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Lyle Richardson

LyleRichardson@THNews

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Remy Mastey·1d·Partner

Matt Rempe Is Progressing And Working His Way Back From Upper-Body Injury

It looks as if Matt Rempe will be able to return this season for the New York Rangers after all. Rempe has missed the past three games with an upper-body injury and was listed as week-to-week. That week-to-week timeline left the possibility of Rempe missing the remainder of the season. However, the 22-year-old forward returned to practice on Tuesday in a non-contact jersey and he was skating in a regular jersey on Friday, being cleared for contact. While he didn’t confirm exactly when Rempe would return, Peter Laviolette seemed optimistic when addressing the subject. “He’s progressing, it’s great to see him out there,” Laviolette said of Rempe. “Regular color (jersey) and being able to bang, he is certainly working his way back. It’s nice to have that.” Laviolette did not confirm if Rempe will be an option to play on Saturday afternoon against the New Jersey Devils.

Remy Mastey·1d·Partner

Adam Edström Hasn't Started Skating But He Continues To Progress From Severe Injury

There hasn’t been an update on Adam Edström’s injury status for a long time now, but on Friday, we finally got one. Edström suffered a lower-body injury on Feb. 1 as he was ruled out for the next two and a half to three and a half months. That’s the last we saw of Edström. The 24-year-old forward has not been seen at any of the New York Rangers’ practices and he’s also yet to make a return to the ice. When asked about it on Friday, Peter Laviolette provided some insight into where Edström is at in his recovery process. “He’s not yet (Skating),” Laviolette said. “He’s looking great though. He’s working out, he’s in here. He’s progressing as well.” With just seven games remaining this season, it’s safe to assume that Edström won’t return for the regular season given the fact that he hasn’t even started skating yet. After playing just 11 games during the 2023-24 campaign, Edström carved out a consistent role in the Rangers’ lineup this year. He transformed into a reliable bottom-six forward who was really making some tremendous strides in his game before getting injured. In 51 games, Edström recorded five goals, four assists, and nine points while averaging 9:16 minutes.

Remy Mastey·2d·Partner

Brennan Othmann's Improvement And Maturity Has Been Nothing Short Of Impressive

Brennan Othmann is beginning to hit his stride with the New York Rangers. Don’t let the fact that he hasn’t scored an NHL goal in his 17 games this season fool you. By just watching him play, you could clearly see his progression. While Othmann showed flashes of promise during training camp, there was just something missing. He didn’t have that aggressive mentality as he appeared a bit timid on the ice. Ultimately, Othmann didn’t make the team despite being one of the last remaining prospects to get sent down to the Hartford Wolf Pack out of training camp. However, he was given his golden chance in February when he was called up by the Rangers. At first, Othmann went through some growing pains and was even forced to serve as a healthy scratch. Instead of pouting about it, Othmann took the situation with stride, showing his maturity and understanding for his development. “Obviously, it's upsetting not playing, but at the same time, I'm excited watching the game and learning from up top,” Othmann said at the time of his benching. Since getting scratched, the 22-year-old forward has elevated his game to new heights. So much so that Peter Laviolette decided to award him with a top-six role, playing on a line with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck. The most noticeable trait that Othmann is putting on display is his fearlessness. Othmann is unafraid to back down and he’s playing a physical brand of hockey that has completely transformed his game. Othmann is playing like a player who’s hungry to make an impact and if he continues on this path, the goals will come, which is why Laviolette isn’t worried about statistics right now. “He just has to keep doing what he’s doing because he’s getting those looks and opportunities,” Laviolette said of Othmann. “He’s playing hard, playing the right way. That line is generating. They are getting pucks to the net, they are in the offensive zone, so he just has to keep doing what he’s doing.” By the way things are looking, Othmann is on track to be an impactful player for the Rangers long into the future.

Remy Mastey·3d·Partner

Will Cuylle Wins Steven McDonald Award, Gabe Perreault Shines, And Rangers Make Ground In Playoff Race

It was a rollercoaster affair, but the New York Rangers defeated the Minnesota Wild 5-4 in overtime on Wednesday night. To start the night, Will Cuylle received the 2024-25 Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, given annually to the Ranger who, as chosen by the fans, "goes above and beyond the call of duty." The award ceremony provided a spark of energy at Madison Square Garden and was a special moment for Cuylle. “It’s a huge honor,” Cuylle said. “Such a long-standing tradition and to see the other names that have won the award, it’s pretty cool to be listed with some of those names… I’m proud of myself. I’m happy that the fans appreciate it. Happy they appreciate my hard work and something I can be proud of and share with my family.” The Rangers started off the game well, possessing the puck and dominating in terms of shots. However, despite a strong 20 minutes and a goal from Braden Schneider, the Rangers still trailed 2-1 after the first period due to a couple of costly mistakes. New York continued pushing the pace in the second period, which translated with goals from K’Andre Miller, Chris Kreider, and Artemi Panarin. With the score tied 4-4 in the third period, the Rangers had some golden opportunities to run away with a victory as they had multiple power plays. The power play has been the Rangers’ Achilles Heel recently and that trend continued against the Wild. The Blueshirts went 0-4 on the man advantage and gave up a shorthanded goal even with all of the changes Peter Laviolette attempted to make with his first unit. “It’s moved around quite a bit,” Laviolette said of the power play. “It’s not like we are sitting stuck on one thing, we are moving things around. Trying different options that we work on in practice. We can look at it and look at the personnel that we have. “What we can do to make it effective inside the game like tonight, so there is no question that special teams can factor into a game. It’s been a real positive for us for a long time, but we are in a little bit of a funk right now with it and we’ll have to get out of it.” The game ultimately went into overtime where Vincent Trocheck scored 24 seconds into the extra period to secure the Rangers a much-needed two points. Maybe the Rangers committed one too many turnovers and their play wasn’t always the prettiest, but aside from that, they were quick, explosive, and displayed a hard-fought effort that earned them a victory. “I liked the way we played,” Laviolette said. “I’d like to clean up a couple of things, but overall, we came out on the attack. We needed a win and guys found a way to do that. It was good to get a W in a game that went up and down, kind of went back and forth. Through the course of the 60 minutes, 61 minutes, I thought we pressured most of the night and pushed most of the night.” The Rangers are now tied with the Montreal Canadiens for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 79 points, but they’ve played one more game than their Canadian rival. Tuesday night also marked Gabe Perreault’s NHL debut. The Rangers signed the 19-year-old forward to a three-year, entry-level contract on Monday and he’s already making an impact. Perreault recorded 13:38 minutes playing on a line with J.T. Miller and Alexis Lafrenière while also serving a role on the second power-play unit. “It was super surreal,” Perreault said about his NHL debut. “Thankful for everyone who helped me get to this point. Obviously having some friends and family in the building was also unreal.” Laviolette seemed to have a lot of trust in Perreault from the start of the game and he was impressed with the young forward. “I thought he was really good,” Laviolette said of Perreault. “You can see his game and the way he thinks the game out there. I thought he jumped in and looked good. I thought all four lines were really good. It was balanced, and we were able to roll them out there. “They all contributed. I thought he played a solid game, jumping into a big situation like that. I'm sure the next one and the one after that, they'll be a little bit more natural for him, as opposed to the first one. But I thought he played really well.” The Rangers will be back in action on Saturday afternoon against the New Jersey Devils.

Stan Fischler·2d·Partner

Who Did Right And Who Did Wrong For The Rangers

THE DO-RIGHTERS: 1. VINCENT TROCHECK: His team needed two points somehow. Didn't matter if it was overtime. Backcheck Trocheck will be needed down this seven-game, make-or-break stretch. For now, YAY, Vinnie for the OT winner! 2. ARTEMI PANARIN: Through this entire holy mess of a New York season, The Breadman has been baking tasty loaves with few turnovers. Matzos coming up soon! He had a goal and two assists. The goal was his bread; the assists, his butter! 3. WILL CUYLLE: Well, somebody had to win the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award. All things considered – his non-stop hustle, rugged play and unexpected goal-scoring – Not So Wee Willie deserved it. 4. GABE PERREAULT: Let's put it nice and simply. In his nervy debut, the fugitive from Boston College certainly didn't hurt the cause and only will get better. 5. CHRIS KREIDER: As bad as his season has been, Kreider's 20th goal of the season should not be overlooked. Who knows? There may be something left in his tank down the stretch. 6. RESILIENCY: Once again the club gave up the first goal but the comeback was more impressive. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE DO-WRONGERS: 1. IGOR SHESTERKIN: These critical games against decent – but not elite – teams like Minnesota demand better than under .900% goaltending. Once again Mister Bankroll escaped with a win. He had better be better against New Jersey on Saturday. Or, else! 2. K'ANDRE MILLER: His giveaways and endless other defensive blunders are a constant debit for a defense that can ill afford such a lack of focus. 3. THOSE SCARY STARTS: The Rangers penchant for allowing the game's first goal is the NHL's definition of playing with fire. 4. MIKA ZIBANEJAD: Once again he fails the Plus-Minus test. This time the defensive dud was the only Ranger with a Minus 2 rating. So what else is new!

Remy Mastey·1d·Partner

The Rangers Feel That ‘The End Is Near’

The New York Rangers are fighting for their playoff lives with seven games remaining. As it stands right now, the Rangers are two points out of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. It’s been a season filled with highs and lows, but the disappointments have been felt far greater than some of the achievements. However, through all of the gut-wrenching moments, the Rangers still have a belief inside the room that they can make the playoffs and be a formidable threat. “I think we have a lot of belief in here,” Braden Schneider said. “I think we know how good we can be and I feel like in these past couple of games, we have really elevated. I think that we have a belief in here that we can keep playing into May. We are confident in what we bring. We just have to make sure that we execute out there.” The Rangers put themselves in this hole early on in the season when the playoffs almost seemed like a pipe dream. They’ve managed to climb their way back into the playoff race. Now, the Rangers are forced to chase the Montreal Canadiens for that highly coveted second wild-card spot while the Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings and New York Islanders don’t trail that far behind. It already feels like the Blueshirts have been playing playoff-caliber games given that their season is on life support. “I feel like they’ve been going on for a while for us,” Schneider said about the playoff-type feeling. “We’ve been right there for the majority of the year and the last 10, 12 games have felt like must-win games. We are definitely building that playoff feel. Everything matters, we have it all on the line. To get in we are going to make sure we are playing like it’s the playoffs.” There’s a feeling of desperation within the Rangers’ locker room that the public doesn't get to see. We are entering the homestretch as every game and every point is critical. “We are always trying to stay focused,” Sam Carrick said. “Obviously you can feel that the end is near. We don’t have a ton of time to collect points. Only have seven games left here… We are close to the end here and every game is huge.”

Stan Fischler·1d·Partner

It's Time To Check Out How The Homestretch Sked Affects The Rangers

"PLAYOFFS OR BUST" remains a live Rangers theme and that's a fact. But the final make-it-or fail result will hinge on the remaining games scheduled for the Rangers and its competitors. Realistically, the schedule works against New York. That starts with the fact that the Montreal Canadiens won over Boston last night. The victory leapfrogged the Habs over New York for the final Wild Card position. So, let's check out the homestretch schedule for the WC contenders from here to the Finish Line. RANGERS: The Blueshirts are in Newark tomorrow afternoon. After that they have six more games: Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Islanders, Hurricanes, Panthers and Tampa again. CANADIENS: Leading for the remaining Wild Card spot, Montreal next faces Nashville, Detroit, Ottawa, Toronto, Chicago and Carolina. COLUMBUS: Having lost to Colorado, the Blue Jackets still have games in hand on their rivals. Next up for the BJ's are Toronto, Ottawa (home and home), Buffalo, Washington (home and home) followed by Philadelphia and concluding with the Islanders. DETROIT: Carolina, Panthers, Habs, Panthers, Dallas, New Jersey and Toronto. FORECAST: The Maven's Supreme Analyst, Jess Rubenstein, puts Montreal in the Catbird Seat and insists that the Canadiens will get the final plum. "The Habs have the easiest schedule as they play just three playoff contenders," says Rubenstein. "Starting tomorrow in New Jersey, the Rangers will face a total of five playoff contenders. "Columbus will have to play six of the better teams while Detroit has the worst schedule – all seven remaining games are against contenders." With a two-game winning streak on the line tomorrow against New Jersey, the Rangers are now in "Mustwinland" – and had better have their Victory visas ready! Otherwise it will be a question of better luck next time! And "next time" – or next year – may never be!

Remy Mastey·2d·Partner

Gabe Perreault Recounts ‘Unreal’ NHL Debut

It’s safe to say that Gabe Perreault is ready for the NHL. In his professional debut on Wednesday night, Perreault shined bright as the New York Rangers came away with a 5-4 victory. Perreault recorded 13:38 minutes playing on a line with J.T. Miller and Alexis Lafrenière while also serving a role on the second power-play unit. Throughout the night, the 19-year-old forward displayed his impressive speed and vision. He even made a couple of nifty-looking passes, something he was known for during his time at Boston College. Peter Laviolette was singing Perreault’s praises following the game. “I thought he was really good,” Laviolette said of Perreault. “You can see his game and the way he thinks the game out there. I thought he jumped in and looked good. I thought all four lines were really good. It was balanced, and we were able to roll them out there. “They all contributed. I thought he played a solid game, jumping into a big situation like that. I'm sure the next one and the one after that, they'll be a little bit more natural for him, as opposed to the first one. But I thought he played really well.” For Perreault, playing at Madison Square Garden for the first time is a moment he’ll never forget. “Super fun,” Perreault said about his NHL debut. “Playing in this building is something I’ve never done before, and to finally get to be able to do it was unreal.” From the start of the night, Perreault felt the love. Many of his Boston College teammates showed up to support him and were right at the glass during Perreault’s rookie lap. “I think going out for that first lap and on my first shift,” Perreault said on what the most surreal part of the night was. “Once I got that out of the way, the nerves settled and I just played from there. It was unreal, super happy they came. Wasn’t expecting them to be that close, but I’m glad they got to go down there — it was sick.” Perreault signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Rangers on Monday as he’ll likely be with the team for the remainder of the season.

Stan Fischler·1d·Partner

Comparing The Rangers' Riavlry With The Devils And Islanders

The calendar tells us it's Friday and that means that it's time for Ask The Maven. Today's question comes from Norm Kenstein of Key West. Take it away Norm: HOW WOULD YOU COMPARE THE RANGERS' RIVALRY WITH THE DEVILS AND ISLANDERS? The Maven Responds: There are different ways of analyzing them. For starters, the Islanders entered the NHL in 1972, a decade before the Devils. In that time, the Isles grew from patsy newcomers to Cup champions. By the time the Devils opened in New Jersey, the Blueshirts and Islanders had built up an intense rivalry. On the other hand, the Devils needed five years from birth to hatred of the Manhattanites. During the 1987-88 season the Devils overtook the Rangers on the final night of the campaign and knocked New York out of the playoffs. By the early 1990's what became known as "The Battle Of The Hudson" took on all the intensity of "The Expressway Series." Many critics have rated the 1994 Rangers-Devils series among the greatest of all-time. Although the Rangers won the Stanley Cup in 1994, the Devils displaced them a year later. Since then the Devils won Cups in 2000 and 2003 whereas the Rangers have not won any since 1994. A good example of how the Garden State and Empire State rivals dislike each other will be available tomorrow afternoon at The Rock. Maven Free Warning: It could get nasty!

Remy Mastey·16h·Partner

The Rangers' Fall Into A Deeper Hole With Playoff Aspirations At Its Breaking Point

Once again, with a win needed, the New York Rangers came up short on Saturday afternoon, being defeated 4-0 by the New Jersey Devils. With the race for the playoffs and pursuit of that highly coveted second wild-card spot getting tighter, every game is essentially a must-win for the Rangers. “We are always trying to stay focused,” Sam Carrick said before the game. “Obviously you can feel that the end is near. We don’t have a ton of time to collect points. Only have seven games left here… We are close to the end here and every game is huge.” It was more or less even in the first period with both the Rangers and Devils trading scoring chances while the score remained 0-0 after 20 minutes of play. The second period is when everything seemingly fell apart for the Rangers and that was all due to the special teams battle. New Jersey struck gold with a power-play goal from Timo Meir to open up the scoring. The Rangers had an opportunity to respond with a power play of their own and did exactly the opposite. Not only did the Blueshits not score, but they gave up a shorthanded goal. The Rangers have now allowed three shorthanded goals over the past four games. Their power-play struggles have become glaringly obvious and are really beginning to cost them dearly. The power play was once the Rangers’ strong suit and it’s suddenly become the team’s biggest weakness. “It’s the difference right now,” Adam Fox said of the special-teams battle. “It’s costing us and it has been for a little while now… The execution is certainly not there. I think there’s a reason why we are giving up chances more than ever too. It’s not just, it’s we are not even generating any momentum from it.” Once the Devils took a commanding 2-0 lead, the Rangers lost all confidence and any sense of momentum they may have had earlier in the contest. Throughout the entire game, New York couldn’t generate consistent offense, which was also a key factor in the loss. After the loss, players in the Rangers' locker room had nothing of substance to say because they've just run out of answers and frustration continues to build. The Rangers no longer control their own destiny with the Montreal Canadiens holding the second wild-card spot, two points ahead of the Blueshirts and have a game in hand. The Rangers don’t possess that desperation and passion that is needed to make the playoffs or go on a deep run. Time and time again, the Rangers have had opportunities to make ground in the standings and squandered those chances. Eventually, you just have to realize that the Rangers might not have what it takes, and we have reached that point. Former Rangers coach Gerard Gallant said “talent doesn't mean a thing” after the Devils eliminated the Blueshirts during the 2023 playoffs. That quote still remains true today. The Rangers have all the talent in the world, but there is something fundamentally wrong with the team that is holding them back and it might be too late to fix it. The Rangers will be back in action on Monday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Stan Fischler·22h·Partner

The Clock Is Ticking And The Calendar is Clicking On The Rangers

I'm not sure if you've heard but I have a bet going with my buddy Sean McCaffrey. The publisher of Blue Collar Blueshirts says the Rangers won't make the playoffs and The Maven says they will. We made this non-moolah wager a while ago but now it can be told in all its glory – or gory depending on which side you place your matzoh. Brother Sean makes lots of long points about the Rangers shortcomings – from the endlessly disappointing Mika Zibanejad to a defense that makes Swiss Cheese look like it's Philadelphia Brand Cream. McCaffrey and I share similar opinions about the manager and coach of the burlesque of a hockey franchise; both should go; far, far away. For these and other valid reasons, Pal Sean is steadfast that this Rangers collections of shortcomings outdistance the longcomings. The Maven's point is 180 degrees opposite. I'm not interested in McCaffrey's facts, I go by my gut. What it tells me is that the addition of kids such as Gabe Perreault and Brennan Othmann along with kid-vets such as Willie Coylle, Brett Berard and Zach Jones will be the difference. That means that the Rangers two-game winning streak must make it to three today at The Rock. Then, it should continue growing down the stretch outlasting the contending Canadiens. While I respect McCaffrey's collection of facts, I trust my gut since it reacted favorably to my daughter-in-law Lilach's fish dinner last night and the old homestead. Hey, fish and Fischler are a cosmic combo. If it doesn't result in the Blueshirts beating New Jersey then I'll have only one thing to say: Ugh! Make that UGH!

Stan Fischler·2d·Partner

The Rangers Mystery That Remains Unsolved

A good 75 years have gone by and still a Rangers mystery remains unsolved. During the 1950 playoffs the under .500 Rangers upset Montreal in the semi-finals and then went up against first place Detroit for the Stanley Cup. Despite being heavy underdogs, the Blueshirts extended the series to a seventh and final game at Detroit's Olympia Stadium. The game was tied 3-3 after regulation time and then moved into sudden-death overtime. And that's where the mystery begins. It has been asserted in endless hockey conversations that the Blueshirts could have won the game in the first overtime period when one of the Rangers fired the puck past Detroit goalie Harry Lumley; but the rubber hit the post bounced free without crossing the line. To this day that particular Ranger near-hero never has been authentically identified. In fact three-quarters of a century after that game there's no newspaper story available that describes the near goal. Nor video. The most likely possibility was Don (Bones) Raleigh who scored overtime winners in two previous games, yet Bones never was mentioned in dispatches. Dunc Fisher was another name that's been bruited about as well as Edgar Laprade. When The Maven visited Rangers defenseman Pat Egan for a TV interview about 20 years ago, Egan claimed that he was the shooter. "It was a two-on-one break," Egan recalled, "and I took the shot and beat Lumley. It bounced off the left post and skidded along the goal line. "I thought I could get the rebound but Lumley got to it first and poked it out of danger." There's only one problem; there's no video of the game that I've seen that shows Lumley and Egan in the sequence Pat described. Perhaps some memorabilia collector out there has film or photo evidence of the play. So far this much is certain; the puck didn't go in!

Remy Mastey·2d·Partner

Will Cuylle Feels Honored After Winning 2024-25 Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award

Will Cuylle has been named the winner of the 2024-25 Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award. This award is given annually to the Ranger who, as chosen by the fans, "goes above and beyond the call of duty." It’s named after Steven McDonald, a police officer who was shot and paralyzed on July 12, 1986. He was also a diehard Rangers fan who truly lived and breathed Blueshirts hockey. While McDonald died in 2017, the award is still given in his honor with his family in attendance. Cuylle was asked about receiving this distinguished honor as he expressed his gratitude toward the Rangers fans. “It’s a huge honor,” Cuylle said. “Such a long-standing tradition and to see the other names that have won the award, it’s pretty cool to be listed with some of those names… “I’m proud of myself. I’m happy that the fans appreciate it. Happy they appreciate my hard work and something I can be proud of and share with my family.” Some of the past winners in recent years include Vincent Trocheck, Ryan Lindgren, and Chris Kreider.

Remy Mastey·2d·Partner

Mats Zuccarello Shows Respect Toward Sam Rosen In Return To New York

Before the New York Rangers’ game against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night, Mats Zuccarello was seen wearing a No. 40 “Rosen” jersey to honor Sam Rosen. After 40 seasons as the Rangers play-by-play announcer, Sam Rosen is retiring and members of opposing teams are showing their respect to the legendary broadcaster. Zuccarello was with the Rangers for nine seasons from 2010-19, so he has a personal connection to Rosen. After the game, Zuccarello spoke fondly of Rosen and opened up into why he decided to go ahead with this kind gesture. “Yeah. I mean, it was, it's about respect,” Zuccarello said. “He's been in the game 40 years. He's a legend in the game, especially here in New York. So as respect, we all signed a jersey for him. “Obviously I spent some time with him, around him. So for me, it's kind of a thank you and a special friend to have the last game he's probably going to commentate for me so I think it's a nice token respect from the team. And wish him good luck.” Once a Ranger, always a Ranger. Over six years after the Rangers traded Zuccarello to the Dallas Stars, fans at Madison Square Garden were still cheering his name on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Zuccarello showed that the relationships he made while with the Rangers remain entrenched in his heart.

Stan Fischler·2d·Partner

A Rangers' Surge Could Be Helped By The Arrival Of Gabe Perreault

The Rangers SURGE is on with the next goal a third straight victory at New Jersey on Saturday afternoon. Granted last night's 5-4 overtime win over Minnesota is not causing cartwheels of joy on Seventh Avenue. Just smiles; because the Blueshirts are IN the Wild Card race and – as The Maven has predicted all along – Peter Laviolette's skaters eventually WILL gain a playoff berth. "The gears are starting to mesh," says The Old Scout. "It started with the Rangers routing San Jose and continued now that key core guys like Breadman Panarin and Vincent Trocheck are scoring." Trocheck, who has suffered through a subpar season, proved with his OT red light that the NHL marathon allows for late season comebacks and this one definitely is one for the New Yorkers. "Saturday's game with the Devils will be hugely important," adds The Old Scout, "because a third straight win will add to the Rangers confidence that returned in these last two wins." No question, sore spots remain and I'll deal with them in an adjoining column. What mattered is that the Rangers – for a nice change, wouldn't you say – looked alive. Whether they can continue to straighten up and fly right will depend in large part with the Kiddle Korps coming through. That includes rookie Gabe Perreault who made his debut last night. Pistol Pete gave him a modest 13:38 of ice time which – all things considered – was just right for an NHL world premiere. The kid had three shots on goal and delivered some fine and dandy passes. "He sent a beauty of a pass to Al Lafrenière," adds The Old Scout, "but Al failed to convert. Gabe's passing is what's gonna make him a star." Right now Perreault's star is just beginning to twinkle while the Rangers surge is shining like the harvest moon!

Stan Fischler·20h·Partner

It's Time For The REAL Rangers To Stand Up And Be Counted

A lucky seven or a sorry seven? Starting today at The Rock in Newark, the Rangers have seven games remaining on theIr schedule. Remarkably, after six months of play and 75 games played, we still don't know who these Blueshirt guys really re and what they're all about. But the upcoming seven contests will tell us all we want to know. And that is this: They are either a playoff team that's been playing in-again-out-again possum with us. Or, they're an unconnected group of overpaid, underachieving FAT CATS who really have no interest in the franchise's reputation nor its super-caring fans. For half a year we've had to put up with the same recycled phrases – most from Mika (The Unofficial Spokesman) Zibanejad – about hard-trying on ice the Rangers are when – in reality this club is trying on the brain. "A grand rush into a Wild Card Berth still is there for the grabbing," says The Old Scout, "but it's a matter of streaking starting today against a Devils team ready to be taken." Ah, but the Rangers have been far from overwhelming even when beating a team like Minnesota – also beaten by the Islanders last night – and there are weak spots all over the roster. "The defense is soft and unreliable," adds The Old Scout, "and Igor Shesterkin's goaltending has not been of Vezina calibre. Plus, It's hard to figure who's the true leader without a captain." Ironically, Zibanejad – he club would like to dump him tonight but can't – pretends to be "captain" with his endless postgame wraps while he's burdened with the worst plus-minus on the team. Chris Kreider, who'll be a Bruin next season as sure as the next campaign is 2025-26, occasionally rises to the occasion but we never know when that mammoth event will take place. Really, the hope is that the club's confounding core can be energized to positivity by the Kiddie Korps. The likes of Gabe Perreault, Will Cuylle, Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard have the talent, juice and motivation to once and for all get this gang of We-Don't-Know-What-They-Are going. By 5 p.m. tonight we'll have the answer! Right now it's a fool's game to even guess!

Stan Fischler·18h·Partner

The Night An MSG Scoring Miracle Took Place And Hardly Anybody Noticed

As far as hockey seasons go, the Rangers 1951-52 campaign was another loser. For the second straight year, the Blueshirts missed the playoffs and by the time the final game took place on March 23, 1952, Garden officials closed the end and side balconies. "We figured that since it would be a 'nothing' game," said one MSG official, "that hardly anyone would show up. As a result we decided to close the entire upper section" All fans who showed up for the meaningless game against the Chicago Black Hawks were permitted to sit in any of the most expensive seats they could find. "You had to be a crazy fan to show up," said Paul Gardella, a mezzanine season ticket-holder. "But some of us were that crazy and since it was the last game of the season, we wanted to see 'just one more game.'" No one in the audience – estimated at no more than 5,000 in the 15,925 seat arena – could have imagined that they'd be witness to history but it was about to happen. To everyone's delight the Rangers outplayed the Visitors and led 6-2 into the third period. Quite frankly, we were all thinking that the Chicago players were packing it in; but they were not. Center Gus Bodnar and right wing Bill Mosienko were among the better players in the league and were to prove it. First Mosienko beat goalie Lorne Anderson to trim the Blueshirts' lead. Then, off the faceoff, Bodnar fed Mosie who beat Anderson cleanly. Now another face-off, once again the Chicago ace scored. Only this time he set a record, three goals in 21 seconds. The previous record was held by Detroit's Carl Liscombe who scored three goals in a minute and 52 seconds in 1938. Remarkably, Mosienko broke the Rangers defense a fourth time, but this time he hit the goal post. When Bill returned to the bench, Black Hawk coach Ebbie Goodfellow delivered The Perfect Squelch. "What's the matter with you, Bill, are you in a slump?" P.S. The Rangers lost!

Remy Mastey·20h·Partner

Rangers Vs. Devils Preview, Projected Lineup

The New York Rangers are all set for their matchup against the New Jersey Devils today at 12:30 PM EST. Here’s everything you need to know from a Rangers perspective. Projected Lineup: Forwards: Artemi Panarin-Vincent Trocheck-Brennan Othmann Alexis Lafrenière-J.T. Miller-Gabe Perreault Will Cuylle-Mika Zibanejad-Jonny Brodzinski Chris Kreider-Sam Carrick-Brett Berard Defensemen: K’Andre Miller-Will Borgen Carson Soucy-Adam Fox Urho Vaakanainen-Braden Schneider Goaltenders: Igor Shesterkin Jonathan Quick Notable Storylines: - The Rangers are coming off of a 5-4 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild. - Igor Shesterkin is set to start for the Rangers. - The Rangers currently hold a 36-32-7 record. - The Devils are coming off of a 3-2 win over the Wild.