Where We Are: On a three-game win streak? No, that can't be right, can it?? It is! The Rangers beat Buffalo and Edmonton to finish a four-game homestand with a split and followed it with the wild win in Pittsburgh on Monday. Sure two of the victories took overtime and one came over a glorified AHL squad but the emotional boost picked up from them will serve the Blueshirts well going forward.
Where They Are: To keep moving forward, the Rangers will have to go through Boston, a strong side that has played three less games and has accumulated a 9-5-1 record. The B's bounced back from a pair of losses with a 3-0 win over the sad-sack Devils on Monday.Who To Watch For: Wunderkind Tyler Seguin has no goals and just one assist in his last seven games but while the youngster struggles, the vets are getting things done. Mark Recchi and Mike Ryder both have 11 points and Timmy Thomas has been astounding - 9-1 with a .960 save percentage, a 1.32 goals against average and four shutouts. Milan Lucic has remembered what it is to be a Big Bad Bruin and offseason acquisition Nathan Horton is making the most of his new surroundings and is pacing the team in goals and points. David Krejci had been racking up points but he is out with injury, as is Marco Sturm and Marc Savard.
What To Watch For: That beautiful new Blueshirt in action. Any kind of emotional letdown or exhaustion by the Rangers. Patrice Bergeron dominating the Rangers in the faceoff circle. Zdeno Chara doing everything Zdeno Chara does - not that you could miss him. While I don't think anyone will go after Brandon Dubinsky for his slash on Johnny Boychuk last game, it is possible. Greg Campbell getting away with murder, because you know who his dad is.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: Cally and Dubi to be able to keep the magic going. Arty not to get physically intimidated by the big Bs. Boyle to step up against his hometown team. Hank to outperform Thomas. Avery to smack Thomas in the back of the head again. If Boogey is still bitching out with a bum hand, Brandon Prust to keep Shawn Thornton in line. Mike Sauer to do better than Mark Stuart in the shutdown/tough defenseman role.
Also Check Out: Something's Bruin, Stanley Cup of Chowder, Cornelius Hardenbergh and the Hockey Blog Adventure and the Boston Globe's Bruins Blog.
Peepin' Foes: Colorado Avalanche
In the world of professional hockey, every game is a battle, and every opponent poses a unique challenge. The 2010-2011 NHL season saw the New York Rangers facing off against various teams, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this edition of "Peepin' Foes," we turn our attention to the Colorado Avalanche, a team that brought its own brand of excitement and competition to the ice.
The Rise of the Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche, based in Denver, Colorado, have a
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Title: Peepin' Foes: Boston Bruins
Introduction
In the world of professional hockey, rivalries add an extra layer of excitement and drama to the game. For the New York Rangers, one of their most storied rivalries is with the Boston Bruins. These two teams have a long history of intense matchups, memorable moments, and passionate fan bases. In this edition of "Peepin' Foes," we'll take a closer look at the Boston Bruins and the challenges they pose for the Rangers.
A Rivalry Steeped in History
The rivalry between the New York Rangers and the Boston Bruins dates back decades. Original Six teams, both the Rangers and the Bruins have storied traditions and a rich history in the NHL. When these two teams face off, it's not just a game; it's a clash of cultures, styles, and legacies.
The Physicality of the Bruins
One of the defining characteristics of the Boston Bruins is their physical style of play. Historically, the Bruins have been known for their tough, hard-nosed hockey, and they take pride in their ability to play a physical game. This physicality extends to all aspects of their play, from board battles to net-front presence.
For the New York Rangers, facing the Bruins means preparing for a physical battle. The Rangers' skill and finesse are often pitted against the Bruins' brute force. It's a matchup that tests the Rangers' ability to maintain composure and discipline while absorbing hits and delivering their own.
Goaltending Duel
Goaltending is often a focal point in matchups between the Rangers and the Bruins. Both teams have had legendary goaltenders grace their creases, and the tradition continues with players like Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers and Tuukka Rask for the Bruins.
When these two teams meet, it often becomes a goaltending duel, with Lundqvist and Rask showcasing their skills and agility. The ability of these netminders to make crucial saves in high-pressure situations can be the difference-maker in a game.
The Power Play Battle
Special teams play a vital role in any NHL game, and the battle between the Rangers' power play and the Bruins' penalty kill is always intriguing. The Rangers aim to capitalize on their scoring opportunities with the man advantage, while the Bruins work diligently to shut down their opponent's power play.
Coaching Strategies
Coaching plays a significant role in how these teams approach their matchups. Both the Rangers and the Bruins have experienced coaches who understand the nuances of the game. They develop strategies to exploit their opponent's weaknesses and maximize their strengths.
In recent years, the defensive structure of the Rangers under coach Alain Vigneault has been a key component of their game plan against the Bruins. The Rangers have focused on limiting high-danger scoring chances and controlling the pace of play.
Key Players to Watch
To fully appreciate the intensity of a Rangers-Bruins matchup, it's essential to keep an eye on key players who have the potential to impact the game.
For the Rangers, players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox bring offensive firepower and playmaking abilities. Panarin, in particular, has been a game-changer for the Rangers since his arrival, consistently producing points and driving offensive opportunities.
On the Bruins' side, players like Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pastrnak are perennial threats. Their ability to generate scoring chances and create chaos in the offensive zone can be challenging for any opponent to contain.
When the New York Rangers and the Boston Bruins face off, it's more than just a game; it's a clash of tradition, style, and rivalry. Fans from both sides eagerly anticipate these matchups, knowing that they'll witness intense battles, memorable moments, and, often, thrilling overtime hockey.
As the Rangers continue to build their roster and strive for success, their rivalry with the Bruins remains a defining element of their season. It's a reminder of the rich history and enduring passion that make hockey such an exhilarating sport to watch and follow.
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