Rangers vs. Blues, Pregame News and Notes.

Here are the pregame news and notes from the New York Rangers, via an anonymous source, and edited slightly to reflect the date they’re being posted:

NEW YORK RANGERS vs. ST. LOUIS BLUES

Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, 7:00 p.m. ET

Madison Square Garden – New York, NY

Rangers: 6-3-0 (12 pts)

Blues: 5-2-2 (12 pts)

TONIGHT’S GAME

The Rangers play their 10th game of the 2016-17 season and continue a three-game homestand tonight, Nov. 1, against the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden (7:00 p.m. ET – TV: MSG+; Radio: WOR 710 AM). Including tonight’s game, the Rangers will play four of their next five games at MSG. In addition, seven of the Blueshirts’ next eight contests (including tonight’s game) are against Western Conference teams. The Rangers have won five of their last seven games (5-2-0), including four of their last five games (4-1-0), and have posted a 6-3-0 record this season.

 

RANGERS VS. BLUES

  • All-Time: 78-43-16-1 (46-13-6-1 at home; 32-30-10-0 on the road)
  • 2016-17: Tonight’s game is the second of two meetings between the Rangers and Blues, and the only meeting between the two teams at MSG. The Rangers have posted a 0-1-0 record (0-0-0 at home; 0-1-0 on the road), following a 3-2 loss against the Blues on Oct. 15 at St. Louis. Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad each registered two points (one goal, one assist) in the contest. The Rangers outshot the Blues, 15-0, in the third period of the contest and recorded 35 shots on goal in the game.
  • The Rangers have earned at least one point in four of their last five games against the Blues, dating back to the start of the 2014-15 season (3-1-1 record over the span).
  • Dating back to Nov. 3, 2002, 15 of 18 meetings between the Rangers and Blues have been decided by two or fewer goals. In addition, 13 of those contests have been decided by one goal or fewer.

RANGERS-BLUES CONNECTIONS

  • Alain Vigneault played parts of two seasons with the Blues (1981-82 – 1982-83).
  • Kevin Klein and Scottie Upshall were teammates in the Predators organization for parts of three seasons (2004-05 – 2006-07).
  • Brandon Pirri and Scottie Upshall were teammates with the Panthers for parts of two seasons (2013-14 and 2014-15).
  • Nick Holden and Paul Stastny were teammates with the Avalanche for one season (2013-14).
  • Adam Clendening and Nail Yakupov were teammates with Edmonton for part of one season (2015-16).
  • Henrik Lundqvist and Alexander Steen were teammates with Frolunda in Sweden for five seasons (1999-00 – 2003-04). During the five-year stretch, Lundqvist and Steen were teammates in Frolunda in the Swedish Elite League (now Swedish Hockey League), as well was with Frolunda’s junior team and U-18 team.
  • Adam Clendening and David Perron were traded with each other from Pittsburgh to Anaheim in 2016.
  • Kevin Shattenkirk is a native of New Rochelle, NY.

INDIVIDUAL CAREER STATISTICS VS. BLUES

  • Henrik Lundqvist – 9 GP, 3-5-0, 2.55 GAA, .912 SV% – In his last four appearances against St. Louis, Lundqvist has posted a 3-1-0 record, along with a 2.26 GAA and a .920 SV%.
  • Chris Kreider – 6 GP, 4-3-7 – Kreider enters the contest with a five-game point streak against the Blues (four goals, three assists), and he has registered a goal in four of the five games.
  • Rick Nash – 54 GP, 23-23-46 – Nash has registered a point in five of his last six games against the Blues, tallying nine points (three goals, six assists) in those contests.
  • Mika Zibanejad – 6 GP, 2-5-7 – Zibanejad has recorded a point in five of six career games against St. Louis.

GOALS GALORE

The Rangers have tallied 35 goals in their first nine games this season (3.89 goals per game). The Blueshirts lead the NHL lead in goals per game, are tied for the NHL lead in goals for, and are tied for second in the NHL in goal differential (plus-13) in 2016-17.

TEAM EFFORT

The Blueshirts are the only NHL team that has seven players who have recorded three or more goals this season. In addition, the Rangers are the only NHL team that has 10 players who have registered at least six points in 2016-17.

HOME COOKING

New York has posted a 5-1-0 record at home this season and has outscored its opponents, 27-14, over the six games at MSG. The Rangers have tallied at least 27 goals in their first six home games of one season for the first time since 1992-93 (29 goals). New York has also won five of its first six home games in one season for the first time since 1992-93 (5-0-1; five wins and one tie). The Blueshirts have earned at least one point in 66 of their last 86 home games, dating back to Oct. 16, 2014 (57-20-9 record). In addition, the Rangers have posted a 32-11-4 record at MSG since the start of last season. The Rangers lead the NHL in wins (32), goals for (157), and goals per game (3.34) at home since the start of last season.

STRONG FINISH

Over the last five games, the Rangers have outscored their opponents, 18-4, in the second period and third period (12-3 in the second period, 6-1 in the third period). New York has recorded 29 of its 35 goals this season in either the second period or third period (16 goals in the second period and 13 goals in the third period), and the Blueshirts have posted a plus-11 goal differential in the second period this season (16-5).

SHOOTING GALLERY

The Rangers have outshot their opponents, 286-234, through the first nine games this season (31.8 shots on goal per game; 26.0 shots on goal against per game). The Blueshirts rank third in the NHL in shots on goal per game and rank fourth in the NHL in shots on goal against per game this season. New York has recorded at least 30 shots on goal in six of nine games this season and has held opponents to fewer than 30 shots on goal in seven of nine contests.

TWO GOOD

The Blueshirts have won 31 of the last 32 games in which they allowed two goals or fewer, dating back to Dec. 15, 2015 (31-1-0). The Rangers have allowed two goals or fewer in five of the last six games.

NOVEMBER REIGN

Since the start of the 2005-06 season, the Rangers lead the NHL in wins during November (83; 83-46-9 record in 138 games during the month).

CAPTAIN MAC

Ryan McDonagh enters the contest with a seven-game assist/point streak (eight assists over the span). According to the Elias Sports Bureau, McDonagh is the first Rangers defenseman to register a seven-game assist streak since Brian Leetch did so from Nov. 16, 1996 – Dec. 1, 1996, and he is the first Rangers defenseman to register a seven-game point streak since Leetch did so from Nov. 23, 2003 – Dec. 4, 2003. McDonagh’s seven-game assist streak and seven-game point streak are both career-highs. He ranks second in the NHL – and leads NHL defensemen – in assists this season (eight). McDonagh is expected to skate in his 400th career NHL game in tomorrow’s contest.

AV SQUAD

Alain Vigneault leads all NHL head coaches in regular season wins since the start of the 2006-07 season (463). By earning a win on Oct. 30 vs. Tampa Bay, Vigneault became the sixth head coach in franchise history to earn 150 wins with the Rangers (joining Emile Francis, Lester Patrick, Frank Boucher, John Tortorella, and Tom Renney).

WHAT A LINE

The Michael Grabner-Kevin Hayes-J.T. Miller line registered nine points (four goals, five assists) on Oct. 30 vs. Tampa Bay. Each of the three players tallied three points in the contest.

UP FOR GRABS

Michael Grabner tallied his third career NHL hat trick on Oct. 30 vs. Tampa Bay. He is tied for ninth in the NHL – and is tied for the team lead – in goals in 2016-17 (five).

VESEY DOES IT

Jimmy Vesey leads NHL rookies in game-winning goals (two) and ranks third among NHL rookies in goals (five) this season. The only NHL rookies who have recorded more goals than Vesey in 2016-17 are Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine (six goals each).

KING HENRIK

Henrik Lundqvist has allowed two goals in four of his last five appearances, posting a 3-2-0 record, along with a 2.22 GAA and a .912 SV% in those games.

IT’S MILLER TIME

J.T. Miller has recorded a point in each of the Rangers’ six wins in 2016-17, and the Blueshirts have posted a 6-0-0 record in games which he has tallied a point this season. He has registered seven points (two goals, five assists) in the last five games, and he leads the Rangers in points this season (nine; three goals, six assists).

STEP-AN UP

Derek Stepan enters the contest with 199 career NHL assists. He has tallied five assists/points in the last seven games.

HOLDEN STEADY

Nick Holden is tied for sixth in the NHL – and leads the Rangers – in plus/minus rating this season (plus-eight). He is tied for first among NHL defensemen in games with a plus/minus rating of even or better this season (nine).

SPECIAL TEAMS

Since the start of the 2014-15 season, the Rangers have posted a 36-2-3 record in games which they have outscored their opponent on special teams. The Rangers have outscored their opponent on special teams in three of the last five games and in four of nine games this season.

Power Play:

  • The Rangers were 0-for-5 (7:22) on Oct. 30 vs. Tampa Bay.
  • The Blueshirts are tied for 13th in the NHL in power play efficiency this season (21.9%; 7-for-32).
  • New York has recorded a power play goal in four of the last five games (5-for-18; 27.8%) and in six of nine games in 2016-17.

Penalty Kill:

  • The Rangers were 3-for-4 (6:37) on Oct. 30 vs. Tampa Bay.
  • The Blueshirts have posted a 21-2-2 record in the last 25 games in which they did not allow a power play goal, dating back to Dec. 22, 2015.

UPCOMING MILESTONES

  • Derek Stepan – 1 assist away from 200 in his NHL career/as a Ranger
  • Ryan McDonagh – 1 game away from 400 in his NHL career/as a Ranger
  • Rick Nash – 3 goals away from 400 in his NHL career

INJURIES (22 Man-Games Lost to Injury)

  • Josh Jooris (separated shoulder) – 3-4 weeks

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

  • Oct. 28 – Assigned Dylan McIlrath to Hartford (AHL)

THIS DAY IN RANGERS HISTORY

  • Oct. 31, 1987 – Marcel Dionne registered his 700th career NHL goal, becoming the third player in league history (at the time) to reach the milestone (along with Gordie Howe and Phil Esposito).
  • Nov. 1, 1959 – Andy Bathgate’s wrist shot hit Canadiens’ goaltender Jacques Plante in the face, forcing Plante to leave the game and return to the ice wearing a mask.

159 thoughts on “Rangers vs. Blues, Pregame News and Notes.”

  7. Traid evryun!

    J.T. Miller has recorded a point in each of the Rangers’ six wins in 2016-17, and the Blueshirts have posted a 6-0-0 record in games which he has tallied a point this season. He has registered seven points (two goals, five assists) in the last five games, and he leads the Rangers in points this season (nine; three goals, six assists).

    Like

  9. Obviously want to get the win tonight.

    Would like to see Hank look sharp from start to finish.

    Even though he’s playing on the 4th line, would like to see Buch get his first goal.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. the new 4th line is less of a demotion than it used to be – you’re no longer playing 4 minutes with Colton Orr and a few minutes PK time – its 12-14 mins with possible PK/PP time included. Also with Fast and Pirri as linemates its going to offer a reasonable goal threat too.

    Liked by 3 people

  14. It is possible that The Kreider would be leading the team in scoring had he not missed 4 games. Hope he continues to be an ever present threat on the ice!

    Like

  17. For years, Carp spoke of the lack of top 6 talent. With the early emergence of VC, the bust out by THE, the steady progression of JT, the introduction of Zika, continued skillful play of Zucc, the steady work of Step and Nash not having to carry the load; this team is primed.
    IF Haze continues his uptrend and Butch gets to play with top lines, the sky’s the limit.

    Liked by 4 people

  35. where’s bdl??? i just saw buck and pirri playing with fast and thought to myself, ugh, those two have to lug the couch around with them all night!

    the fast=couch is my favorite nickname this place has ever produced.

    Like

  44. Shatty playing for $6M tonite? Probably get it anyway.
    Not sure I am on that train yet. Franson will cost less than half and play the same level of D (not O)

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  45. I watched the Carlos Danger documentary on showtime over the weekend. If you haven’t seen it yet it’s really, really good. And yeah, from the clips they showed of him in net, he sucks.

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  53. Papa Bear is missing. I saw some of his posts from last game thread went into spam and he got upset. Let’s call him to comeback! COME BACK PAPA BEAR!

    Also, Fat Guy is nowhere to be found.

    Liked by 3 people

  58. I know that Carp is a fellow Iona College Gael and now I find out James G is a fellow Salesian Eagle (Class of 1982).

    So did everyone have fun during Halloween? I gave out three pieces of candy – all to me! I know that the one year I don’t buy any candy I will get swamped 🙂

    Like

  59. I wrote to ORR (on facebook PM) multiple times. He saw all of my msgs but never replied (as he usually never does) and never showed up here. I think he finally got himself a girlfriend and is trying to move outta mom’s basement. I hope that girl stick by him…not easy to have just one nut and keep a girlfriend, you know? 🙂

    Like

  60. I gave out five times more than I used to. I guess Bay Ridge is a little different from Todt Hill, lol. My daughter brought two bags home. After she went to bed, my wive went through every single piece to make sure it’s all safe. Doctors…

    Liked by 1 person

  67. watched that Carlos Danger Showtime show as well this weekend. Sad, very sad. Feel bad for the wife and kids.
    No Politics – I keed.
    Does the FBI provide hazard pay for the agent who had to touch his computer?

    Like

  77. I have a question. I’m not a very big baseball fan. I mentioned to my wife today that it’s the anniversary of the Andy Bathgate shot that caused Jacque Plante to don the first goalie mask. She asked me if catchers in baseball have always worn masks. I didn’t know the answer. Do any of you guys know?

    Like

  79. It is kind of amazing that goalies didn’t go to some version of catcher’s masks, but hockey was a different game. Goalies were originally not permitted to drop to the ice (forgot when they changed the rule) so some of the danger of getting hit the face was less than it is now. Also, the slapshot as we know it would not be prominent for awhile. Plus, sticks were not curved so you didn’t have the “banana-blades” that would become a goalie’s worst enemy.

    Like

  81. I looked it up and prior to 1917 if a goalie dropped to the ice a minor penalty was assessed. i thought it was in the 1920s so it was sooner than i thought.

    Get this, prior to 1929 goalies could not freeze the puck. if they did a faceoff would ensue 10 feet from goal with only the goalie being allowed to be between the faceoff circle and the goal. All of his players would have to be “north” of the faceoff spot.

    When you think about it, if we all were watching a Rangers game 90 years ago we probably would not recognize the game. This site gives a listing of major rules changes: http://www.rauzulusstreet.com/hockey/nhlhistory/nhlrules.html

    Liked by 2 people

  87. I keep seeing these little blurbs here and there about landeskog being available…if there is any validity to them, gorton better be all over it.

    Like

  88. Nice, coos. This blog (albeit in knock-off form) is singing once again.

    Needs more Carp–any blog would–but I will absolutely respect his decision if he’s unable to come over or start his own. He’s done more than enough for us, that’s for sure, and I hope things work out well for him one way or the other

    Liked by 2 people

  98. SN
    Couldn’t agree more. I know it’s like game #10 but you have to go after him.
    –
    Also wouldn’t shock me to see the rangers address the centre position at some point leading up to deadline…(j staal or hanzal…both faceoff guys with size/skill).

    Like

  100. no thanks to J Staal, AV doesn’t know what to do with them. Hanzal is a beast but also doesn’t hit AV’s mode of No-Hand Touch hockey.
    Think Oscar can be that guy, my guess is he is still a little banged up. Obv not sold on AV’s go go O after ASG into POs when space is at a premium and whistles non-existent. Haze is not a PO center.

    Like

  103. Everything I think and everything I do is wrong. I was wrong about Elton, I was wrong about Christian, and now Josh hated me. It all boiled down to one inevitable conclusion, I was just totally clueless. Oh, and this Josh and Tai thing was wigging me more than anything. I mean, what was my problem? Tai is my pal, I don’t begrudge her a boyfriend, I really… Ooh, I wonder if they have that in my size. What does she want with Josh, anyway? He dresses funny, he listens to complaint rock, he’s not even cute… in a conventional way. I mean, he’s just like this slug who hangs around the house all the time. And he’s a hideous dancer, I couldn’t take him anywhere. Wait a second, what am I stressing about? This is like, Josh! OK, OK, so he’s kind of a baldwin, but what would he want with Tai? She couldn’t make him happy. Josh needed someone with imagination, someone to take care of him, someone to laugh at his jokes… in case he ever makes any. Then suddenly…

    Like

  104. I say we just keep pouring em in. Maybe tonight is Zika’s turn for a Hattie.

    Don’t know why every makes such a fuss about coaching. I got it all figured out.

    Your welcome, carry on.

    Like

  110. Wowza, you guys are talking available forwards? lol Least of this team’s problems. They’ve actually been winning a ton more faceoffs than I thought they would be winning thus far. Zibanejad has been just fine as a “defensive f/o specialist”. Not really stressing Dom Moore 2.0. As for Landeskog I don’t see why they wouldn’t want 23 year old LW who has put up 50-60 points the last few years. You’d have to probably move Vesey or Buchnevich in that deal.

    Liked by 1 person

  115. I see the NHL is going to promote Mcdavid until people are blue in the face. I’m glad he’s not playing in the EC. Imagine Doc and Co. on NBC if we had to play against his team several times a season?

    Liked by 1 person

  126. James, I disagree entirely on McDavid. He is worth the price of admission. It’s a travesty he won’t be on national TV in the US.

    I’ll be at the game on Thursday just to watch him absolutely torch Girardi.

    Like

  145. Haven’t heard from Sioux. He’s been in my thoughts all week. I can’t imagine what he’s going through. If you are reading this we are here for you, buddy.

    Like

  146. SN, I love the player, I think he’s worth the price of admission, I just don’t like the way they try to stuff players down people’s throats. I get that they’re just marketing their talent. I guess it’s just my distaste to this day of the bias and man love they give Sidney Crosby both deserved and undeserved. Mcdavid is going to wreck this league and give the fans some special memories. He doesn’t need the help of generic analysts reading from scripts to help him along

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  150. I think some of the McDavid lovin’ is being driven by a Canadian team having a Canadian star. With that said, at least the powers-that-be are pushing someone iother than Sidney. Pierre’s head would explode if he had to cover the Pens_oilers with Sidney, McDavid and Kristopher Letang.

    Like

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