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Rangers vs Flyers

(Page 3 of 3)
Adam Kimelman

Rangers' McDonagh healthy, ready to face Flyers

Monday, 04.14.2014 / 11:31 PM / Rangers vs Flyers - 2014 SCP First Round

Jon Lane - NHL.com Staff Writer

NEW YORK -- New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh spent the past two weeks playing the role of observer, a dichotomy to his reputation of an iron man, when an injured shoulder sustained on April 1 against the Vancouver Canucks forced him to the press box at Madison Square Garden.

Sitting high atop his perch, McDonagh studied what became a polished product while the regular season drew to a close and took notes on what he can add to his burgeoning game. The Rangers often discuss the tempo of their team and the desire to play hard, play fast and transition quickly. To see that style unfold from a different perspective, McDonagh came away astonished at what's possible if the Rangers are firing on all cylinders.

X-Factor: Brassard could hold key for Rangers

Monday, 04.14.2014 / 2:50 AM / Rangers vs Flyers - 2014 SCP First Round

Tal Pinchevsky - NHL.com Staff Writer

The emergence of Derek Stepan as a top center and Brad Richards' return to form after a difficult 2012-13 season gives the New York Rangers a prominent duo centering their top two lines heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

But it has been the play of Derick Brassard which has helped put the Rangers on the fast track.

Acquired in the trade which sent Marian Gaborik to the Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2013 NHL Trade Deadline, Brassard enjoyed great success last year in his first appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, leading New York with 12 points in 12 games.

A repeat performance could help lead the Rangers past the first round of this year's playoffs.

Rangers hope slow start is in St. Louis' rear-view

Monday, 04.14.2014 / 2:16 AM / Rangers vs Flyers - 2014 SCP First Round

Tal Pinchevsky - NHL.com Staff Writer

Following the first trade of his 15-year NHL career, Martin St. Louis figured there would be a tough transition.

During 13 memorable seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, he won the Stanley Cup, a Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player and two Art Ross Trophies as the League's leading scorer. Then, on March 5, he was traded to the New York Rangers. The fact that St. Louis wanted the trade did not make the move any easier.

Professionally, the trade was seen as a move that could potentially put the Rangers over the top in their quest for the Stanley Cup. Personally, it was a time of great upheaval for the star.

St. Louis slumped early in his Rangers tenure, but his recent play is giving fans hope that the Stanley Cup could be coming back to Broadway for the first time in 20 years.

Why the Rangers will win the Stanley Cup

Monday, 04.14.2014 / 2:13 AM / Rangers vs Flyers - 2014 SCP First Round

Tal Pinchevsky - NHL.com Staff Writer

For the eighth time in the past nine seasons, the New York Rangers are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But, in all that time, they've never advanced to the Stanley Cup Final. That's about to change.

For much of his first season behind the Rangers bench, coach Alain Vigneault has rolled four forward lines and three defense pairings with remarkable consistency. That depth and the standout play of one of the world's best goaltenders will make this a memorable spring at Madison Square Garden.

As always, the Rangers' hopes of winning the Stanley Cup hinge on the play of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. Of course, they call him the King for a reason. After some stumbles out of the gate, Lundqvist has enjoyed a historic season that is worthy of a championship finale.


X-Factor: Lecavalier adds punch to Flyers' fourth line

Monday, 04.14.2014 / 12:20 AM / Rangers vs Flyers - 2014 SCP First Round

Adam Kimelman - NHL.com Deputy Managing Editor

In his 15 NHL seasons, Vincent Lecavalier has crafted an impressive resume, one which includes a Rocket Richard Trophy, a Stanley Cup and appearances in four NHL All-Star Games.

Those accomplishments came playing center, generally on his team's top line. Yet, in his first season with the Philadelphia Flyers, he was spending significant time at left wing on the second line. It wasn't a natural fit for Lecavalier.

"If you'd ask me what position I'd want to play, obviously I'd say center," he said March 18.

On March 28, he got his wish, to a degree. He was back at center, but on the fourth line.

It was a seismic blow to a player of Lecavalier's stature. But rather than sulk, he used it as motivation to spark his best play of the season. While the shift down the lineup cut into his ice time, he remains a viable threat at full strength or on the power play and will stay play a big role in the Flyers' quest to bring the Stanley Cup to Philadelphia for the first time since 1975.

Why the Flyers will win the Stanley Cup

Monday, 04.14.2014 / 12:15 AM / Rangers vs Flyers - 2014 SCP First Round

Adam Kimelman - NHL.com Deputy Managing Editor

When Claude Giroux finished practice Oct. 21, the standings showed his Philadelphia Flyers were 1-7-0.

Their two points were the fewest in the NHL, they already had changed coaches, and Giroux, two seasons removed from being the League's third-leading scorer, had zero goals, three assists and a minus-5 rating.

Most already had written the Flyers off for a second straight postseason on the sidelines, but all Giroux had to do was glance at a calendar.

Rangers, Flyers each hold big edge at home

Sunday, 04.13.2014 / 11:06 PM / Rangers vs Flyers - 2014 SCP First Round

NHL.com

The biggest key to the Stanley Cup Playoff series between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers could be which team plays better on the road.

In four regular-season games this season, the home team won each time. The Flyers have won three in a row against the Rangers at Wells Fargo Center, and the Rangers have won seven in a row against the Flyers at Madison Square Garden.

"Home-ice advantage is always better. MSG will be rocking," Rangers forward Rick Nash said. "It's a huge rivalry. It's going to be a fun one to play in. You play in the regular-season games [against Philadelphia] and they're that much more intense than the regular ones. So the playoffs are going to be much more exciting."

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