Hate to say “I told ya so.” Well, maybe I don’t really hate to say it, but I told ya so. The Rangers, once again, answered the bell in a character-test weekend, shaking off the cobwebs of their little 0-1-1 slump, which really wasn’t very good at all, and responding with a pair of impressive […]
“Adversity does not build character, it reveals it.” Okay, James Lane Allen’s famous quote might be a tad dramatic for this latest rough spot in the Rangers’ schedule. But seasons are patches of tests – failures and successes – and character is constantly tested. For most of the last half dozen years or so, the […]
I keep hearing a lot about the standings, and how the Rangers, despite this run they’ve been on since Oct. 31, are still on the outside of the playoff picture heading into Monday’s game against Dallas. Well, yeah. But let’s be realistic. They’re sixth in the Metropolitan Division, but just two points out of third, […]
If the Rangers are to get back to their “Kings of the Road” reputation, this watershed week would be a good time to start. The Rangers begin a litmus test week Tuesday in Pittsburgh, then Friday in Washington – against two familiar foes, both during regular seasons and recent playoffs – then host the surprising […]
So here are the Rangers, 24 games into the season, and still forging an identity. Lately, that identity has been similar to that of the first two seasons under coach Alain Vigneault, which is to say, the “Find-A-Way” Rangers. In their last two games, they have most certainly been that: Slow starts, important third-period goals, […]
As the Rangers practiced, then broke for turkey, they had a fair amount for which to be thankful. For example: Henrik Lundqvist has gotten back at or near the top of his game. Was there ever any doubt? (That’s rhetorical.) But I will admit, I had some doubt. A little bit anyway. He’s never been […]
Some thoughts as the Rangers near the one-quarter mark of their season: 1. Henrik Lundqvist will get his eighth consecutive start in goal against Columbus Friday two nights after his and the team’s six-game winning streak ended in Chicago. One thing coach Alain Vigneault didn’t do before this season was place a limit on the […]
Kevin Hayes’ game changed on June 23. He always had the size and last season he added more speed. And he’s got tremendous hands, offensive skills and instincts. That much was obvious. But on June 23, more responsibility – especially in the defensive zone – was heaped on the center’s still young (25) shoulders. That […]
Look, the Rangers knew coming into this season that there were some “ifs.” They knew that for things to turn right in the wake of losing No. 1 center Derek Stepan, long-time defenseman Dan Girardi — both of them alternate captains and team leaders – and to a lesser degree Oscar Lindberg and Kevin Klein, […]
Hey, more power to the Rangers. They have now crawled back to respectability (aka NHL-.500) with four straight wins, and though all is not perfect, the Rangers have a pulse and a purpose. Because, mostly, they are the Power Rangers. The Rangers’ three power-play goals in the third period Monday gave them a 5-3 win […]
