Rangers make statement in 4-3 win over Kings

Posted on January 10, 2015 by Derek

I’ll be honest. Even with the flu, last night’s Stanley Cup rematch meant something. Of course, it’s not the same as avenging the five-game series loss. But seeing our team fight back from a two-goal deficit and hold off the Kings 4-3 at annoying Staples Center was pretty sweet.

The Rangers’ latest win made it four straight and 12 of their last 13 pulling tying Washington in points (50) with two games at hand. They’re third and trail the first place Islanders by five and second place Pittsburgh by four with less games played. One of those games is coming soon against those Islanders next Tuesday at MSG. The Isles rallied for a 3-2 overtime win over the Devils.

Forget the division race. I want to focus on how good a comeback Thursday was. The Kings are defending champs. This was the first meeting between the teams in Tinseltown since Alex Martinez broke Broadway hearts. As they’ve noted, last June can’t be changed. The way they’ve moved forward after a tough start tells you all you need to know about this team. They’re focused and improving every game.

It would’ve been easy for them to fold up tent after the Kings blitzed Cam Talbot with two early goals. Jeff Carter set up Tanner Pearson and Justin Williams scored 1:37 later to get Staples rocking. The familiar “Rangers suck,” chants started with the cheesy organ player aggravating me to the point where I told Dad to turn it off. Eventually, Dan Boyle scored scored on the power play and we put it back on. I will admit the Kings drive me crazy. I wanted this one.

The kind of speed and skill the Rangers demonstrated in a dominant second period was something to behold. They outscored the Kings 3-0 completely outclassing them. As usual, Kevin Klein was in the middle of things finding a shooting angle for his eighth from Kevin Hayes and John Moore, who gave a good account in his second consecutive game. Only 19 seconds later, the fourth line continued their strong play with J.T. Miller allowing Lee Stempniak to come out in front and bury his sixth. It was so impressive that I cheered wildly.

With Martinez off for hooking, the Rangers power play went to work. Having already converted once, beautiful passing resulted in Martin St. Louis burying a Boyle rebound from Derick Brassard suddenly giving them a 4-2 lead. Ever since Boyle was put back on the top unit, the PP has looked the best it has in a decade when Jaromir Jagr was on his way to breaking Adam Graves’ single season goal record. Amazingly, he still plays and is one of the Devils’ best players. Hopefully, he gets the nod at the All-Star Game in Columbus. Has anyone seen those jerseys? They’re hideous.

Of course, Williams made things interesting by somehow backhanding a puck out of mid-air past Talbot with 4:03 left in regulation. The Kings came hard searching for the equalizer. But Talbot never gave in. He responded well to the challenge after allowing a bad one in the first. That’s the thing. You know Henrik Lundqvist wanted to start. But Alain Vigneault gave him the night off. He’ll be back for San Jose Saturday with the three-game Californian invasion concluding. If they play well, they’ll sweep it against three of the West’s best.

Posted in NY Rangers | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Elias’s three point night culminates in milestone

Posted on January 8, 2015 by hasan4978

Patrik Elias dressed up with momentos after scoring his 1000th NHL point on Tuesday (NJ.com)

As if winning two in a row for the first time in seemingly forever (almost two months) wasn’t enough cause for a celebration, the Devils had another reason to be jovial after Tuesday’s 4-1 win against the Sabres when franchise icon Patrik Elias got three points including his 600th NHL assist – and more importantly his 1000th NHL point.  It wasn’t a moment that was expected given Elias came into the game with 997 points and he hadn’t scored points in bunches for a while.  Of course it seemed like all the old guys wanted to get their milestones done this week during my two games where I wasn’t there hah.

Perhaps the only regrettable moment of Tuesday’s game is the fact Elias had one goal and two assists instead of two and one, cause then his career numbers would have read 400 goals, 600 assists and 1000 points.  As it is he’ll score his 400th goal soon enough, perhaps tonight in Boston or tomorrow at home where he’ll no doubt be formally honored for reaching four digits.  If there was one neat thing about Elias doing it at home on Tuesday, it was the fact a majority of the crowd instantly knew what happened even though Elias got his point on a secondary assist of Mike Cammalleri’s empty-net goal with just over three minutes remaining.   Not to mention it occured in a win where Elias could get interviewed in the postgame at center ice by Deb Placey where the crowd could once again chant his name in appreciation.

Too bad whoever runs the Devils’ YouTube has been unusually slow putting up the postgame locker room stuff, it would have been nice to actually see what people said about Elias as opposed to reading quotes in Tweets.  As it is, this quote from coach/GM/president Lou Lamoriello will have to suffice as the coda on a tremendous feat:

To Devils general manager and interim coach Lou Lamoriello, who drafted the Trebic, Czech Republic native in the second round, 51st overall, in 1994, it’s clear what Elias has meant to his organization as a two-time Stanley Cup winner and where he’ll end up after his playing days are over.

“Patrik has been a very loyal Devil,” Lamoriello said. “(He was) drafted, he was a free agent on several occasions and decided to stay. It’s just great to have him. Without question he will retire, in my opinion, as a Hall of Famer.”

Posted in Devils | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Rangers Stay Hot With Win Over Ducks

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Derek

Things seem to be falling into place. Similar to last season, the Rangers are coming on in coach Alain Vigneault’s second year. They stayed hot with a 4-1 win over the Ducks in the first of a three-game Californian swing. It was their third straight victory and 11th in 12. With the Capitals continuing to win, it pulled them within a point of third in the Metro Division. They have two games at hand and trail the second place Islanders by five.

The difference was Henrik Lundqvist, who outdueled Anaheim backup Ilya Bryzgalov. The King finished with 24 saves. He made the big ones which is why he’s one of the league’s best. Now, he’ll get tomorrow night off with Cam Talbot getting the start in the Stanley Cup Final rematch against the Kings. That should be an interesting subplot.

On the first of a challenging Western trip, Vigneault made one change reinserting John Moore for Matt Hunwick. Tanner Glass was a scratch for the third straight game. He kept the lines intact. That included J.T. Miller on the fourth line with Dominic Moore and Lee Stempniak. Miller has shown improvement since his recall. He is trending upward. Tonight, he was one of the Rangers’ best forwards. Miller set up Derick Brassard’s goal on a delayed penalty and assisted on Moore’s empty netter with Stempniak picking up a helper. Since being put together, they have really meshed.

With Jesper Fast working with Kevin Hayes and Carl Hagelin, there’s no reason to break it up. You can make the argument that the fourth line has become their third line. At least lately with Hayes and Fast still learning. Vigneault has turned a once weakness into a strength. However, the team can still use some size and a dependable faceoff guy. They’ll probably explore the Coyotes’ asking price for Antoine Vermette. He makes $3.75 million in his final year. Outside of Moore, no other Blueshirt is over 50 percent on draws. That’s a subject for another day.

For now, they’re playing well in every aspect. Defensively, they were again sound against one of the West’s best. The Ducks entered leading the league with 58 points. Boasting two of the best players in Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, they were a good challenge. Ryan Kesler centering the second line gives them a strong 1-2 punch. There were shifts that they controlled for long periods. However, the Rangers were able to keep their chances to the outside. In particular, Marc Staal stood out. He played a whale of a game making some excellent defensive plays. The same can be echoed for Ryan McDonagh, who’s all the way back. Kevin Klein continued his strong play by setting up Rick Nash’s game-winner in the third.

Leading by two, the Rangers ran into penalty trouble. After killing a McDonagh hooking minor, Derek Stepan was called for delay of game. Given another opportunity, it took the Ducks all of 10 seconds to get back in it with Perry and Getzlaf combining to set up a bomb from Francois Beauchemin for a power play goal. His shot deflected off Carl Hagelin frustrating Lundqvist, who couldn’t pick it up. He also had McDonagh moving in front.

On the next shift, the Ducks came close to tying it. Lundqvist was able to get enough of a dangerous chance to prevent disaster. One of the keys to the win were them taking advantage of Anaheim mistakes. On Nash’s 25th, a giveaway allowed Klein to fire a shot that he got a piece of. Mats Zuccarello scored a crucial insurance marker off another turnover. He snapped home his seventh short side increasing to 3-1 with 5:33 left.

That dashed any Ducks comeback aspirations. With Lundqvist getting the job done and the Rangers staying aggressive by outshooting Anaheim 11-7 in the third, they got just reward for a superb road game. Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau pulled Bryzgalov early allowing Moore to score into a vacated net with 2:14 remaining.

The defensive work of Stepan was noticeable. He went up against Getzlaf a lot and fared okay. He was 7-for-15 on faceoffs and held his own. His play away from the puck has always been a strong suit. It’s gotten even better. His chemistry with Nash on the penalty kill makes them a lethal shorthanded tandem. For all the criticism he takes for not being a ‘star center’ who wins draws consistently, you can do a lot worse than Stepan as your top pivot. He and Brassard have formed a solid 1-2. Brassard scored his 11th and Stepan is a point-per-game. It’ll be interesting to see what he gets this summer from Glen Sather.

The Rangers are back at it at Staples Center. It should be fun. A rematch from last June. They’ll get to see Marian Gaborik again. Hopefully, this time they’ll keep him off the board and come out with a ‘W.’ They conclude the California invasion Saturday at San Jose.

NY Puck 3 Stars:

3rd Star-J.T. Miller, NYR (2 assists, +2 in 19 shifts-12:16)

2nd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (24 saves)

1st Star-Marc Staal, NYR (assist, 3 shots attempted, 3 hits, 3 blocks, +1 in 25:35)

Posted in NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rangers send Duclair back to Quebec

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Derek
Anthony Duclair (seen above) with linemates Sam Reinhart and Max Domi has had a good WJC for Canada. montrealgazette.com/Getty Images

Anthony Duclair (seen above) with linemates Sam Reinhart and Max Domi has had a good WJC for Canada.
montrealgazette.com/Getty Images

A day following a memorable night for Anthony Duclair, the Rangers sent him back to the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. It was either keep the 19-year old 2013 third round pick or let him play in juniors. Ultimately, they decided it was better for his development due to a crowded NHL roster that includes youngsters Jesper Fast, Kevin Hayes and J.T. Miller.

Duclair was one of the shining stars for Canada helping them win the World Junior Hockey tournament for the first time since 2009. In an emotional 5-4 gold medal victory over Russia, he set the tone scoring just 23 seconds in to give them the lead for good. He and tournament most valuable player Max Domi and Sabres’ 2014 first overall pick Sam Reinhart were sensational. The trio combined for five points (3-2-5) including Reinhart’s winner from Domi. For the tournament, Duclair had four goals and four assists in seven games.

iIn 18 games for the Rangers, he tallied one goal and six assists for seven points. His first career NHL goal came on 10/27 against the Wild in a come from behind 5-4 home win. He last played on 11/29 in a 5-2 win over the Flyers. Duke had one assist over his last nine games before coach Alain Vigneault made him a healthy scratch in December. Favoring vets Tanner Glass and Lee Stempniak, he didn’t trust Duclair enough to retain him. Along with the improvement of Miller and Fast, it allowed the organization to allow Duclair to participate in the WJC. A great experience that’ll benefit him.

Now, he goes back to Quebec that features Rangers 2013 fourth round pick defenseman Ryan Graves. In 22 games, he’s recorded eight goals and 10 assists with 22 penalty minutes and a plus-12 rating. So, Blueshirt fans will have plenty of reasons to follow the Remparts. Their roster also includes 2015 Draft Eligible Dmytro Timashov. A diminutive water bug who plays with Lightning 2013 second rounder Adam Erne. Russian prospect Vladimir Tkachev is also part of the roster. The 19-year old overager nearly signed with the Oilers out of training camp but his contract was deemed ineligible. An intriguing prospect who will also reenter the upcoming draft.

On Duclair, I would’ve loved to see him stay. But given the numbers game, it makes sense for Duke to go back and play. He’s a top nine forward who wouldn’t have gotten ideal ice-time under Vigneault. With the Rangers playing their best hockey entering a big three-game California road swing beginning tomorrow, it’s understandable why they decided to return him. If they are where they want to be this Spring, they can always recall him once his season is over. See you later buddy.

Posted in Battle News, NYRangers, Prospect Watch | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Canada edges Russia 5-4 to win Gold in World Juniors Classic

Posted on January 5, 2015 by Derek
Goalscorer Anthony Duclair celebrates an early goal in Canada's emotional 5-4 gold medal win over Russia at the 2015 World Juniors. The Canadian Press/IIHF

Goalscorer Anthony Duclair celebrates an early goal in Canada’s emotional 5-4 gold medal win over Russia at the 2015 World Juniors.
The Canadian Press/IIHF

Canada held off Russia 5-4 to win the gold medal at the U20 World Junior Championship at a frenzied Air Canada Centre in Toronto. Using a quick start thanks to Anthony Duclair’s goal 23 seconds in, they never trailed. It’s their first gold at the prestigious tournament since 2009 and 15th overall.

Max Domi was sensational finishing with a goal and two assists. Named the tournament’s MVP, Domi dominated most of his shifts with Duclair and Reinhart. That line was outstanding.

Consensus number one pick Connor McDavid scored and Sabres prospect Sam Reinhart got the winner in what was a wild second period. At one point, Canada scored three straight to take a commanding 5-1 lead. But Russia mounted a furious rally scoring three goals in a 3:16 span to close the period within 5-4. Goals from Ivan Barbashev and Sergei Tolchinski 16 seconds apart made it a two-goal contest. A Nikolai Goldobin power play tally suddenly made it one.

Ironically, Reinhart took a hooking penalty at the end of the second that had an entire country holding its collective breath. But Canada was able to recover following intermission. They did a great job killing it off and were outstanding defensively. Due in large part to Oilers D prospect Darnell Nurse, they kept Russia’s chances to the outside. Nurse was very physical and reminded me of a former Devils Hall Of Fame defenseman. Yes. I went there. I was glad they named him Star Of The Game. He was that dominant.

Overall, Canada did a strong job in the neutral zone also standing up at the blueline forcing Russia to the perimeter. They got their sticks on loose pucks and really bottled them up. Rangers prospect Pavel Buchnevich tried his best along with Tolchinski and determined teammates to get it tied. They just couldn’t do it. Buchnevich probably had the most dangerous chance firing a tricky shot from the right circle that winning Canadian goalie Zachary Fucale got a piece of. He finished with 26 saves.

Goals from Duclair and Nick Paul chased Russian starter Igor Shestyorkin. Islanders prospect Ilya Sorokin replaced him and made some key saves to give his team a lift. He denied Duclair twice. Russia picked it up and finally got on the board when Yudin followed up a rebound slicing the deficit to one halfway through the first. The game remained that way entering the second.

The second was classic hockey between two historic rivals dating back to the Summit Series in 1972. Early, it looked like Canada would pull away for an easy gold medal victory. Josh Morrissey sprung McDavid with a perfect seam pass leading to a sweet finish five-hole for a two-goal lead. Over two minutes later, Domi cruised in to the Russia zone and fired a laser from the left circle past Yudin glove side making it 4-1. With the crowd going wild, Russia called timeout. It didn’t help initially. Not with Reinhart getting a piece of a Domi shot deflecting it five-hole for a 5-1 Canada lead.

But just when Toronto was ready to party, Canada took some undisciplined penalties. A boarding call on Jake Virtanen led directly to one of Russia’s two power play goals. Buchnevich made a strong move to the net forcing Fucale into a difficult save. The rebound caromed out right to Barbashev, who deposited it to cut it to 5-2. On the next shift, the Russians pounced with Tolchinski burying a chance in front to suddenly make it a two-goal game. A Samuel Morin trip drawn by Buchnevich allowed Russia to draw even closer with Goldobin finishing from Tolchinski and Vladislav Kamenev.

That’s as close as Russia got. They really showed tremendous heart outshooting Canada 11-4 in a much more conservative third. Russia outshot Canada 21-9 the last two periods. Ultimately, a determined bunch of Canadians prevailed on home ice touching off fireworks and a wild celebration.

Posted in Prospect Watch, WJC | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

WJC Update Wild Second Has Russia trailing Canada 5-4

Posted on January 5, 2015 by Derek

How great is this game? If the second period was any indication, we could be in for a sensational finish. Leading 2-1, Canada scored three straight to go ahead 5-1. The goalscorers were highly touted prospect Connor McDavid, Max Domi and Sam Reinhart. The three-goal barrage came in seven minutes. Started by McDavid who scored on a breakaway, Domi then scored on a sweet wrist shot and then Reinhart appeared to deflect home Canada’s fifth for a four-goal lead.

But penalties put Canada in trouble. Ranger prospect Pavel Buchnevich set up Ivan Barbashev’s power play goal with a strong move in front. Only 32 seconds later, Sergei Tolchinski finished in front suddenly cutting it to 5-3. With Twitter finally unbroken, Russia continued its comeback Tolchinski setting up Nikolai Goldobin’s power play goal to make it three in a row within a 3:16 span.

To start the third, Russia has a full two-minute power play with Reinhart off for a hook. What will happen? The puck drops for the 3rd next!

Posted in Prospect Watch, WJC | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

WJC Update: Duclair scores 23 seconds in for Canada

Posted on January 5, 2015 by Derek

Anthony Duclair scored 23 seconds in for Canada setting the tone for the gold medal game in the U20 World Junior Championship. He won a battle along the boards beating two Russians and then one-timed a perfect Max Domi centering pass past Igor Shestyorkin sending Air Canada Centre into bedlam.

Canada has already chased Shestyorkin scoring twice. He was hardly at fault. Canada has gotten an unbelievable start. Since, Ilya Sorokin has come on in relief and made some key saves to keep Russian only down two. Duclair could easily have a hat trick. He’s been the best player. Perhaps making a statement to stay with the Rangers. They definitely have an interesting decision. If they keep Duclair, then they go with the kids and Lee Stempniak sits out and maybe Tanner Glass is waived. That’s up for debate.

The first period has been extremely chippy with Canada delivering some big hits with the benches at each other’s throats. We’ll have more later.

Posted in NYRangers, Prospect Watch, WJC | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Duclair’s Goal Among Highlights in Canada’s 5-1 semi win over Slovakia

Posted on January 4, 2015 by Derek
Anthony Duclair (seen above) with linemates Sam Reinhart and Max Domi has had a good WJC for Canada. montrealgazette.com/Getty Images

Anthony Duclair (seen above) with linemates Sam Reinhart and Max Domi has had a good WJC for Canada.
montrealgazette.com/Getty Images

It was a great night for Canada in the U20 World Junior Championship. They advanced to the championship game tomorrow night with a dominant 5-1 win over Slovakia at Air Canada Centre. They’ll face Russia in what should amount to a great final in what’s been a classic rivalry. Canada vs Russia is tremendous. The host country against its true nemesis. The bronze medal game will feature Slovakia against Sweden.

The big storyline from tonight’s Canadian triumph is Nic Petan’s hat trick. The 19-year old Winnipeg Jets prospect was the beneficiary of some splendid playmaking from stud 2015 Draft Eligible Connor McDavid and Curtis Lazar. The trio combined for nine points (3-6-9). McDavid was dynamic skating through the Slovakian defense to set up Petan. After a slow start to the tournament due to returning from injury, he’s caught fire with 7 points (2-5-7) in the last three games. That includes back-to-back three-point efforts in the quarters and semis. He will definitely be the number one overall pick this June. A virtual lottery ticket punched for a struggling NHL franchise. If it’s the Sabres, imagine a 1-2 Canadian punch of McDavid and Sam Reinhart.

On the Rangers’ side, Anthony Duclair has had a pretty good tournament. He scored a highlight reel goal on kind of a broken play in the third period to put Canada ahead 4-1. He lost control of a puck and then used his speed and hustle to recover banking it off a Slovakian player. It was just a brilliant play by a very heady player. He had run out of room and wisely threw it off the defender and caught a break. Well earned. Duclair also set up Canada’s third goal. He has seven points (3-4-7) in six games while playing with Reinhart and Max Domi. If only there was room for Duclair with the Rangers. But with Kevin Hayes, J.T. Miller and Jesper Fast all solidifying roles, they should send him back to Quebec once the WJC concludes.

Perhaps my favorite moment came at the conclusion. Following the Canadian win was the cool on ice presentation where both teams line up. They announced the Players Of The Game for each side. Undoubtedly, Petan got it for Canada. However, the media must’ve been asleep because there was no way anyone besides Slovakia netminder Denis Godla should’ve gotten it. In a semifinal where he was under siege. He was unbelievable finishing with 39 saves. The final two periods, Canada outshot Slovakia 34-8. If not for Godla, who made some godly saves, it could’ve been 10-1. He was remarkable. When they didn’t select him for Slovakia’s top player, the crowd started chanting, “Goa-lie, Goa-lie!!!” to which Godla obliged by raising his stick in salute to cheers. A pretty cool scene. Never change Canada.

It sets up a Canadian/Russian final for the gold. I’ll have a full recap tomorrow night. Enjoy what’s been another exciting tournament. The best hockey has to offer when it comes to prospects.

Posted in NYRangers, Prospect Watch, WJC | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Rangers Power Play On Fire

Posted on January 4, 2015 by Derek
Brassy: Derick Brassard celebrates his power play goal with teammates at the bench. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Brassy: Derick Brassard celebrates his power play goal with teammates at the bench.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

During their run of 10 wins in 11, the Rangers have had especially improved play on the power play. In Saturday’s 6-1 win over the Sabres, they were successful three consecutive times in a 2:32 span with Derick Brassard, Chris Kreider and Rick Nash converting. That made it five consecutive games with a power play goal. During that span, they’re 8-for-17 clicking at a ridiculous 47.1 percent.

IT’S A POWER PLAY GOAL (Rangers Last 5 Games)

12/23 vs Caps  2-for-6 St. Louis, Nash

12/27 vs Devils 1-for-3 Stepan

12/29 at Stars 1-for-2 Miller

12/31 at Panthers 1-for-2 McDonagh

1/3 vs Sabres 3-for-4 Brassard, Kreider, Nash

Totals  8-for-17 with 7 different scorers Nash 2 St. Louis Stepan Miller McDonagh Brassard Kreider

Over the last 11 games, the Rangers are 10-for-30. The turnaround can be attributed to the team finally getting healthy. That’s allowed assistant coach Scott Arniel to use key personnel on both units. That includes captain Ryan McDonagh, whose offense has finally come after missing time with a shoulder separation. Including his power play goal in a win at Florida, McDonagh has four power play points over the last 10 with three coming the past three.

Dan Boyle is finally putting up points. Brought in to run the power play, Boyle is making a difference on the point. He is great at reading the play. He’s also a righty shot which the team has lacked forever since the vintage days of Sergei Zubov. A threat to shoot, he keeps penalty killers honest. He’s also an adept passer. With a goal and assist last night, he has five points (1-4-5) over the last five with three coming on the man-advantage.

There’s also Derek Stepan, who is a point-per-game player. With eight of his 25 points on the power play including seven power play assists, he’s an important trigger man. With Derick Brassard and Martin St. Louis doing plenty of damage and Nash and Chris Kreider finishing, it’s no wonder they’ve turned it around. No Blueshirt has more than four PPG with Brassard, St. Louis, Kreider and Nash sharing the team lead.

Even without Mats Zuccarello scoring one, they’ve moved into the top 10 clicking at 20.4 percent (23-for-113). That has made them a much more dangerous team. The Rangers have scored 111 goals in 36 games averaging 3.08-per-game. That ranks in the top five. With improved special teams including the penalty kill now ranked 10th (82.6 percent) and good overall play at even strength, things are looking up.

Posted in NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rangers draft pick Shestyorkin backstops Russia past Sweden

Posted on January 4, 2015 by Derek
Rangers 2014 fourth round pick Igor Shestyorkin has turned some heads leading Russia to the World Junior Championship Final. HHOF-IIHF Images/usahockey.com

Rangers 2014 fourth round pick Igor Shestyorkin has turned some heads leading Russia to the World Junior Championship Final.
HHOF-IIHF Images/usahockey.com

In the first semifinal of the 2015 World Junior Championship, Russia advanced with a 4-1 win over Sweden. Alexander Sharov and Ziat Paigin scored 1:32 apart in the second period to break open a scoreless game. Sharov added his second in the third garnering Player Of The Game for Russia. Maxim Mamin added a goal and assist including a key goal in direct response to Sweden getting on the board.

The winning goalie was Rangers 2014 fourth round pick Igor Shestyorkin, who finished with 26 saves. The only blemish was a goal allowed to Sweden’s Lucas Wallmark that cut it to 3-1 with 8:30 left. He’s had an outstanding tournament posting a 1.50 goals-against-average, .952 save percentage and a shutout. In four games, Shestyorkin is 3-1 allowing six goals on 126 shots. In the quarters, he stifled USA making 39 saves in Russia’s 3-2 win. He was under siege but was able to come up with big saves allowing his team to advance.

From the glimpses I’ve seen of Shestyorkin, he’s fundamentally sound patiently waiting for the shots to come to him. He holds his position well and then reacts. Interestingly, he made a save with his mask late eerily reminiscent to Henrik Lundqvist. The score was 3-0 and Wallmark set up a teammate point blank and he fired a high riser that Shestyorkin shrugged away with his mask. It didn’t even faze him.

That kind of poise could potentially make him a steal. The Rangers selected him 118th overall after tabbing American goalie prospect Brandon Halverson in the second round with the 59th pick. He got into one game for USA making 14 saves in a 6-0 shutout win over Germany.

The Rangers still have three prospects left in the U20 WJC. That includes Russian forward Pavel Buchnevich and Canadian forward Anthony Duclair. Both were taken in the third round of the 2013 Draft 10 picks apart. Duclair was selected 65th overall while Buchnevich went No. 75. Buchnevich has five points (1-4-5) which makes him one of five Russian players with five. Duclair also has five points (2-3-5) along with 16 penalty minutes. He’s been playing on a cohesive line with Canadian standout Max Domi and Sabres 2013 first overall pick Sam Reinhart. That unit has combined for 10 goals and 11 assists entering Canada’s semifinal against Slovakia. They currently lead Slovakia 1-0 on a Nic Petan tally in the first period.

I’ll have another #WJC2015 update later.

Posted in NYRangers, Prospect Watch, WJC | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment