: MSG, NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports RADIO: 98.7 WEPN

Coming of a 3-1 loss on Sunday in what Coach Alain Vigneault termed a bad time to have a very ordinary game the Rangers will look to move forward and make some possible changes in the lineup.

Monday at practice the Rangers used the lines of Jimmy Vesey, Derek Stepan, Rick Nash; Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, Tanner Glass/Pavel Buchnevich; JT Miller, Kevin Hayes, Mats Zuccarello; Michael Grabner, Oscar Lindberg, Jesper Fast.

Tonight might possibly mark the first post season appearance of Pavel Buchnevich with Tanner Glass being the odd man out.

As far as the defense goes it looks as though Nick Holden who was scratched in Sunday's contest may return. On defense during practice the Rangers had Ryan McDonagh paired with Dan Girardi, Marc Staal paired with Nick Holden, Brady Skjei with Brendan Smith and a fourth pair of Steven Kampfer and Kevin Klein.

As far as what the actual lineup will be, Vigneault was very vague only stating "I'm not getting into, we have nine defensemen, and 15 forwards and I will decide."

New York Rangers Birthday

Mika Zibanejad 2016-Present

Center #93

Born: April 18, 1993 in Stockholm, Sweden

2011: 1st Rnd, 6th by Ottawa Senators. Acquired by NY Rangers in exchange for Derek Brassard 

NYR Alumni Birthdays April 18:

Valeri Kamensky LW (1999-2001) Dan LaCouture LW (2003-2004)

Today in NYR History April 18:

1994: THe Rangers defeat the NY Islanders by the score of 6-0 for the second straight game to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

1995: Brian Leetch ties a franchise record with five assists in a game and sets franchise records for assists and points by a defenseman in a game with five against Pittsburgh.

1999: Wayne Gretzky says goodbye to the NHL as only he can.

Before a packed house at Madison Square Garden, Gretzky earns the 2,857th and final point of his NHL career, an assist in the New York Rangers' 2-1 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in their final game of the season.

Before the game, the festivities include videotaped messages from Gordie Howe, his boyhood idol. After Pittsburgh's Jaromir Jagr ends the game by scoring at 1:22 of OT, Gretzky takes a few laps around the Garden ice; they are reminiscent of the ones he took with the Stanley Cup during his days with the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980s.

Gretzky is still in uniform when he meets the media; when that's done, he sits for a while longer, allowing the moment to linger.

"Probably, subconsciously, I don't want to take it off,'' he says when asked why he hasn't changed. "I'm not going to pull it on ever again. It's hard. It's hard to take it off right now. I have to be honest with you. I don't want to take it off.  

"I was a boy that happened to love a game and got lucky, and the good Lord gave me a passion for it."

2007: The Rangers defeat the Atlanta Thrashers, 4-2, to complete the sweep in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

2008: Jaromir Jagr scores a goal and two assists in a 5-3 win over the Devils in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. The Rangers win the series, 4-1.

RNYRF 2017 PLAYOFFS POST GAME WRAP UP: RANGERS vs CANADIENS 4.16.17

Rangers home woes continue lose to Habs 3-1

Henrik Lundqvist came to play, his teammates on the other hand did not. With an almost non-existent home crowd behind them the Rangers showed just as much emotion as their fans tonight at MSG.

Montreal riding their 4-3 overtime win on Friday came to play while the Rangers didn't seem to wan to return the conviction on home ice and dropped their sixth straight home playoff loss.

It took almost 38 minutes for a scoreless game to be broken on a power play goal by Montreal's Arturri Lehkonen after J.T. Miller was called for a faceoff violation for moving the puck with his hand.

The Canadiens rode the momentum of that goal into the third period and picked up another power play goal with 25 seconds left on a 4 minute power play by Shea Weber after Mats Zuccarello was called for a high stick that cut the Montreal player.  Adding a goal with less than 5 minutes to go, Alexander Radulov put the game away with the Habs third of the game.

rangers Brady Skjei broke Carey Price's shutout bid with 2:56 to go in regulation but the existing 2 goal lead was not to be overcome by the Rangers.

Montreal now leads the series 2 games to one.

Game 4 is once again at MSG on Tuesday at 7:00 PM.

EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS GAME 3

FINAL GAME REPORT
NEW YORK RANGERS 1 MONTREAL CANADIENS 3

POWER PLAY: NYR 0/3 MTL 2/3

SHOTS ON GOAL: NYR 21  MTL 30

GOALTENDERS:
Montreal - C. Price (20 SV)
New York - H. Lundqvist (26 SV)

SCORING SUMMARY
1ST PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
No Scoring
2ND PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
17:37 Montreal PPG - Artturi Lehkonen (1) ASST: Brendan Gallagher (2), Tomas Plekanec (2) 1-0
3RD PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
07:42 Montreal PPG - Shea Weber (1) ASST: Alex Galchenyuk (2), Alexander Radulov (3) 2-0
15:35 Montreal Alexander Radulov (2) ASST: Phillip Danault (2) 3-0
17:04 New York Brady Skjei (1) ASST: Kevin Klein (1), Mika Zibanejad (1) 3-1

PENALTY SUMMARY
1ST PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
03:52 Montreal Jeff Petry - Hooking - 2 minutes
15:29 Montreal Alex Galchenyuk - High-sticking - 2 minutes
2ND PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
16:05 New York J.T. Miller - Face-off Violation - 2 minutes
3RD PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
04:07 New York Mats Zuccarello - High-sticking - 4 minutes
09:10 Montreal Artturi Lehkonen - Interference - 2 minutes

NYR TODAY Sunday 4/16: Rangers vs Canadiens Game 3 Preview, Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NEW YORK RANGERS GAME DAY PREVIEW
Easter Sunday Showdown at MSG

NEW YORK RANGERS vs MONTREAL CANADIENS 
EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS GAME 3 SERIES TIED 1-1
Madison Square Garden, NYC 7:00 PM, TV: MSG, NBCSN, SN, TVA Sports RADIO: 98.7 WEPN

Round one continues to night at Madison Square Garden as the Rangers look to regain the series lead. Coming off a disappointing overtime loss on Friday Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers will take on the Canadiens in a place that has been too friendly during the regular season, home ice.

 Although the Rangers won their final regular season home game 3-2 just a week ago against the Pittsburgh Penguins having posted a 21-16-4 record at the World's Most Famous Arena.

Even though he picked up the loss on Friday, Lundqvist is coming in off a 53 save performance. Michael Grabner picked up his second goal of the series versus Montreal while Rick Nash and Mats Zuccarello picked up their first goals of the post season.

The Rangers did not hold practice yesterday so with the exception of Lundqvist starting the lineup has yet to be determined. Possibly look for changes to be made on defense as both Marc Staal and Nick Holden had troubles in game two. The Rangers could see Kevin Klein, Adam Clendening, Steven Kampfer or a combination of any of those three make their post season debuts tonight.

NYR Alumni Birthday April 16:  

Mike York C (1997-1999)

Today in NYR History April 16:

1992: Brian Leetch becomes just the fifth defenseman in NHL history to record 100 points in a season. Leetch tallies a goal and three assists in the final game of the 1991-92 season to finish with 102 points and team record 50th Win.

RNYRF PLAYOFFS POST GAME WRAP UP, GAME 2: RANGERS vs CANADIENS 4.14.17

Rangers Fall in OT to Habs 4-3 Series tied 1-1

Despite a 53 save performance by Henrik Lundqvist the Rangers fell in overtime to the Montreal Canadiens.

Playing catch up after Henrik Lundqvist had broken his stick and the Rangers failed to get a replacement, Montreal's Jeff Petry was able to put one past on the blocker side for the 1-0 lead. Michael Grabner tied the game nine minutes later on a beautiful breakaway backhand on Carey Price. But Montreal was able to retake the lead just two minutes later when Paul Byron pu them ahead 2-1 taking the lead into intermission.

The Rangers scored two unanswered goals in the second period, one from Rick Nash on a top shelf shot over Price and a deflection off the stick of Mats Zuccarello.

The Rangers held the lead for almost all of the third Period, surviving barrage and barrage in their zone by Montreal. The Canadiens tied the game with 17.3 seconds to go when Tomas Plecanic deflected one in off Rangers defenseman Nick Holden.

Looking lackluster in the overtime period the Rangers were still able to hold on but lost with 1:26 to go when Alexander Radulov scored the winning goal for Montreal.

With the series tied 1-1 it now heads to Madison Square Garden for games 3 & 4  on Sunday and Tuesday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS ROUND 1 GAME 2
FINAL GAME REPORT 

NEW YORK RANGERS 3 MONTREAL CANADIENS 4 FINAL OT

POWER PLAY: NYR 0/3 MTL 0/3

SHOTS ON GOAL: NYR   MTL

GOALTENDERS:
New York - H. Lundqvist (53 SV)
Montreal - C. Price (34 SV)

SCORING SUMMARY
1ST PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
04:05 Montreal Jeff Petry (1) ASST: Phillip Danault (1), Alexander Radulov (1) 0-1
13:48 New York Michael Grabner (2) 1-1 Today in
15:42 Montreal Paul Byron (1) ASST: Brendan Gallagher (1), Tomas Plekanec (1) 1-2
2ND PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
09:58 New York Rick Nash (1) ASST: Jimmy Vesey (1), Nick Holden (1) 2-2
14:47 New York Mats Zuccarello (1) ASST: Brendan Smith (1), Derek Stepan (1) 3-2
3RD PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
19:42 Montreal Tomas Plekanec (1) ASST: Alexander Radulov (2), Alex Galchenyuk (1) 3-3
OT PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
18:34 Montreal Alexander Radulov (1) ASST: Max Pacioretty (1), Shea Weber (1) 3-4

PENALTY SUMMARY
1ST PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
No Penalties
2ND PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
04:51 Montreal Alexander Radulov - Slashing - 2 minutes
07:05 New York Mats Zuccarello - Roughing - 2 minutes, Served by Chris Kreider
07:05 New York Mats Zuccarello - Roughing - 2 minutes
07:05 Montreal Shea Weber - Fighting - 5 minutes
07:05 New York J.T. Miller - Fighting - 5 minutes
07:05 Montreal Jordie Benn - Roughing - 2 minutes
11:30 New York Brady Skjei - Roughing - 2 minutes
14:52 Montreal Jordie Benn - Interference - 2 minutes
18:47 Montreal Alexander Radulov - High-sticking - 2 minutes
3RD PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
00:57 New York Mats Zuccarello - Stick Holding - 2 minutes
OT PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
02:15 New York Chris Kreider - Slashing - 2 minutes

NYR TODAY Friday 4/14: Rangers vs Canadiens Preview, Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NEW YORK RANGERS GAME DAY PREVIEW
Rangers Look to Take Two in Montreal

NEW YORK RANGERS vs MONTREAL CANADIENS
Bell Centre, Motreal, Quebec, Canada, 7:00 PM, TV: MSG, USA, CBC, TVA Sports RADIO: 98.7 WEPN

Taking game one in Montreal on Wednesday with a 2-0 shutout the Rangers will look to spoil home ice advantage for the Habs and head to Madison Square Garden for games three and four up two games to none.

Expect another goaltending battle between Henrik Lundqvst, the game's first star and Carey Price, the game's third star who both shined in Wednesday's opening game of the series. Going by Thursday's practice the Rangers will be going with the same forward lines and defense pairs for game two as in game one.

The Rangers shutout of Montreal on Wednesday was only the second time the Canadiens have been shut out on home ice during the playoffs in franchise history.

Wednesday's victory also marked Henrik Lundqvist tenth career playoff shutout, moving him head of Mike Richter (9) into the franchise record books at number one.

Rangers Lineup vs Montreal Game 2:

Forwards:
Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan, Mats Zuccarello
Jimmy Vesey, Mika Zibanejad, Rick Nash
Michael Grabner, Kevin Hayes, JT Miller
Tanner Glass, Oscar Lindberg, Jesper Fast

Defense:
Ryan McDonagh - Dan Girardi
Marc Staal - Nick Holden
Brady Skjei - Brendan Smith

Starter:
Henrik Lundqvist

Backup:
Antti Raanta

Scratches: Pavel Buchnevich, Brandon Pirri, Matt Puempel, Adam Clendening. Kevin Klein, Steven Kampfer

NYR Alumni Birthday April 14:

Dave Archibald C (1989-1990) Jeff Finley D (1997-1998) Steve LaRouche C (1995-1996)

Today in NYR History April 14:

1928: The Rangers capture their first Stanley Cup with a 2-1 win in Game 5 against the Montreal Maroons.

RNYRF 2017 PLAYOFFS GAME 1 POST GAME WRAP UP: RANGERS vs CANADIENS 4.12.17

Rangers, Lundqvist Shutout Habs 2-0  to take Series Lead 1-0

31 saves and goals by Tanner Glass and Michael Grabner is what it took for Henrik Lundqvist to get his first shutout of the 2017 Postseason.

Looking a bit tentative in the first period but still able to take a 1-0 lead on Tanner Glass' series opener goal into intermission the Rangers were able to elevate their play in the second and third periods to hold off the Montreal Canadiens. Glass' goal was the game winner and the insurance goal, an empty net goal by Michael Grabner with 1:10 helped seal the victory at the Bell Centre.

In what was thought to be a goaltender's series didn't disappoint as Lundqvist stopped all 31 shots he faced and counterpart Carey Price stopped all but one of the 30 he faced.

The Rangers looked extremely strong in the second and third periods taking their game to the home team. the only drawback of the night was an 0-4 power play that looked back to square one after tallying a goal in each of their last 15 regular season games.

Rangers & Montreal meet again for Game Two in Montreal on Friday at 7:00 PM.

EASTERN CONFERENCE ROUND 1 GAME 1

FINAL GAME REPORT RANGERS LEAD SERIES 1-0

NEW YORK RANGERS 2 MONTREAL CANADIENS 0
POWER PLAY: NYR 0/4 MTL 0/3

SHOTS ON GOAL: NYR 30 MTL 31

GOALTENDERS:
New York - H. Lundqvist (31 SV)
Montreal - C. Price (29 SV)

SCORING SUMMARY
1ST PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
09:50 New York Tanner Glass (1) 1-0
2ND PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
No Scoring
3RD PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
18:50 New York EN - Michael Grabner (1) ASST: Jesper Fast (1) 2-0

PENALTY SUMMARY
1ST PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
04:15 Montreal Brendan Gallagher - Tripping - 2 minutes
15:39 New York Ryan McDonagh - Interference - 2 minutes
17:35 New York Brendan Smith - High-sticking - 2 minutes
2ND PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
14:37 New York J.T. Miller - Delay of Game - 2 minutes
15:35 Montreal Alex Galchenyuk - Face-off Violation - 2 minutes
16:29 Montreal Brendan Gallagher - Holding - 2 minutes
3RD PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
14:20 Montreal Phillip Danault - Tripping - 2 minutes
19:35 Montreal Brendan Gallagher - Roughing - 2 minutes
19:35 Montreal Andrei Markov - Misconduct - 10 minutes
19:35 New York Mats Zuccarello - Roughing - 2 minutes

NYR STARS OF THE GAME: 

1. HENRIK LUNDQVIST

2. TANNER GLASS

BROADWAY HAT:

HENRIK LUNDQVIST

NYR TODAY Wednesday 4/12: Rangers vs Canadiens Preview, Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NEW YORK RANGERS GAME DAY PREVIEW
Original Six Rivalry Renewed

NEW YORK RANGERS vs MONTRAL CANADIENS
Bell Centre, Motreal, Quebec, Canada, 7:00 PM, TV: MSG, NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports RADIO: 98.7 WEPN

The second season starts tonight in Montreal as the Rangers face off against the Canadiens in the first-round of the Eastern Conference playoff series. This will be the second time in three years and the 16th time in NHL History that the Canadiens and Rangers will face off in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the Rangers holding an 8-7 edge.

With a mix of rookies and veterans rolling up front the Rangers will depend on all four lines to get things done against Montreal. Henrik Lundqvist will once again lead the way in net for the Rangers matching up against Montreal's Carey Price.  Lifetime, Lundqvist is 14-17-3 in the regular season against the Canadiens.

Coming into tonight's game the Rangers led the league in road victories with 27 and were the highest-scoring team in third periods during the regular season.

Rangers Probable Lineup vs Montreal Game 1:

Forwards:
Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan, Mats Zuccarello
Jimmy Vesey, Mika Zibanejad, Rick Nash
Michael Grabner, Kevin Hayes, JT Miller
Tanner Glass, Oscar Lindberg, Jesper Fast

Defense:
Ryan McDonagh - Dan Girardi
Marc Staal - Nick Holden
Brady Skjei - Brendan Smith

Starter:
Henrik Lundqvist

Backup:
Antti Raanta

Scratches: Pavel Buchnevich, Brandon Pirri, Matt Puempel, Taylor Beck, Adam Clendening. Kevin Klein, Steven Kampfer

NYR Alumni Birthday April 12:

Adam Graves LW (1991-2001) Roman Hamrlik D (2012-2013) Kristoff Oliwa LW (2002-2003) Tim Sweeney RW (1997-1998)

Today in NYR History April 12:

1994: The Rangers win their 52nd game of the 1993-94 season to establish a franchise record that would stand until the 2014-15 season.

NYR TODAY Monday 4/10: Playoff Schedule, Alumni & Rangers Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NHL Announces First Round Playoff Schedules

NEW YORK RANGERS vs MONTREAL CANADIENS
ROUND 1 PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

Wednesday, April 12, 7pm: Rangers @ Canadiens | CBC, TVA Sports, NBCSN

Friday, April 14, 7pm: Rangers @ Canadiens | CBC, TVA Sports, USA

Sunday, April 16, 7pm: Canadiens @ Rangers | NBCSN, Sportsnet, TVA Sports

Tuesday, April 18, 7pm: Canadiens @ Rangers | NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports

*Thursday, April 20, TBD: Rangers @ Canadiens | TBD

*Saturday, April 22, TBD: Canadiens @ Rangers | TBD

*Monday, April 24, TBD: Rangers @ Canadiens | TBD

NYR Alumni Birthdays April 10:

Sean Avery LW (2006-2008, 2008-2012) Norm Gainor C (1931-1932) Chris Kenady RW (1999-2000) Mel Read C (1946-1947)

NEW YORK RANGERS BIRTHDAY

Brandon Pirri Born: April 10, 1991 Toronto, Canada
Right Wing/Center Number: 73

Signed a an Unrestricted Free Agent by the Rangers on August 25, 2016

Today in NYR History April 10:

2012: The Rangers sign Chris Kreider to his first NHL contract.

NEW YORK RANGERS POST GAME WRAP UP: RANGERS VS CANADIENS 3/4

Rangers fall flat on Garden Ice, Lose to Habs 4-1

Another game where the Rangers started the game out slow and let the opposition take control early on.

With sustained pressure in the Rangers Zone and taking advantage of a defection off Adam Clendening, a misplayed puck by Herik Lundqvist combined with a missed assignment by Ryan McDonagh, a lost puck after a shoulder save by Lundqvist ending in a wraparound goal by Motreal the Rangers were down by 3 goals heading into the third period. The Rangers started a comeback when Chris Kreider scored an early 3rd Period goal but hopes were dashed when Montreal scored from the blueline after a faceoff win which deflected in off Marc Staal's skate in front.

A hard loss to swallow for the Rangers facing a team that they might see in the first round of the playoffs.

The Rangers will now travel to Florida for two games, facing Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday and Florida Panthers on Tuesday.

FINAL GAME REPORT 

NEW YORK RANGERS 1 MONTREAL CANADIENS 4
POWER PLAY: NYR 0/0 MTL 0/1

SHOTS ON GOAL: NYR 27  MTL 35

GOALTENDERS:
Montreal - C. Price (26 SV)
New York - H. Lundqvist (31 SV)

SCORING SUMMARY
1ST PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
12:51 Montreal Shea Weber (15) ASST: Max Pacioretty (26), Steve Ott (4) 1-0
2ND PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
08:48 Montreal Artturi Lehkonen (12) ASST: Phillip Danault (21), Max Pacioretty (27) 2-0
18:37 Montreal Andrew Shaw (10) ASST: Alex Galchenyuk (21), Andrei Markov (24) 3-0
3RD PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS SCORE
01:44 New York Chris Kreider (24) ASST: Derek Stepan (32), Mats Zuccarello (33) 3-1
06:58 Montreal Jordie Benn (3) ASST: Nathan Beaulieu (21), Alex Galchenyuk (22) 4-1

PENALTY SUMMARY
1ST PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
No Penalties
2ND PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
No Penalties
3RD PERIOD
TIME TEAM DETAILS
16:45 Montreal Brendan Gallagher - Goaltender Interference - 2 minutes
16:45 New York Marc Staal - Roughing - 2 minutes
17:43 New York Brady Skjei - Hooking - 2 minutes

Rangers vs. Canadiens 2.21.17: Postgame Notes

Team Notes

• POINT TAKEN - The Rangers have earned at least one point in eight of their last nine games (7-1-1 record over the span), as well as in 11 of their last 14 contests (10-3-1 record over the span).
• HOME COOKING - The Blueshirts have earned at least one point in each of their last six home games, dating back to Feb. 5 vs. Calgary (5-0-1 record over the span).

• TWO GOOD - The Rangers have allowed two goals or fewer in regulation in 10 of the last 14 games and in 36 of 59 games this season. The Blueshirts have posted a 30-4-2 record in those 36 contests in 2016-17.
• ON POINT - Rangers defensemen registered two assists in tonight's game, and a defenseman notched a point on each of the team's two goals in the contest. Blueshirts defensemen have tallied 12 points (five goals, seven assists) over the last five games.
• SHOOTING GALLERY - The Rangers recorded 30 shots on goal in tonight's game, and 15 of 18 skaters registered at least one shot on goal in the contest. The Blueshirts have registered at least 30 shots on goal in eight of the last 11 contests and in 13 of the last 18 games.
• FULL HOUSE - Tonight's game was the Rangers' 217th consecutive regular season sellout and the Blueshirts' 258th consecutive sellout (regular season and playoffs combined). The Rangers' sellout streak dates back to Nov. 3, 2011.

Blueshirt Breakdown

• Rick Nash registered a goal, which was his 30th point of the 2016-17 season, tied for the game-high with five shots on goal, and was selected as the Second Star of tonight's contest. Nash has registered at least 30 points in each of his 14 NHL seasons. He extended his point streak to three games (one goal, two assists), and he has also recorded a point in four of the last five games (two goals, two assists).
• Henrik Lundqvist stopped 26 of 28 shots he faced in regulation/overtime in tonight's contest, including all 10 shots he faced in the third period and overtime. Lundqvist has allowed two goals or fewer in nine of his last 13 appearances, posting a 9-2-1 record, along with a 2.00 GAA, a .936 SV%, and 1 SO in those 13 contests. Lundqvist and another goalie who has won the Vezina Trophy have both started in the same regular season game 165 times during Lundqvist's career; Lundqvist has posted a 98-51-16 record, along with a 2.22 GAA, a .921 SV%, and 15 SO in those contests.
• Oscar Lindberg tallied a goal and posted a plus-one rating in tonight's game. He has tallied four points (two goals, two assists) in the last seven contests.
• Mats Zuccarello tallied a shootout goal and recorded two shots on goal while logging 20:07 of ice time in the contest. He is the Rangers' all-time leader in shootout goals (18) and has posted a 51.4% shooting percentage in the shootout in his NHL career (18-for-35). In addition, Zuccarello has recorded a goal on three of his four shootout attempts this season (75.0%), and he leads the Blueshirts in shootout goals in 2016-17 (three).
• Ryan McDonagh notched an assist, recorded three shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating while skating in a game-high 26:11 of ice time. The Rangers captain added to his career-high in assists (31), and as of the conclusion of tonight's game, he ranks fifth among NHL defensemen in primary assists this season (19). McDonagh has recorded six points (one goal, five assists) in the last nine games, and he leads Rangers defensemen in assists and points (34) in 2016-17. He has led the Rangers in ice time in 53 of 58 games he has played this season.
• Brady Skjei registered an assist, tied for the game-high with two takeaways, recorded two shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating in 19:06 of ice time. He has recorded 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) and a plus-10 rating over the last 14 games. Skjei has tallied eight assists/points in the last 10 games, including seven assists/points in the last eight contests. As of the conclusion of tonight's game, he ranks fourth among NHL defensemen in even strength assists in 2016-17 (22).
• Jesper Fast recorded an assist, was credited with four hits, registered two shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating in 10:53 of ice time. Fast is tied for fifth among Rangers forwards in even strength assists in 2016-17 (14), and he has tallied all of his 18 points this season at even strength (four goals, 14 assists).
• Jimmy Vesey tallied an assist in 15:15 of ice time in tonight's contest. He has registered a point in three of the last four games (two goals, one assist over the span).
• Marc Staal skated in his 667th career game with the Rangers in tonight's contest, passing Dean Prentice for sole possession of 15th place on the franchise's all-time games played list.

- New York Rangers