Rangers Sign Wiikman
The Rangers announced today that they have come to terms with free agent goaltender Miika Wiikman. Wiikman completed his first pro season in North America with a 21-8-3 record for the Hartford Wolf Pack, finishing with a .919 save percentage and a 2.30 goals against average. Originally targeted by the Rangers in 2006-07 season after a […]
Trades Give Rangers Depth and Flexibility
by Mark Owens Acquiring Christian Backman for a fourth-round pick helps offset the loss of Paul Mara and the addition of Fredrik Sjostrom adds skill to the fourth line. Adding Backman to the mix creates competition among Backman, Marek Malik (who is playing very well right now), Mara, and Jason Strudwick for the last two slots among the top six defensemen. Apparently, Backman is even […]
Fritsche On Waivers
According to Steve Zipay, the Rangers have placed forward Dan Fritsche on waivers. If he is claimed, or if he is reassigned to Hartford, the Rangers will save approximately $360,000 in cap space. The Rangers are back in action tonight against the visiting Carolina Hurricanes (7:00pm – MSG) and Stephen Valiquette will be in net. The Canes have struggled with […]
The Price is Right?
by Matt Waxman At this point it should be apparent what the Rangers are, and that is a mediocre team. They are not an offensive team, nor are they a defensive team of late. This is a team in limbo. There are several ways this can play out, but first a review. At the start […]
Preseason Grades Are In
by Mark Owens With the win Saturday, the Rangers wrapped up the preseason. As Ranger fans await confirmation of Tom Renney’s final roster cuts, now is the time to evaluate each player’s – and the team’s – performance. With a record of 3-2-1, I rate the team’s preseason performance a C+. There were blowout losses […]
Hard Roster Decisions Remain
by Mark Owens With three preseason games remaining, Tom Renney and staff face some difficult roster decisions. There are still 33 players in camp vying for 23 roster spots. Which 11 players will be cut? To answer this question, start by looking at which players are most likely to make the team. The following veterans […]
Rookies Lead Win Over Devils’ Regulars, 4-3
by Mark Owens The preseason could not have started any better for the Rangers, as Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan and Daniel Girardi led a host of rookies to a 4-3 win over a veteran-heavy Devils team Friday night at MSG. Dubinsky and Girardi had two assists each and Callahan chipped in one goal and one assist. Veterans Martin Straka and Blair […]
Training Camp – Goaltending
Two seasons ago and the Rangers net was nothing but a question mark. Heading into camp, Kevin Weekes was the designated starter with rookie Henrik Lundqvist looking to have the inside edge on the backup position. Lundqvist would ultimately unseat Weekes and the rest, as they say, is history. Going into the 2007 camp, there’s no doubt who the […]
Goalie Matt Zaba Signed
In a report from the Colorado Springs Gazette, the Rangers have apparently signed free agent goaltender Matt Zaba to a professional contract. Drafted in the 8th round of the 2003 draft by the Los Angeles Kings, the 24 year old netminder became a free agent after not being offered a contract by the August 15th deadline. The […]
Rangers Get An Oil Change
The 1994 Stanley Cup victory was perhaps the most important date in franchise history for the New York Rangers. Fifty four years of futility, mismanagement and bad luck was erased in an instant, thanks in large part to the Edmonton Oilers dynasty of the late 1980s. No less than eight players that season (seven in […]