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[New York Rangers]

Niko Mikkola continues to haunt Rangers during another excellent playoff run with Panthers

James Guillory-Imagn ImagesJames Guillory-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers sure could use a defenseman like Niko Mikkola. Big, physical, plays with bite, moves the puck well, at his best in the most important games and situations, and affordable. It’d be a nice to have someone in their top four who checks all those boxes.

Of course, you already know the punchline here.

The Rangers had Mikkola, but let him get away. And now he’s a big reason why the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup last spring and are one victory away from advancing to the Cup Final again this postseason.

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

To be fair, there wasn’t exactly outrage from Rangers fans or a hue and cry from the media nor others within the game when the Blueshirts let Mikkola walk in the summer of 2023. He was a nice trade-deadline addition in 2022-23, arriving as a secondary piece in the deal that brought Vladimir Tarasenko to Broadway from the St. Louis Blues. He played good minutes down the stretch and was solid against in the first-round playoff loss to the New Jersey Devils.

It’s hard to find anyone in the hockey world who envisioned Mikkola would emerge as a high-level contributor playing 20 minutes a night for a championship team, though. Except that is for the Panthers, though coach Paul Maurice admitted that even they were a bit lucky here.

“The scouts are now saying ‘we knew it all along,’ and they deserve all the credit for that pickup. But his game has developed. We play a pretty simple game and he has a very strong hockey IQ,” Maurice explained before their Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes began this past week.

Typical Maurice dummying down how the Panthers made a great read on Mikkola and then signed him to a bargain three-year, $7.5 million contract, with an average annual value of $2.5 million. They saw something there that the Rangers most definitely did not.

“He is prototypical for our game and what we would like on our blue line,’’ Maurice explained. “And that is, make your read as fast as you can, and close as much ice as you can. … He is really built to play in our system.’’

A lot to like from Niko Mikkola in Game 1… pic.twitter.com/1pIRKPvonr

— Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyNHL) May 21, 2025

That fits with the take from most hockey experts that Mikkola wouldn’t be this good on another team. And that the Rangers weren’t completely misguided at the time, keeping Ryan Lindgren and K’Andre Miller on the left side of their top-four, and letting Mikkola head into free agency.

Of course, watching him flourish with the Panthers, and raise his game to impressive levels during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, must pain Chris Drury and Co. This is exactly the type player the Rangers need right now. They had him. They let him go.

Related: Why Rangers should avoid extension, move on from Artemi Panarin after contract expires in 2026

Former Rangers defenseman Niko Mikkola having another great postseason with Panthers​

Niko Mikkola with Rangers in 2023 — Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Rangers got an up-close view of Mikkola in the 2024 Eastern Conference Final, which was won by the Panthers in six games. Mikkola punished his former teammates with his physical play, frustrated them with his long-reach (he’s 6-foot-6), quick outlet passes and smart decision making. He also got under the Rangers skin when he flattened Igor Shesterkin on a short-handed rush during the series.

Like Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, Aleksander Barkov and now Brad Marchand, Mikkola embodies who the Panthers are.

“Playoff hockey is in my wheelhouse,” Mikkola said. “I like to play hard, I like to get hit, I like to give a hit. It’s been amazing.”

Mikkola is at it again this spring. He helped the Panthers hammer the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, and then escape a 2-0 series hole to eliminate the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games during the second round.

NIKO MIKKOLA SNIPE SHOW

WHAT A RUN FOR THE D-MAN pic.twitter.com/q9YM2sCgZ4

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 25, 2025

The rangy defenseman scored two goals Saturday in a 6-2 win over the Hurricanes. The Panthers lead that best-of-7 conference final 3-0, outscoring the Hurricanes 16-4 through three games. In the opener in Raleigh, Mikkola showed off his jets, sprinting from the back of his own zone to join the rush, taking a pass just outside the Hurricanes blue line, creating a 2-on-1. His slick pass was buried by fourth-liner A.J. Greer for a 3-1 lead at the time.

Though his bread-and-butter is excellent defensive play paired with a serious bite to his game, Mikkola can open eyes with his speed and creativity, too. It’s a solid package of skills. A perfect complement for a championship team or serious contender.

That’s why the Panthers are holding their breath after Mikkola took an awkward fall into the boards and left the game Saturday in the third period and didn’t return. It appeared the 29-year-old injured his shoulder.

Niko Mikkola went to the locker room after this tough collision with the boards behind the Florida net#TimeToHunt | #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/DiXEWuuXnl

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) May 25, 2025

“We think he’s going to be OK,” Maurice said postgame.

Game 4 of the conference final will be played Monday in South Florida, with the Panthers trying to finish off the sweep. If they do, that’ll give Mikkola time to get healthy before he gets a chance to win his second Stanley Cup ring since leaving the Rangers.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...kkola-got-away-panthers-stanley-cup-champion/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist inducted into IIHF Hall of Fame: ‘Playing on international stage was always important to me’

Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesDan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Henrik Lundqvist was indicted into the IIHF Hall of Fame on Sunday. Fittingly for the New York Rangers legend, the ceremony took place in Lundqvist’s home country of Sweden.

One of the greatest goalies in NHL history, Lundqvist is sixth all-time – – and first among goalies born in Europe — with 459 wins, also a Rangers record. As such, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023.

This latest honor, though, was based more on Lundqvist’s brilliance in international play, representing Sweden for two decades.

“Playing on the international stage was always important to me,” Lundqvist said Sunday, wearing the Tre Kronor yellow jersey during his acceptance speech. “It’s hard to describe the feeling of what it’s like to put this on. It’s pride, excitement, and that feeling never changed for the next 20 years.

“Some of my best moments as an athlete, as a person I would say, have been wearing this jersey — winning world championships, the Olympics, such big moments.”

Lundqvist remembered being nine years old, seeing Avicii Arena — then brand-new and named The Globe — and how that influenced him to dream big.

“One day I want to play there, wear that blue and yellow jersey,” he recalled. “And the thought of playing for my country was such a big dream, the inspiration growing up that really pushed me in so many ways.”

Related: Niko Mikkola continues to haunt Rangers during another excellent playoff run with Panthers

Rangers great Henrik Lundqvist starred for Sweden on international stage​

Scott Rovak-Imagn Images

Lundqvist’s greatest moment on the international stage was helping Sweden win the gold medal at the 2006 Turin Olympics. He was 5-1 and allowed only 12 goals in those Olympics.

Lundqvist was only 23 at the time, a rookie with the Rangers in the NHL. Yet he shined on a loaded Sweden roster that included all-time greats Mats Sundin, Nicklas Lidstrom, Peter Forsberg, Henrik Zetterberg, Daniel Alfredsson and the Sedin twins.

“Winning in ’06, probably one of the best teams I ever played for,” Lundqvist explained. “A lot of my teammates on that team were my idols. And I always find that so special, where you have the opportunity to play with your heroes and you look around the locker room and it doesn’t feel real. You grew up watching them on TV and suddenly you have the chance to win something together.”

Lundqvist was also in net for Sweden when they captured the silver medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, bronze at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and medaled three times (one gold, two silver) at the World Hockey Championships.

In 51 international games representing Sweden, Lundqvist was 36-14-1 with a 2.08 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and eight shutouts.

He was inducted Sunday into the IIHF Hall of Fame along with Zdeno Chara (Slovakia), Frans Nielsen (Denmark), David Vyborny (Czechia), Kim Martin-Hasson (Sweden), Vicky Sunohara (Canada) and Kai Hietaranta (Finland, builder’s category).

“Huge honor … like Chara, you said, You don’t win it, you earn it.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/henrik-lundqvist-inducted-iihf-hall-of-fame/

 

[New York Rangers]

New York Rangers Daily: Mika Zibanejad finishes strong; Panthers eye sweep; Honoring Johnny Hockey

David Kirouac-Imagn ImagesDavid Kirouac-Imagn Images

The World Hockey Championships ended on a good — if not perfect — note for New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad on Sunday. On the final day of the tournament, Zibanejad was in action for host country Sweden — just not in the gold medal game.

Zibanejad scored a goal and added an assist to help Sweden secure the bronze medal with a 6-2 win against Denmark. Sweden had a 4-0 lead early in the third period, but when Denmark pushed back with a pair of goals less than three minutes apart, Zibanejad helped swing momentum back the other way.

First, there was a secondary assist on Marcus Johansson’s goal at 8:25, and then Zibanejad iced the win for Sweden when he scored at 15:03 of the third period.

Mika Zibanejad participe à la fête! 6-2 Suède. #MondialMasculin sur RDS2 pic.twitter.com/RXGcQSrUJ6

— RDS (@RDSca) May 25, 2025

Zibanejad had mostly a good tournament, finishing with eight points (five goals, three assists) in nine games, missing one with an illness. He tied for fifth in scoring for Sweden, and was tied for ninth among in the tournament with five goals.

Like the rest of his teammates, Zibanejad wasn’t great in a 6-2 loss to the United States in the semifinals. But all in all, Zibanejad appeared rejuvenated playing for his home country after the dark malaise which engulfed him with the Rangers this past season.

Momentum doesn’t carry from one season to the next, but Rangers brass must be happy to see Zibanejad finish up this season strong in the NHL (11 points in six games) and on the international stage.

But if they haven’t done so already, general manager Chris Drury and coach Mike Sullivan must make it a point to sit down with Zibanejad and make sure his head is clear and he’s all-in next season. Because he most definitely was not in 2024-25.

By the way, the United States won the World Championship, defeating Switzerland 1-0 on Tage Thompson’s goal 2:02 into overtime Sunday. It’s the first time the U.S. won gold at the Worlds since 1933.

No Rangers were on Team USA’s roster. Brett Berard missed out on the experience, when he was forced to pull out of the tournament with an injury.

WATCH the latest Rink Rap podcast at the Forever Blueshirts YouTube page

New York Rangers news​

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Tom Castro provides a detailed breakdown of why the Rangers shouldn’t extend Artemi Panarin and instead move on from the prolific scorer when his contract is up at the end of next season.

Niko Mikkola would be a perfect fit these days with the Rangers. But would the defenseman have ever been as good as he is with the Florida Panthers, if the Rangers kept him two years ago?

Ryan McInerney makes the case that Vincent Trocheck should be the next captain of the Rangers.

Breaking down the best right-wing options for the Rangers with the No. 12 pick in this year’s NHL Draft.

Here are three realistic trade options if the Rangers decide to move Alexis Lafreniere this offseason.

NHL news and rumors​

Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Sportsnaut: Here are the key takeaways after the Edmonton Oilers hammer the Dallas Stars 6-1 in Game 3 to take 2-1 lead in best-of-7 Western Conference Final.

TSN: The Stars played without top center Roope Hintz, who participated in warmups but was unable to play in Game 3 after sustaining an unspecified injury the game before.

NHL.com: The Florida Panthers look to finish a sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final on Monday night. Forward Sam Reinhart has not been ruled out after missing Game 3 with a lower-body injury.

Sportsnet: Niko Mikkola is expected to play for the Panthers on Monday after the former Rangers defenseman sustained what appeared to be a shoulder injury late in the third period of Game 3 on Saturday.

Daily Faceoff: Team USA honored the late Johnny Gaudreau after defeating Switzerland 1-0 in overtime to win the gold medal at the 2025 World Hockey Championships.

NY Post: Ethan Sears breaks down the extensive to-do list for new Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Dan Kingerski breaks down the pros and cons of the top-5 coach candidates for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ng-panthers-eye-sweep-honoring-johnny-hockey/

 

[New York Rangers]

Top defensemen options for Rangers with No. 12 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Aaron Doster-Imagn ImagesAaron Doster-Imagn Images

If the New York Rangers decide to keep their pick at No. 12 overall, you can argue a quality defensemen could be their second biggest need to support Adam Fox. And if centers fly off the board, the Rangers may be able to snag a really good defenseman at No. 12.

Defenseman Matthew Schaefer is projected to be the No. 1 pick by the Islanders. But after that, defensemen may fall in the first round. That could leave the Rangers with intriguing options like Kashawn Aitcherson and Radim Mrtka.

Related: Top right-wing options in 2025 NHL Draft for Rangers: Porter Martone & Justin Carbonneau

Kashawn Aitcheson​

Barrie Colts – 6 foot-1, 196 pounds

NHL.com Analysis from Mike Morreale:

“The Flyers need more snarl along the blue line and Aitcheson (6-1, 196) not only fills that void but can push the pace with some offensive flair. The 18-year-old was third among OHL defensemen with 26 goals and seventh with 59 points in 64 games, and had 21 power-play points (nine goals, 12 assists). Defensively, he’s fierce, gets in the face of his opponent and is physically engaged.”

This would be a player the Garden Faithful would love if somehow he was still available at No. 12. The Rangers don’t really have a trigger man from the point, and one of Aitcheson’s biggest strengths is certainly his shot. With more and more teams finding ways to eliminate the half-wall one-timer, having a Jakob Chychrun type hammer from the point is always going to be a threat. Aitcheson does a great job sliding up into the play off a cycle to find the soft ice to finish from all over the offensive zone without sacrificing defense. Great awareness there.

Aitcheson has solid vision and playmaking ability in getting the puck out of the zone. He’s also pretty confident on his skates with the puck in the offensive zone to draw guys to him and find someone sneaking through the slot or waiting at the back door for a tap-in. He can also start the rush to be a one-man breakout with his great skating ability. Where Aitcheson pegs to stick out is his physicality. He plays way bigger than his size and has no issues catching a guy with his head down in the open-ice and answering the bell right after. Excellent fighting skills with a right hook that can do a lot of damage. Can reverse hit with the best of them, too.

Simply, Aitcheson’s a well-rounded old-school defensemen that knows exactly how to set the tone out on the ice. He’s got a very active stick and isn’t afraid to sacrifice his body to block the shot. Strong skating keeps him in position and makes him a rare defensemen that can handle 2-on-1’s with minimal issues. At a minimum, there’s some prime Dmitry Orlov in the prospect with a higher ceiling. Highly unlikely he remains there at No. 12, but if so, it would be pretty hard to pass on someone who would solve a lot of the questions on the left side of the Rangers defense pairings in future years.

Projected timeline to the NHL: 1-2 years

Radim Mrtka​

Seattle Thunderbirds – 6 foot-6, 216 pounds

NHL.com Analysis from Mike Morreale:

“The right-shot defenseman, born in Czechia, is hard to miss. The Western Hockey League rookie possesses great hockey sense and competitiveness. The 17-year-old is considered a two-way defenseman whose upside is too good to pass up. Selected by Seattle in the second round (No. 71) of the 2024 CHL import draft, Mrtka had 35 points (three goals, 32 assists) in 43 games.”

Mrtka left Czechia midseason where it was tougher to get meaningful minutes as a 17 year-old. In the WHL, he simply looked like a man amongst boys. He became the catalyst quickly for Seattle’s backend. Mrtka’s just a massive presence and a force anytime he’s out there. He’s already well built into his imposing frame with some room to grow. With that, the hope is he becomes more confident in his physical game. He occasionally shows that side but not as much as you would expect for someone of his physical stature.

He generally relies on his stick and positioning to eliminate offense. If Mrtka can learn to use his size to his advantage to clear the traffic in front and along the boards at least, it’ll help stall the opposition’s forecheck. Matching this with his fluid stride and not great but solid first pass will make the difference between him being a top-pair defensemen or a serviceable top-four guy. His skating and stickhandling aren’t elite, but are enough to be a long-time NHL defensemen you want on your team come postseason. Keeps his game simple which isn’t always a bad thing. Only gets in trouble when he tries to do too much, so that’s something that should simply improve with maturity.

There’s a floor of eventually being the next Niko Mikkola … though he’s right-handed, which is always a coveted trait in a defensemen. Size being perhaps his biggest strength. Shot leaves a lot to be desired but usually makes the right play at the point and does a great job of getting the shot through traffic.

The Athletic’s recent mock draft had the Rangers taking him with the No. 12 pick. With the right side of the defense mostly spoken for in New York for the foreseeable future and righty EJ Emery as their first-round pick last year, perhaps Mrtka isn’t the right fit. But never say never because things work themselves out and it’s not like Mrtka would step in right away in the NHL. He’s a worthy option at No. 12..

Projected timeline to the NHL: 1-2 years

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...nsemen-options-number-12-pick-2025-nhl-draft/

 

[New York Rangers]

Dylan Garand sets up his Rangers future after another solid season with AHL Hartford

Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesDanny Wild-Imagn Images

Dylan Garand continues to take the next steps as the top goalie prospect in the New York Rangers organization. The 22-year-old is coming off his best pro season with Hartford of the American Hockey League, and is setting himself up to be Igor Shesterkin’s backup on Broadway in the not-too-distant future.

Of course, barring injury, that won’t happen next season. Jonathan Quick is under contract to be the Rangers’ No. 2, but he’ll be 40 years old in January, so Garand’s time is not far off.

Garand supplanted veteran Louis Domingue as the clear No. 1 in Hartford this season and responded with a career highs across the board: 20 wins, 2.73 goals-against average, .913 save percentage and three shutouts.

Potulny on Garand: He’s been the same. As a pro hockey player, that’s the best compliment you can get, is that you’re not up-and-down and erratic and inconsistent. Dylan prepares the same way, practices the same way. When you do that, success isn’t surprising. #NYR

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) April 19, 2025

The fourth round pick (No. 103) by the Rangers in the 2020 NHL Draft is a restricted free agent this summer, coming off his entry-level contract. The Rangers will certainly qualify him, and a two-year bridge deal sounds about right.

Related: Henrik Lundqvist inducted into IIHF Hall of Fame: ‘Playing on international stage was always important to me’

Looking back on Dylan Garand’s rise in Rangers organization​

Dylan Garand – Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Garand won five of his first seven starts this past season, setting the stage for his best and most consistent regular season since turning pro. In addition, he won multiple starts in four instances (two: Oct. 19 – 30 and Jan. 5 – 10, three: Mar. 15 – 22, four: Dec. 4 – 14) for a team that didn’t provide the goalie much support on either side of the puck.

Hartford coach Grant Potulny leaned on Garand, trying to make the playoffs. Garand started 13 of Hartford’s final 19 games.

Overall, his 20 wins is tied for 14th most in the AHL and his .913 save percentage tied for ninth. Garand played 2,327:09 (13th most minutes in AHL) and faced 1,225 shots (sixth highest). He handled the heavy workload and took big steps forward in his development.

Longest shutout streaks for a Wolf Pack goaltender since 04/05:

– Steve Valiquette, 219:55 (04/05)
– David LeNeveu, 200:31 (13/14
– Dylan Garand, 197:02 (24/25)

: John Mrakovcich | #NYR pic.twitter.com/WiFPmNcs3Z

— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) December 15, 2024

In December, Garand was named AHL Goaltender of the Month, when he was 4-2-0 with two shutouts, a 1.35 GAA, and save percentage. The last Wolf Pack goalie to earn this honor was Igor Shesterkin in October 2019. Garand is the sixth Hartford goalie to win this award.

Stick taps to Dylan Garand for being named the AHL's Goaltender of the Month for December️

He is the sixth goaltender in franchise history to receive this honor. pic.twitter.com/UjIBTutvKJ

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@WolfPackAHL) January 2, 2025

The following month, Garand was selected to participate in the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic.

AN ALL-STAR PASS FROM OUR ALL-STAR GOALIE#AHLAllStar | #RunTogether pic.twitter.com/ClYCvkGneJ

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@WolfPackAHL) February 4, 2025

Garand is 49-42-16 with a 2.92 GAA, .902 save percentage and eight shutouts in three seasons since joining the Wolf Pack in late 2020-21. In two Calder Cup Playoff runs, Garand has been excellent, 10-7-0 with a 2.21 GAA, .927 save percentage and two shutouts).

He’s a big-game goalie, evidenced by his helping Canada win the World Junior Championship in 2022. Garand also played for Canada in the just-completed 2025 World Hockey Championships. He appeared in one game and shut out Slovenia 4-0 in the tournament opener, before watching Marc-Andre Fleury and Jordan Binnington handle the goalie duties the rest of the way.

Where Dylan Garand fits in Rangers organization​

Outside of Garand, the Rangers have decent goaltending depth. In the system, Hugo Ollas and Callum Tung are signed for next season, and Talyn Boyko, who played in five AHL games, is a restricted free agent like Garand. Given that group, Garand should be the clear No. 1 in Hartford next season, though Tung is an intriguing option after he signed as an undrafted free agent in March.

Domingue, who played three seasons in Hartford, was an unrestricted free agent and signed with SKA in the KHL. That clears the path for Garand, now that he’s got more pro experience under his belt.

Looking ahead at Dylan Garand’s future with Rangers​

Despite Quick returning on a 1-year deal, Garand could make a compelling case to be the Rangers backup in 2026-27. Quick could retire after next season or not be re-signed. Given the youth movement and cap navigation, Garand is a great internal option. A strong preseason and consistent season in Hartford should do the trick for Garand.

If there are injuries, Garand should be the first candidate to be called up. His first NHL game in the regular season would build his confidence further and gauge his readiness.

While the Rangers are in win now mode, they also will need to lean on their youth to build the future. That’s where Garand fits in as Shesterkin’s backup in the not-so-distant future.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...arand-future-after-solid-season-ahl-hartford/

 

[New York Rangers]

How Rangers rally from 3-1 series deficit against Penguins in 2022 playoffs could inspire Knicks

Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesDanny Wild-Imagn Images

In 2022, the New York Rangers were down 3-1 in a best-of-7 playoff series and stormed all the way back against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Now this spring, their Madison Square Garden brethren, the New York Knicks, are staring down that same hole against the Indiana Pacers.

Different sports, same city and situation. Maybe the Knicks can draw some inspiration from the ’22 Rangers, who stared down playoff elimination in three consecutive games to survive and advance.

That being said, this isn’t a carbon copy situation. In 2022, the Rangers comeback came against a Penguins team that was missing major pieces. Sidney Crosby was injured in Game 5, missed Game 6 and wasn’t himself when he returned for the decisive seventh game. Louis Domingue was forced to step in as the third-string goalie for the Penguins during the second overtime of the series opener and started the next five games.

The Knicks, meanwhile, are facing a fully loaded Pacers squad. If anything, it’s the Knicks who are beat up, since Karl Anthony-Towns is dealing with a knee issue.

The stakes also weren’t as high. The Rangers rallied back in a first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series. The Knicks and Pacers are duking it out in the Eastern Conference Final of the NBA Playoffs. The winner advances to the NBA Finals, something the Knicks haven’t done since 1999.

But perhaps the Knicks can take something from their MSG co-tenants. The Knicks just lost a brutal Game 4 on the road Tuesday to land on the brink of playoff extinction. That’s not dissimilar to the 2022 Rangers, who were embarrassed 7-2 in Game 4 in Pittsburgh.

So, now the Knicks are left with the same choice the Rangers faced three years ago: wake up or break up.

Related: NHL insider says Rangers ‘testing the market’ for K’Andre Miller in latest trade rumor

How Rangers rallied from 3-1 series deficit to eliminate Penguins in 2022​

The Rangers lost a memorable series opener to the Penguins in 2022, falling in triple overtime at The Garden. This spring, the Knicks also opened their series against the Pacers with an OT loss, 138-135. And it was truly memorable, as well, since the Knicks became the first team in NBA history to lose in the playoffs when leading by at least 14 points with 2:45 remaining in regulation.

Three years ago, the Rangers jumped out to an early lead in Game 1, getting goals from Adam Fox and Andrew Copp to take a 2-0 lead. The Garden was rocking, the energy was through the roof, and New York looked in control.

Jake Guenztel beat Igor Shesterkin twice in the second period, and although Chris Kreider responded with the go-ahead goal off a beautiful pass from Mika Zibanejad, Bryan Rust tied it at three just before the second intermission.

Many may forget this moment, but before going to overtime, Filip Chytil scored what looked like the go-ahead-goal for the Rangers with under three minutes left in regulation. But after review, goalie interference was called on Kappo Kakko, erasing the Chytil’s goal.

Goalie Casey DeSmith left the game in the second overtime, forcing the Penguins to go to Domingue since Tristan Jarry already was out injured. It took a deflection off Evgeni Malkin’s stick at 5:58 of the third overtime to finally beat Shesterkin — who made 79 saves in the 4-3 loss, the most ever recorded at Madison Square Garden.

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Much like Game 1, the Rangers struck first in Game 2. Copp fired one past Domingue from the slot, but Guentzel answered minutes later to tie it. The Rangers reclaimed the lead on a second-period power-play goal by Ryan Strome, and never looked back. Goals from Kreider, Artemi Panarin, and Frank Vatrano helped seal the 5-2 win to tie the series.

Brock McGinn scored just two minutes into Game 3 for Pittsburgh, but Kakko tallied the equalizer. Power-play goals from Jeff Carter and Evan Rodrigues gave the Penguins a 3-1 lead and Rodrigues scored again to make 4-1 by the first intermission.

Vatrano, Panarin, and Copp scored in the second period when the Rangers tied the game. But Pittsburgh had the final say, netting three unanswered goals (two into the empty net) in the third to take the third game, 7-4.

Alexis Lafreniere and the Kid Line struck first in Game 4, but that was just about the only good news for the Rangers. Pittsburgh’s stars took over — Crosby, Malkin, and Guentzel all found the score sheet and the Penguins exploded for seven goals for the second straight game. New York looked dead in the water. All momentum had shifted to Pittsburgh. But then … something changed.

Game 5 at Madison Square Garden​

Back at MSG and on the brink of elimination, the Rangers needed everyone to be at their best in Game 5. But Guentzel continued to dominate them, scoring his seventh goal of the series to open the scoring in the first period. Things got more tense for the Rangers when Kris Letang scored early in the second period to make it 2-0.

Midway through the period, Crosby left the ice with an injury. It was a definite turning point in the game and series. The Rangers exploded with a barrage of three goals in under three minutes to take the lead — Fox struck first, followed by Lafreniere, and Jacob Trouba, whose go-ahead goal sent MSG into a frenzy.

Guenztel — who else? — tied it up at 3-3 just 13 seconds after Trouba’s goal. But New York punched back in the third period. Chytil buried a power-play goal at 2:53, and Ryan Lindgren sealed the win with an empty net goal. It was more than just a win, it was the first multi-goal comeback win in an elimination game for the Rangers in their postseason history.

Game 6 at PPG Paints Arena​

Again, the Penguins ran out to a 2-0 lead, this time scoring twice late in the first period of Game 6. The “IGOR” taunts started raining down from the Pittsburgh crowd, and things looked bleak for the Rangers after Carter scored his fourth goal of the series and Rust doubled their lead.

But Zibanejad came to life in the second period, scoring twice to tie the game. On the power play, Shesterkin’s long pass landed on the tape of Zibanejad’s stick and led to Kreider’s go-ahead goal at 13:48. But Malkin scored three minutes later to tie the score, 3-3.

Kreider scored again — this time with just 1:28 left in regulation — and Copp’s empty-netter sealed a massive 5-3 road win to force Game 7 back home.

Game 7 at Madison Square Garden​

Kreider got the Garden rocking eight minutes into Game 7, beating Jarry off a 2-on-1 with Zibanejad. Danton Heinen tied it at 1-1 before the end of the first, and Guenztel’s power play goal gave the Penguins a 2-1 lead in the second. But K’Andre Miller’s point shot deflected off a Penguins skate and found its way in to tie the score briefly before Rodriguea answered with a short handed goal just before the second period ended, giving the Penguins a 3-2 lead.

Copp fed Zibanejad for the game-tying goal with 5:45 left in regulation, to support Shesterkin, who was brilliant with the Rangers being badly outshot.

With the season on the line in overtime, the Rangers got an early power play. They set up in the zone, and after Panarin took a pass from Fox, he skated in and buried the series winner. MSG erupted into absolute pandemonium as the Rangers completed their third 3-1 series comeback since 2015.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...w-york-rangers-3-1-comeback-against-penguins/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers should rebound, make playoffs next season but ‘don’t see them as contender’: Neil Smith tells Forever Blueshirts

Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORKFrank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK

Only four times in NHL history has a team won the Presidents’ Trophy one season, only to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs the following season. Incredibly, the New York Rangers account for half of those instances.

They were the first team to accomplish this ignominious feat in 1992-93, and the most recent to do so this past season.

Each of those seasons went up in flames after beginning with such promise, much of it fueled by finishing with the best regular-season record in the NHL the year before. There are many similarities, including locker-room dissension, stunningly poor play on the ice and a furious fan base that often ushered their beloved Rangers off the ice at Madison Square Garden in a shower of boos.

According to Neil Smith, who was the general manager of that 1992-93 Rangers team, the biggest similarity was the inability of each coach to get his team back on track amid much dysfunction.

“The coach lost the team. That was the same for both teams,” Smith told Forever Blueshirts in a recent exclusive phone conversation.

Each of those Rangers squads was led by a veteran coach, not new to ironing out issues with his teams, but unable to do so in these instances. Roger Neilson, who ultimately coached 1,000 games for eight teams in the NHL and is 35th all-time with 460 coaching victories, was behind the Rangers bench in that fateful 1992-93 season. Peter Laviolette, who coached the Carolina Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup in 2006 and is seventh in NHL history with 846 wins, was the Rangers coach in 2024-25.

The circumstances were not exactly the same for these respected coaches. Neilson faced a player uprising led by captain Mark Messier, who believed the Rangers could not win a Stanley Cup championship with the quirky, defensive-minded coach. Laviolette was handed a mess — no pun intended — when his GM, Chris Drury, upset the players with his heavy-handed approach in handling the departures of several respected veterans, including captain Jacob Trouba.

“With our team, we had some injuries and had some problems in the locker room, and Roger wasn’t able to straighten those things out to get the team back going as it could. He wasn’t able to get ‘Mess’ and the rest of them to come to come back together as a team,” Smith explained. “So, I think that’s a similarity to Laviolette, whose team imploded and he wasn’t able to get them to come back together sufficiently to make the playoffs. That’s a similarity to our situation.”

When Smith mentions “some injuries,” he’s primarily referring to a pair of serious injuries sustained by Brian Leetch, who was coming off winning the Norris Trophy as the top NHL defenseman in 1991-92. Leetch missed significant time with a shoulder injury; and then just when it appeared he was hitting stride late in the season, he broke his ankle in an off-ice incident.

The 2024-25 Rangers didn’t have that same injury misfortune to blame their disappointing season on.

“The one thing from last year that startled me was there was so much self-inflicted wounds on that team,” Smith shared. “Right from the start of the summer with Trouba, then they expected him to come to training camp and still lead the team … [Barclay] Goodrow, they got rid of him in a way that was distasteful to the players. Whether you feel sorry for them or not, and I know they’re making all the money, the players are like ‘if they do that to him, who knows what they’ll do to me.’

“That was the worst stuff because that was all friendly fire. That put the team into a funk where during that slide (4-15-0 from mid-November through December), they were completely disillusioned. They looked like mummies out there.”

Related: NHL insider says Rangers ‘testing the market’ for K’Andre Miller in latest trade rumor

Neil Smith ‘couldn’t do nothing’ after Rangers took massive step back in 1992-93​

The Rangers were 34-39 with 11 ties in the 84-game schedule in 1992-93. They finished last in the six-team Patrick Division with 79 points, 10th out of 12 teams in the Eastern Conference.

Less than a year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy, the Rangers fired Neilson during the 1992-93 campaign. Ron Smith replaced Neilson and was unable to turn things around in 44 games as coach (15-22 with seven ties).

“You couldn’t do nothing (as general manager),” Smith explained. “Mess had the locker room. And if he said ‘we’re never going to win with this guy’ then we had no chance. When I realized that — and remember this is happening to me for the first time — I had no choice but to changes coaches. I certainly wasn’t getting rid of Mess. And it was tough, I was loyal to Roger … but I believed in Mess.”

Smith admitted he was “petrified” of his losing his job and understood the Rangers had to reverse course in 1993-94 or he was in big trouble. Smith hired Mike Keenan to coach the team shortly after that disastrous season ended, added Steve Larmer early next season to a star-studded roster, and the Rangers course corrected in a major way.

They again won the Presidents’ Trophy in 1993-94, made a flurry of key trades ahead of the deadline and went on to win the Stanley Cup that spring, their first championship in 54 years.

“I knew that I couldn’t have another year like ’92-’93, there was no way I could’ve survived that, that much disappointment,” Smith said. “That’s the worst thing you can do as a manager, and that’s disappoint people. Everybody thinks you’ve got a great team and you shit the bed. Look what’s going on in Toronto right now because everybody’s expectations were so high.”

Related: Examining alternatives if Rangers don’t trade Chris Kreider this offseason

Neil Smith shares biggest difference between current Rangers and 1992-93 squad​

Smith believes the biggest difference in these Rangers teams separated by three decades is the roster itself. That 1992-93 team was stocked with Stanley Cup winners and leaders like Messier, Kevin Lowe, Esa Tikkanen, and Jeff Beukeboom. Along with some great homegrown talent, that Rangers team, in Smith’s opinion, was built to bounce back in 1993-94.

“Even players like Brian Leetch. They had an edge to them,” the former GM remembered.

Not so with this current roster. The core is not made up of proven winners, and instead has a soft reputation, especially the deeper they’ve gone in prior postseason appearances. There’s not much of an “edge” with this group, one that was 39-36-7 and finished six points out of a playoff spot in the East.

That is what makes Smith skeptical about New York’s championship aspirations moving forward, even after Mike Sullivan — a two-time Stanley Cup winner — was hired as coach when Laviolette was fired.

“In some ways I really feel sorry for them because I don’t know how to dig yourself out of this,” Smith said. “I don’t know that Mike alone covers all the holes they have right now. They’re gonna have to do some work, find some guys who want to go north-south and not east-west.”

But that doesn’t mean Smith doesn’t see better days ahead for the Rangers. He just sees more limitations with this group than his team.

“I don’t think they’re going to miss the playoffs next year. I think Mike Sullivan with [Mika] Zibanejad and [Chris] Kreider and especially [Igor] Shesterkin, they’re a playoff team,” he explained. “How good can they be on top of being a playoff team? I don’t know how they go back to being a contending team with the roster the way it is. Will they make the playoffs? Yeah, I don’t know how you miss the playoffs with those players unless you have a year like this which is an aberration. But I don’t see them being a contender next year. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe they’ll do something in the summer that will make them a contender. I don’t see it.”

Smith rode the rollercoaster that Drury now finds himself sitting in the front seat. And he has some simple advice for the current Rangers GM.

“Chris can’t have another year like this year or I’m sure his zip code will change. You’ve got to learn from things. I learned from things every year I was doing it. So, learn from things and do better the next year.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ound-make-playoffs-next-season-not-contender/

 

[New York Rangers]

Why Jackson Smith, Logan Hensler are defenseman Rangers may consider with No. 12 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Joe Camporeale-Imagn ImagesJoe Camporeale-Imagn Images

If the New York Rangers wish to select a defenseman with the No. 12 overall pick in the NHL Draft, they’ll have plenty of solid choices. Though projected No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer will be long gone by time the Rangers make their first-round choice, many believe that they’ll have interest in Kashawn Aitcheson or Radim Mrtka.

The Rangers could pivot, though, especially if they seek more of a puck-moving defenseman. That’s where junior standout Jackson Smith and NCAA product Logan Hensler fit in.

Each is relatively similar in size and mobility and could be intriguing options for the Rangers.

Let’s check out their similarities and differences.

Related: Top right-wing options in 2025 NHL Draft for Rangers: Porter Martone & Justin Carbonneau

Jackson Smith​

Tri-City Americans: 6-foot 3, 194 pounds

NHL.com Analysis from Adam Kimelman:

“The left-shot defenseman has NHL-ready size (6-3, 195), skates well enough to be a one-man breakout and can make a smart first pass out of the zone. Smith, who turned 18 on May 13, had 54 points (11 goals, 43 assists) in 68 games this season.”

The best way to describe Smith is smooth. He’s a great skater that quickly and effortlessly can turn it up the ice with and without the puck. His first step is pretty insane, and he can get from one zone to the other in very few strides. If the space isn’t there, it doesn’t take him really any effort to create it for himself.

Smith also has great hands and vision to match his skating ability. He isn’t afraid to break the puck out himself, gain the zone, skate right into traffic and find the open man. His hands are subtly elite, and he has the ability to simply take opponents on 1-on-1. Of course, he’ll have to pick his battles at the next levels.

While he hasn’t scored a lot of goals, Smith has a great shot from the point that generally creates a rebound for his forwards to crash the net and put home. He’s comfortable on both sides of the ice, where a lefty playing on the right point can get a heavy one-timer off without hesitation. Again, something the Rangers don’t really have on the back end. If anything, Smith should shoot more.

He has a little bit of bite where he’ll throw the hit here and there. But Smith really relies on his skating ability to play the defensive side of the puck. He’s not a liability defensively, but where he’ll shine is offensively.

The Tri-City uniforms are pretty similar to the Columbus Blue Jackets, so can’t help but see Zach Werenski in Smith’s game. Smith has the size, speed, the hands and simply all the tools to take over the ice on his shifts without expending much energy. He should be a solid top-pair defenseman for whoever selects him in the upcoming draft.

Projected timeline to the NHL: 2-3 years

Logan Hensler​

Wisconsin Badgers: 6-foot-2, 192 pounds

Sportsnet analysis from Sam Cosentino:

“Started to figure things out in the second half of the NCAA season, where playing defense as a freshman is a tall order. Hensler gets around the ice smoothly and efficiently and he passes it like a pro. He engages defensively and can be a threat supporting the rush as well.”

While his stats (12 points; two goals, 10 assists in 32 games) don’t pop off the page, Hensler was second in scoring by NCAA freshman defensemen, behind only Cole Hutson. And he was tied for second in scoring among Wisconsin defensemen. The big difference compared to Smith is Hensler’s confidence with the puck. Though he has the attributes to be more of a threat offensively, Hensler tends to play it safe. Right now, Smith leads the rush, and Hensler supports it.

That’s not a bad thing, but his growth in confidence will ultimately dictate whether he becomes like another mid-first round pick in Charlie McAvoy, or be more like a Sean Durzi or John Marino. All serviceable right handed defensemen most teams will take. If he can be more assertive with his size and skill set, he could be a very stable and reliable defenseman.

Hensler’s skating and defensive play are strengths of his game, while his physicality and shooting can use some work. Could use his body more than his active stick and legs to keep opponents at bay, too. He would be a normal project but the pedigree is there.

Projected timeline to the NHL: 3-4 years

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...seman-consider-number-12-pick-2025-nhl-draft/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers archrival’s new GM says Patrick Roy stays as coach, ‘someone would have to knock my socks off’ to trade No. 1 pick

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn ImagesDennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Mathieu Darche said his first memories of watching hockey “is the Islanders winning every Stanley Cup.” The Islanders won four in a row from 1980-83 – the last three of which included victories over the New York Rangers along the way. His objective now that he’s been named the seventh general manager in franchise history is to build their next Cup-winning team.

Darche met the media Thursday for the first time since being named GM and executive vice president of the Rangers biggest rival last week. He was hired after spending the previous six seasons as director of hockey operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning, including the past three as assistant general manager under Julien BriseBois. Darche was part of the Lightning’s back-to-back Stanley Cup title-winning teams in 2020 and 2021 and their Stanley Cup Final squad in 2022.

He wants the same kind of success for the Islanders, who haven’t made the Final since losing to the Edmonton Oilers in 1984.

“It’s awesome,” he said of the Islanders legacy as the last team to win more than two consecutive championships and the owners of the longest run of series victories (19) in Stanley Cup history. “We want to create our own legacy, our own success. Every day, my focus will be to improve the New York Islanders and make us a winning organization. I want us to be a perennial playoff team.”

Mathieu Darche announced today that Patrick Roy will remain as Head Coach of the New York Islanders. pic.twitter.com/cKWYkg8ShH

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) May 29, 2025

Darche said changes are coming on Long Island, but that Patrick Roy return as coach after the Islanders were 35-35-12 this season and finished sixth in the Metropolitan Division, one spot behind the Rangers. However, he said assistants John MacLean and Tommy Albelin will not be back.

The Islanders informed president and general manager Lou Lamoriello on April 22 that his contract wouldn’t be renewed. Darche said that although “Lou left a lot of good people,” he’s already working on bringing in new blood – especially in player development after the Bridgeport Islanders finished last in the AHL with 15 wins and 37 points, 19 fewer than the next-to-last finisher.

Darche said there will be a new coaching staff in Bridgeport next season.

One thing Darche will definitely be eager to change is the Isles’ showing against the Rangers this season. The Rangers swept the four-game season series, winning each game by at least three goals, capped by a 9-2 win at UBS Arena on April 10.

Related: What Rangers core has accomplished not nothing, but not enough either

3 takeaways from Islanders GM’s introductory press conference​

1. Patrick Roy stays, his assistants don’t​

Perhaps the most important news is that Darche wasted little time meeting with Roy and that the Hall of Fame goaltender will be back behind the bench in the fall.

“I think Patrick’s a winner,” Darche said. “He’s had success coaching. When he came here the first year, he had success. I didn’t know Patrick, but obviously I know a lot of people in the hockey world, and I’ve been on the phone a lot. I went to meet with him last weekend just to get to know him more. And I’m extremely comfortable and excited to be working with him.”

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Islanders hired Roy midway through the 2023-24 season, and he helped rally them to a third-place finish in the Metro, although they lost their first-round playoff series to the Carolina Hurricanes in five games. But they were decimated by injuries this past season, especially on defense. Their offense, which was without top-line forward Mathew Barzal for all but 30 games, struggled to score — their 2.71 goals per game was the fifth-worst mark in the NHL.

Roy is 55-47-17 in 119 games with the Islanders through his first two seasons. He won the Jack Adams Trophy as NHL coach of the year with the Colorado Avalanche in 2013-14.

One thing that likely helped Roy’s status was his desire to play an up-tempo style, something that Darche also believes in. “I want to see a fast-paced team,” he said. “There’s nothing worse for opponent than a team that comes at you all the time.”

James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

Assistants John MacLean and Tommy Albelin won’t be back. One big reason for that was the Isles’ horrible special teams – their 26 power-play goals were tied for last with the Anaheim Ducks, and they had the second-worst penalty kill in the NHL at 72.2 percent.

“It’s my decision to make changes to the coaching staff and [Patrick and I] will work together to fill the assistant coaches position,” Darche said

Benoit Desrosiers, the only assistant Roy hired after coming to the Isles, is being retained.

2. Islanders will keep No. 1 pick in NHL Draft​

The Islanders defied the odds when they won the NHL Draft Lottery on May 5 despite having just a 3.5 percent chance of getting the No. 1 pick after finishing 21st in the overall standings – the last position in the draw that was capable of jumping to the top spot. The Rangers have the No. 12 pick. As of now, Darche said he expects to make that pick when the draft begins June 27.

“I was very fortunate to come in with the No. 1 pick,” he said. “I expect us to make that pick.”

GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

He didn’t say who the Islanders would take with the first selection. Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman with Erie in the Ontario Hockey League, is regarded by most people around the League as the consensus No. 1 pick.

Darche didn’t rule out trading the pick, but said it was unlikely.

“You have to do your due diligence — anybody that calls, you have to listen,” he said “But someone would really have to knock my socks off to trade that pick, because we’re going to get a special player.”

3. More focus on development​

Lamoriello traded away a number of first-round draft picks in recent years, and there was little focus on player development during his seven seasons running the team. Darche said that’s going to change – and not only because the Islanders have the first pick in the draft.

“I’m a new person coming in,” Darche said. “I want a new [minor-league] staff moving us forward.”

Darche spent much of his time with the Lightning focused on their AHL team in Syracuse. The Lightning must be doing something right: As Darche noted, they did not have a first-round pick on their first or second lines.

Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images

“I believe in developing in the winning environment,” he said. “The AHL will definitely be a focus for me because your players have to be ready because, let’s face it, every team needs players called up during the year.”

For fans, the most tangible early evidence of Darche’s focus on development will come shortly after the draft, when they hold a player development camp. The camp was an annual fixture for years, sometimes capped with an intra-squad game at Nassau Coliseum. But it was discontinued under Lamoriello.

“It’s important, that’s your first touch on the player,” Darche said of development camp, which will allow the Isles to get a close look at NCAA players like Cole Eiserman, their first-round pick last year who excelled as a freshman at Boston University. “You draft a player and you show him what it is to be a professional.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ick-roy-stays-coach-keep-number-1-draft-pick/

 

[New York Rangers]

4 affordable center options for Rangers in 2025 NHL free agency, including Trent Frederic

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesStephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

One position group the New York Rangers must figure out this offseason is center. The Rangers potentially have some serious depth down the middle, but that could change if new coach Mike Sullivan follows the lead of his predecessor Peter Laviolette and moves Mika Zibanejad from center to right wing.

In that scenario, the Rangers still would have centers J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck in the top six, and Sam Carrick on the fourth line. But there’d be a pretty big question mark on the third line if Zibanejad stays on the wing.

It could be difficult to fill that spot in free agency this summer because the Rangers have about $8.422 million in salary cap space, according to PuckPedia. Most or all of that space will be eaten up when the Rangers re-sign their own group of restricted free agents, including Will Cuylle, K’Andre Miller, Matt Rempe, and Adam Edstrom.

The Rangers would gain more flexibility in free agency if they traded Chris Kreider and the $6.5 million he is owed each of the next two seasons. Even moving Carson Soucy’s $3.25 million AAV would help.

There are in-house candidates to fill the third-line center position. Jonny Brodzinski scored an NHL career-high 12 goals in 51 games this past season, and the Rangers also re-signed Juuso Parssinen.

Noah Laba, a 2022 fourth-round pick, is another possibility. Laba scored in his pro debut and notched five points (three goals, two assists) in 11 games with Hartford of the American Hockey League after finishing up at Colorado College in March.

There’s a good chance that group doesn’t do it for Sullivan and Drury. So, barring a trade to fill the hole, free agency is the next path to explore. And we’re not talking about big-ticket free-agent centers like Sam Bennett, John Tavares nor Brock Nelson.

Related: Why it’s time for Rangers to trade Chris Kreider this offseason

Affordable free-agent center options for Rangers to consider​

Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Trent Frederic- Edmonton Oilers​

Frederic’s physical playing style is one that the Rangers lack and desperately need, especially as we watch the physicality on display by the top teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs again this spring. If the Rangers want to turn the third line into an identity line, having Frederic in the middle would be a good start.

The 27-year-old is a solid two-way player and not just beast physically, though that’s certainly not a bad trait. Frederic scored 18 and 17 goals for the Boston Bruins the previous two seasons, before he was slowed by injuries and then traded to the Edmonton Oilers ahead of this year’s deadline.

Frederic has played in all 16 playoff games for Edmonton, recording four points (one goal, three assists). He’s fourth on the Oilers with 59 hits despite averaging a tick above 11 minutes TOI in the postseason.

His cap hit this season is $2.3 million.

Trent Frederic vs Nick Hague fight of the year. pic.twitter.com/QRouhM7nAY

— World Hockey Report (@worldhockeyrpt) May 13, 2025

Christian Dvorak- Montreal Canadiens​

Dvorak is 29 and a solid veteran option. He has a $4.45 million cap hit this season, but it’s possible the Rangers could get him on a deal for less. He never lived up to high expectations in a top-six role, but thrived in the middle six for the Canadiens this season, when he led Montreal forwards with 74 blocked shots and finished with 33 points, his most in the NHL since 2019-20.

Dvorak is also appealing because he won 55.8 percent of his face-offs this past season. He’d fit right in with the Rangers, who already have two solid face-off men in Miller, and Trocheck, who was third in the NHL with a win rate of 59.3 percent.

Adam Gaudette- Ottawa Senators​

Gaudette finally broke out this season, notching NHL career highs with 19 goals and 81 games played. In the first round of the playoffs against the Maple Leafs, the 28-year-old ranked fifth on the Senators with three points (one goal, two assists) in six games.

Coming off a deal with a cap hit of $775,000, Gaudette is due for a raise. But he’s not a break-the-bank option because he’s struggled for consistency throughout his career. Has Gaudette finally figured it out? He’s an extremely intriguing 3C option in free agency this summer.

Adam Gaudette makes it look easy. pic.twitter.com/u9m7A8nEar

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 17, 2025

Lars Eller- Washington Capitals​

Eller has appeared in more than 1,000 NHL games and won the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018. He is also familiar with Sullivan, having played all of the 2023-24 season and 17 games this season with the Penguins, when Sullivan coached in Pittsburgh.

The Rangers are looking to get younger, which doesn’t make the 36-year-old an obvious fit. But Eller is still durable and played 80 or more games each of the past three seasons.

Never a big scorer in his 16-year career, Eller recorded 10 goals and 22 points this season. But all the other things he does as a smart two-way player still led him to be a third-line center for Washington, which was the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference this season.

Since he earned $2.45 million in 2024-25, Eller will be an affordable option in free agency.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...-options-2025-nhl-free-agency-trent-frederic/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers coach Mike Sullivan must prove critics wrong about this 1 negative perception

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

One of the criticisms levied against Mike Sullivan during his tenure as coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins was that he leaned so heavily on veteran players at the expense of developing younger ones. But is that a fair critique of the new bench boss of the New York Rangers?

Certainly Sullivan doesn’t think so. In fact, he appeared a bit defensive about that perception at the press conference to introduce him as Rangers coach earlier this month.

Unsolicited, Sullivan brought up how youngsters Bryan Rust, Conor Sheary, Jake Guentzel and Matt Murray, among others, played important roles when he guided the Penguins to consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017.

The criticism in some circles of the Steel City is what happened after those championship runs. What young players really developed under Sullivan since?

Longtime Penguins beat reporter Dan Kingerski has a simple answer to that question.

“There weren’t any young players in Pittsburgh after that wave that came along in ’16, ’17. The Penguins had three first-round draft picks over a decade,” Kingerski told Forever Blueshirts on the RINK RAP podcast. “It wasn’t like he was stifling these young players, there weren’t young players that had the talent or ability to be in the NHL. He in no way impeded any young players.”

With a focus on trying to squeeze as many playoff runs out of the Sidney Crosby-led core, the Penguins acquired high-ticket veterans over the years, trading away a slew of draft picks at the expense of player development. The Penguins prospect pool has been among the worst in the NHL for years, under several different general managers, including Jim Rutherford, Ron Hextall and current GM Kyle Dubas.

The Penguins drafting record the past 10 years has been atrocious. Good luck trying to find a legitimate NHL prospect in the bunch, though it’s too early to include their most recent draft picks in with those before them.

So, it appears Sullivan is right that he shouldn’t be judged negatively about his history with younger players.

Related: Main reason Mike Sullivan is ‘perfect coach’ for Rangers

Mike Sullivan faces challenge of developing young Rangers talent​

Peter Carr/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Though Kingerski agrees that’s the case, he did sound a bit of a warning for the Rangers.

“His style probably isn’t the best for a young team, though, because he’s not the hands-on, encouraging positive sort of teacher,” the Pittsburgh Hockey Now writer explained. “He’s a blackboard guy, a motivator as such in that he’s got such a commanding presence. But he’s not the guy to pick up young players that are falling.”

There are a couple takeaways from what Kingerski said.

First, Sullivan is stepping into a largely veteran team, with the likes of J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin leading the way. That should fit his wheelhouse of preferring to lean on a veteran core.

Gabe Perreault takes his rookie lap for the Rangers pic.twitter.com/3Rs1Rk1QRh

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 2, 2025

However, getting the most out of K’Andre Miller, Alexis Lafreniere and Will Cuylle is vital to Sullivan achieving success with the Rangers. Incorporating and developing Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann, Brett Berard and Matt Rempe is also very important.

When asked about the Rangers kids, Sullivan pointed out that “no one is entitled” to a roster spot and “every players earns it.” That’s the way it should be. But it’s part of the coach’s job to develop these kids, as well as bring out the best in established stars. That can’t be ignored by the new coach.

This is where Sullivan’s staff comes into play. He and GM Chris Drury must have at least one “teacher” on the coaching staff, to counter Sullivan’s rougher edges. Perhaps that’s Dan Muse, who was not fired after serving two seasons as an assistant under Peter Laviolette, but has yet to be officially named to Sullivan’s staff.

This is a critical time for the Rangers, who are not exactly known for their overwhelming success developing young talent — though they certainly have drafted much better than the Penguins the past decade.

Let’s see if Sullivan can change the narrative around his track record with young talent and establish the base for the Rangers moving forward.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ve-critics-wrong-about-1-negative-perception/

 

[New York Rangers]

New York Rangers Daily: Knicks disappointment feels familiar; Panthers get healthy for Final

Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesTrevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers know a thing or two about massive disappointments. Just look at this past season, perhaps the most unsightly in 100 years of Rangers hockey, all things considered. Or gaze back to last spring and the franchise-altering six-game loss to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final. Or how about the fact they’ve won one Stanley Cup championship in 85 years, none since 1994.

So, if anybody is fit to console the New York Knicks right now, it’s their Madison Square Garden brethren, the Rangers.

Misery loves company, so the Rangers ought to be there for the Knicks, who were finished off by the Indiana Pacers in a fairly uncompetitive Game 6 of their own Eastern Conference Final on Saturday.

pic.twitter.com/JG3HkJKEMD

— Forever Blueshirts (@4EverBlueshirts) June 1, 2025

Just as the Rangers were last spring, these Knicks are now trolled for being too soft, not owning a championship DNA. Blowing that massive lead against the Pacers in Game 1 helped earn them that label. This group will be forever tied to that photo of Indiana’s Tyrese Halliburton with two hands around his throat, signaling that the Knicks choked.

The other obvious similarity is the glaring deficiencies on defense. An overabundance of turnovers, and critical ones at that, plagued the Rangers last spring against the Panthers and were at epidemic proportions during the 2024-25 season. The Knicks turned the ball over 18 times in the must-win Game 6 Saturday. And their inability to adjust and defend the open three almost cost them the second-round series against the Boston Celtics, and most certainly was their undoing in the conference final.

At least the Rangers had Igor Shesterkin as the last line of defense. It wasn’t enough, but it gave the Rangers a chance every night in the 2024 postseason. The Knicks? There’s no stopper, much less an elite one like Shesterkin … no slight intended to Mitchell Robinson.

It’s not to say the Knicks didn’t have their moments in these NBA playoffs. You don’t come back from 20 points down multiple times to win postseason games on sheer luck. So, they were capable of playing tough D and making clutch shots and displaying heart. They just couldn’t sustain it. Like Shesterkin with the Rangers, Jalen Brunson of the Knicks had a limit on how great he can be.

It’s not to diminish what the Knicks did accomplish this season. After all, they did knock off the defending champion Celtics, and this was their first trip to the conference final since 1999. But it doesn’t soothe the disappointing sting that they could’ve — should’ve — gone further.

And how about this similarity between the Rangers and Knicks: a respected veteran coach too stubborn to change his lineup mix, alter playing time nor adjust play style and/or systems? It’s partly why Peter Laviolette is unemployed today and Tom Thibodeau’s future is in question.

Each of these teams has talent. Each has had some playoff success in recent years. But neither guarantees success for the Rangers nor the Knicks moving forward — just look at the Blueshirts in 2024-25.

It’s going to be an interesting summer inside the offices at Madison Square Garden.

New York Rangers news​

Peter Carr/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

There’s an important reason why Mike Sullivan is the “perfect coach” at this time for the Rangers, according to long-timer Pittsburgh Penguins beat reporter Dan Kingerski.

However, Sullivan must change one key negative perception from his previous run with the Penguins.

Breaking down four affordable free-agent options for the Rangers to consider to center their third line.

Here’s why Jackson Smith and Logan Hensler could be worthy defenseman options for the Rangers with their No. 12 pick in the upcoming NHL Draft.

Former GM Neil Smith told Forever Blueshirts that he believes the Rangers will make the playoffs next season, but as currently constructed, they are not a Stanley Cup contender.

NHL news and rumors​

Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Sportsnaut: Dallas Stars coach Peter DeBoer is coming under heavy fire for pulling No. 1 goalie Jake Oettinger early in their season-ending loss to the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final, as well as for his critical postgame comments.

Sportsnet: To his credit, Oettinger, speaking to the media this weekend, didn’t blame an illness for his below-par play late in the Oilers series, nor did he appear upset with DeBoer’s biting postgame commentary.

NHL.com: The Florida Panthers expect “an incredible battle” in the Stanley Cup Final against the Oilers.

NHL.com: Panthers coach Paul Maurice said that banged-up forwards Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell should be “fine” and able to play Game 1 of the Cup Final on Wednesday. However, forward A.J. Greer is day to day and more of a question mark for the opener.

Sportsnet: On his latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman said “do not underestimate” D.J. Smith as a candidate to replace Sullivan and become the next coach of the Penguins.

TSN: Three key Hurricanes players each say they do not require surgery this offseason for injuries sustained during the playoffs. Jalen Chatfield (hip), Seth Jarvis (shoulder) and Sean Walker (shoulder) each will rehab their injuries and be ready for training camp next fall.

Athlon Sports: Stars captain Jamie Benn can be an unrestricted free agent July 1 and said he’s hoping to return to the only team’s he’s ever played for in the NHL.

SI.com: In an interview with TVAS, new Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche failed to list captain Anders Lee as a member of the team’s core moving forward.

NHL.com: Jonathan Toews is “moving ahead” with his plan to return to the NHL next season.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...nt-feels-familiar-panthers-healthy-cup-final/

 

[New York Rangers]

Former Rangers forward Jesper Fast retires after 11 NHL seasons, serious neck injury

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesStephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Jesper Fast, who made his NHL debut with the New York Rangers in 2013-14, retired Monday after 11 seasons in the League.

The popular 33-year-old forward missed this entire past season due to a serious neck injury sustained in the final game of the 2023-24 campaign. Fast was unable to make a comeback with the Carolina Hurricanes, for whom he played his final four NHL seasons. He was due to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

“I never took for granted the privilege of playing in the best league in the world,” Fast said in a statement released by the Hurricanes. “I am grateful for all of the teammates, coaches, staff and fans from the Rangers and Hurricanes who made my time in the NHL so special, and for my family for everything they did to help me achieve and live my dream. I’d also like to thank Nässjö HC and HV71, organizations that played a vital role in my development into an NHL player.”

Fast sustained the neck injury when checked from behind by Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson on April 16, 2024. He was unable to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including the second round loss to the Rangers in six games, but remained hopeful he could play in 2024-25.

“Worst-case scenario. Just when the fun is about to start, you’re sitting on the sideline,” Fast explained at breakup day in May 2024. “You just want to help your team and be part of it, so of course it’s really tough to be on the side. It was definitely one of the toughest periods in my career.”

Fast had neck surgery Aug. 6, and the Hurricanes stated at the time that they expected him to miss the season, which ended up being the case.

Related: 5 potential trade targets for Rangers to toughen up defense corps

Jesper Fast retires after 11 distinguished seasons in NHL with Rangers, Hurricanes​

James Guillory-Imagn Images

Though never a star, Fast was highly respected by coaches and teammates alike. He was a hard-working middle-six forward who became one of the premier shutdown forwards in the NHL.

Fast won the Lars-Erik Sjoberg Award as the top Rangers rookie at training camp in 2013. He also won the prestigious Players Player Award as the Rangers player “who best exemplifies what it means to be a team player” as voted on by his teammates an unprecedented five consecutive seasons beginning in 2015-16.

With the Hurricanes in 2021-22, he won the Steve Chiasson Award presented to the player “who best exemplifies determination and dedication while proving to be an inspiration to his teammates through his performance and approach to the game.”

Nicknamed “Quickie” by then-Rangers coach Alain Vigneault in 2013-14, Fast appeared in 11 regular-season games and three in the postseason, when the Blueshirts reached the Stanley Cup Final and lost to the Los Angeles Kings in five games. He was a lineup regular the following season, helping the Rangers win the Presidents’ Trophy and reach Game 7 of the 2015 Eastern Conference Final, when they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games.

Fast signed with the Hurricanes as a free agent before the 2020-21 season, and established NHL career highs with 14 goals and 34 points in 2021-22. In the spring of 2023, Fast helped the Hurricanes reach the Eastern Conference Final when he became the fourth player in franchise history to score two overtime goals in the same postseason, including the series-clinching goal in the second round against the New Jersey Devils.

Fast scored six postseason goals in 2023 and had 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists) in 80 Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Rangers and Hurricanes.

Over 703 regular-season games in the NHL, Fast finished with 248 points (91 goals, 157 assists).

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...t-retires-11-nhl-seasons-serious-neck-injury/

 

[New York Rangers]

‘Rangers will be better off when this becomes J.T. Miller’s team,’ so blockbuster trade needed: ESPN host

Danny Wild-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers have the opportunity this summer to make major changes and really alter their course moving forward after careening off the rails this past season. And while hiring Mike Sullivan as coach is a good start, ESPN Radio host Don Lagreca believes that’s not enough.

There’s a major transition that needs to take place within the lineup and on the roster.

“The Rangers will be better off when this becomes J.T. Miller’s team. Whatever they do, it has to accentuate and be something that works around J.T. Miller,” Lagreca told Forever Blueshirts on the RINK RAP podcast Tuesday. “I just think getting away from the Kreider-Zibanejad Rangers and making it the J.T. Miller Rangers is probably the best thing. But how do you go about that?”

Exactly. Does this mean general manager Chris Drury should do whatever it takes to unload Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad this offseason, make a fresh start?

Danny Wild-Imagn Images

That’s not easy to do with Zibanejad owning a complete no-move clause, one that he referred to on break-up day when asked about his future and if he wished to remain in New York after this past brutal season. And Kreider? He’s got a partial no-trade clause, but it’s no slam dunk the Rangers will be able to get equal value for him for a variety of reasons.

“You can’t move Mika Zibanejad because he doesn’t want to move. I don’t know what you do about that,” Lagreca explained. “I think moving away from Mika Zibanejad would be a good thing, no offense to him, but I think his time is passed (here). So, you’re probably stuck.

“Chris Kreider at this point? Are you going to get value if you move him, considering his age (34), the kind of year that he had (30 points), the back’s barking now?”

This is all so difficult for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that this Rangers core has revolved around Zibanejad and Kreider probably since the infamous Letter signaling an organizational rebuild in February of 2018. They were focal points to build around during the rebuild and key figures when the Rangers came out of it and went to the Eastern Conference Final in 2022 and 2024.

That’s part of the reason why they were largely the faces of the Rangers epic collapse in 2024-25. That’s a long run, but Lagreca believes the heart of the core should be centered on Miller, who arrived Jan. 31 in a trade from the Vancouver Canucks.

Flash and dash meet (and be replaced by) relentless grit.

Related: How bold Vincent Trocheck decision could lengthen Rangers lineup

Don Lagreca believes Rangers should consider ‘big splash’ with Artemi Panarin trade​

James Guillory-Imagn Images

So, OK, how do the Rangers make this Miller’s team if neither Zibanejad nor Kreider is traded, or only Kreider — the longest tenured player currently on the roster — is shipped off this summer?

Lagreca thinks he has the answer, but it’s a bigger bombshell and, perhaps, even more difficult to pull off than trying to force Zibanejad out of town.

“What I keep coming back to, and it’s a major splash but I think it’s something that probably needs to happen, is do they address the possibility of trading Artemi Panarin?,” Lagreca asked. “He’s got a year left on his contract, he’s very attractive to some teams. If Chris Drury and Mike Sullivan want a north-south team, he’s not a north-south guy. So, as much as you’d hate to give up a guy that’s your leading scorer, is that the move that could now make it more J.T. Miller’s team?”

A lot to unpack here, but the theory makes sense. Yes, Panarin is their leading scorer year-in, year-out, one of the League’s most gifted players offensively, a 120-point producer in 2023-24. But it doesn’t feel likely the Rangers will extend him this summer or re-sign him next offseason, so trading him could bring back a slew of assets, players who better fit the Miller profile.

Panarin has a full no-move clause, but Lagreca simply wondered how he’d react if told the Rangers weren’t going to bring him back and wanted to explore a move now. Maybe he’d be amenable. Perhaps not.

“That, to me, is the biggest splash they can make. All the other moves would be tinkering,” Lagreca said. “Are they willing to make that kind of splash and can Artemi Panarin get back the kind of package to really reform this team?

“Maybe you can talk him into a trade. If you can’t, you can’t, but you can’t just wave your hands and say it’s not going to happen. … I think that’s the only piece they can move that’s really going to move the needle.”

Lagreca didn’t consider specifics for such a blockbuster this summer. That’s Drury’s department, though he did offer that a productive right wing and gritty skill to match Miller would be welcome additions to the Rangers roster.

But it all starts with considering the possibility, speaking with Panarin and going from there.

Listen here to the complete interview with Don Lagreca, and watch Lagreca on the RINK RAP podcast over at the Forever Blueshirts YouTube page.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...-t-miller-team-blockbuster-trade-don-lagreca/

 

[New York Rangers]

Former Rangers coach rumored to be among candidates to join Mike Sullivan’s staff

Kevin Hoffman-Imagn ImagesKevin Hoffman-Imagn Images

Is there really a chance that David Quinn could return to the New York Rangers coaching staff?

According to Arthur Staple of The Athletic, the Rangers are considering a reunion with Quinn, who coached them from 2018-21. If he returned to Broadway, it would be to work under new coach Mike Sullivan as an assistant, the same exact role he had with the Pittsburgh Penguins this past season.

Staple also reported that Joe Sacco, who is rumored to be out of the running to fill the Boston Bruins coaching vacancy after serving as their interim coach in 2024-25, is under consideration to be one of Sullivan’s assistant’s next season.

Couple names I’ve heard are in the mix for coaching spots under Mike Sullivan with #NYR:

Joe Sacco, recently Bruins interim HC, and David Quinn, former #NYR HC who was with Sullivan in Pittsburgh last season. Quinn is a candidate for the Penguins coaching spot.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) June 4, 2025

Quinn was part of a front office shake-up after the Rangers missed the playoffs in 2020-21. Team president John Davidson and general manager Jeff Gorton were dismissed first, with Chris Drury assuming both roles. It was Drury who fired Quinn in his first major move as GM.

Quinn didn’t leave on the best of terms, later opening up about how things played out on the Cam and Strick Podcast.

“In my conversations with the Rangers before I got let go I asked one question, ‘Did we overachieve, underachieve, or do what we should’ve done this year,’ and the answer I got was, ‘We probably overachieved a little bit,'” Quinn shared.

“Then I said, ‘What the f*** are we talking about!’”

Quinn was hired before the 2018-19 at the start of the Rangers rebuild and coached three seasons, two during the coronavirus pandemic. He exited New York with a 96-87-25 record and one post-season appearance — a brief showing in the 2020 bubble when the Rangers were swept by the Carolina Hurricanes in three straight games during the Stanley Cup Qualifiers.

Related: David Quinn dishes on what transpired with Rangers and his final season

David Quinn would be intriguing hire by Rangers as Mike Sullivan assistant​

Despite how things ended in New York, Quinn’s coaching resume and NHL ties remain strong — especially his connection with Sullivan. The two were teammates at Boston University in the 1980s and coached together last season after Quinn was named to Sullivan’s staff in Pittsburgh on June 11th, 2024.

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

With the Penguins, Quinn played a key role in improving the team’s power play, which saw noticeable progress over the course of the season. The Penguins had a 25.8 percent success rate are on the power play in 2024-25 — the third-highest in franchise history and sixth best in the League.

Beyond his connection to Sullivan, Quinn still has ties within the Rangers organization. A handful of players spent the early stages of their NHL careers playing for Quinn during his coaching tenure in New York.

Adam Fox turned into a top-pair defensemen under Quinn and won the Norris Trophy in 2019-20, just his second season in the NHL. Igor Shesterkin made his NHL debut during Quinn’s final season and showed glimpse’s of what would become a future Vezina Trophy winner.

David Quinn on what impressed him the most about Igor Shesterkin's debut:

"To be mentally tough enough to pull himself together" pic.twitter.com/bimPNpwjIF

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) January 8, 2020

Artemi Panarin also posted the best season of his career to that point, finishing with 95 points in just 69 games during the 2019-20 campaign. And K’Andre Miller developed into a reliable option on the blue line during Quinn’s time as well.

After getting fired from the Rangers, Quinn was hired by the San Jose Sharks in July 2022. Tasked with another rebuild, Quinn had little to work with in San Jose. In two seasons behind the Sharks bench, Quinn led them to a 41-98-25 record, including a League worst 19-54-9 finish in the 2023-24 season. That helped them land Macklin Celebrini with the No. 1 pick in that year’s NHL Draft.

The Sharks were terrible, struggling at both ends of the ice, finishing last in goals for and near the bottom in goals against. While the record didn’t reflect it, Quinn developed young players. Top prospects like Thomas Bordeleau and William Eklund credited Quinn for giving them confidence and opportunity.

Veteran players also spoke highly of his communication and leadership during a down season.

Following Sullivan’s departure from Pittsburgh on April 28, Quinn became a candidate for the head coaching vacancy. League insiders indicated that the 58-year-old had a “fairly strong” chance at landing the role, especially after spending the past season as an assistant behind the Penguins bench.

However, former Rangers assistant Dan Muse was hired as Penguins coach Wednesday. So, with that opportunity off the table, perhaps Quinn’s next best coaching gig is a return to New York, this time as an assistant.

It’d be strange, for sure, and Drury might have to do some fence-mending. But the bond between Sullivan and Quinn is strong, and that may trump any issues with Drury, who is also a Boston University product, for what it’s worth.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...vid-quinn-nhl-rumors-mike-sullivan-assistant/

 

[New York Rangers]

Celebrating legendary Rangers goalie Ed Giacomin on his 86th birthday

Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesBrad Penner-Imagn Images

The chants of “Igor” rock Madison Square Garden on a regular basis these days, saluting another terrific save by goaltender Igor Shesterkin, the cornerstone upon which the New York Rangers of the 2020s have been built.

But back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the “new” Garden was really new, “Ed-die! Ed-die!” was the cry that regularly rolled through the Garden, cheering yet another great save by perhaps the most unlikely Hockey Hall of Famer in Rangers history.

Ed Giacomin turned 86 on June 6, just over 60 years after he became a Ranger via a trade with Providence of the American Hockey League, a team that had no NHL affiliation and could make deals with anyone.

Happy Birthday, No. 1. pic.twitter.com/GSjGzHdm4s

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 6, 2025

Emile Francis, who took over as general manager of the floundering Rangers in 1964, was determined to find a goaltender he could build around. He found him thanks to scout Johnny Gagnon, who saw the 25-year-old Giacomin in Providence and recommended that Francis take a look. “The Cat,” an NHL goalie in his playing days, liked what he saw.

“I watched him play in Providence many times,” Francis said years later, “and he was playing with a bad hockey club. But he was a tremendous competitor and regardless of what the score was, he hung in there.”

The Rangers had to battle at least three other teams to make a deal with Providence. He ultimately sent four players — starting goalie Marcel Paille plus Sandy McGregor, Aldo Guidolin, and Jim Mikol — to the Reds for Giacomin. When the trade was officially announced on May 17, 1965, Giacomin said later that, “I think I was the happiest guy on this Earth. It was a dream.”

“Old Days”NY Ranger Rookie Goalie Ed Giacomin guards the Net during a 1966 game at the
“Old”Madison Square Garden.#NYR #NYRangers #NHL #1960s #HOF #NYC pic.twitter.com/KqD2ljTCeL

— Tom’s Old Days (@sigg20) June 5, 2025

But the dream started off as a nightmare. He couldn’t win the starting job on an awful Rangers team in 1965-66, even spending time back in the AHL with Baltimore, the Rangers’ top minor-league team. The start of the 1966-67 season wasn’t much better.

But after getting a vote of confidence from Francis following a Nov. 9, 1966, game that saw him allow two late goals to turn a 3-1 lead against the Boston Bruins into a 3-3 tie — and Garden fans throw garbage at him –, Giacomin found his game.

Ed Giacomin, Rangers immortal and Hall of Famer, turns 86​

“It just takes a couple of words sometimes, somebody to believe in you,” Giacomin recalled years later. “Emile believed in me. He just said, ‘you’re going to be the goalie from now on, and I’ll be right behind you.’ I don’t know what it was; it just seemed like everything turned for the best.”

Giacomin started 59 of the Rangers’ final 60 games, including 38 in a row from Nov. 12, 1966, through Feb. 11, 1967. In a 27-game stretch that began with the first game after the talk with Francis (Nov. 12, 1966, through Jan. 12, 1967), he went 17-6-4 with a 1.89 goals against average, a .938 save percentage, and four shutouts.

By season’s end, the Rangers were back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 1962 – and Giacomin ended up as the runner-up for the Hart Trophy. He was also named to the NHL’s First All-Star Team after leading all goaltenders in appearances (68 in a 70-game season), wins (30), and shutouts (nine).

With Giacomin as their starter, the Rangers made the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons. He was a Second-Team All-Star in 1968, 1969 and 1970, then combined with Gilles Villemure to win the Vezina Trophy (then awarded to the goalies on the team that allowed the fewest goals) in 1970-71, when he was again named a First-Team All-Star.

One year later, Giacomin helped the Rangers return to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1950; however, a broken ankle that hindered star center Jean Ratelle was too much for the Rangers to overcome, and they lost to Boston in six games. Giacomin helped them avenge that loss the following year, when the Rangers became the first team to eliminate the defending Stanley Cup champs in the first round of the following year’s playoffs for three straight seasons.

Ed Giacomin, one of the best goalies/players to never win a Cup. Those were such good #NYR teams he backstopped but they just couldn't get over the hump. Here he makes the stop as Ken Hodge looks on. pic.twitter.com/U7TnVxTPAM

— The Hockey Samurai 侍 (@hockey_samurai) June 6, 2021

By then, Giacomin had long since cemented his place among the most popular players in Rangers history. That’s what made the decision to put him on waivers on Oct. 31, 1975, so stunning. Giacomin, now 36, was part of an aging core and was deemed expendable after Francis had acquired talented young goaltender John Davidson (yes, that John Davidson) from the St. Louis Blues that summer.

But perhaps to the surprise of Rangers management, the Detroit Red Wings claimed him. Giacomin was shaken and considered retirement. However, he changed his mind and told Detroit GM Alex Delvecchio he wanted to play against the Rangers, the team he said “threw me to the wolves like a piece of garbage.”

Giacomin and the Wings came to MSG two nights later for what is still among the most emotional nights in New York hockey history – one that showed the lasting impact he had on the franchise and the fans. Giacomin was greeted with cheers and the “Edd-ie! Edd-ie!” chant from the time he stepped onto the ice until after he departed after making 42 saves in a 6-4 victory on a night that saw the home team booed from the first notes of the National Anthem to the final buzzer.

“It’s amazing how everything takes care of itself,” Giacomin said after the game. “The last few days were pretty sad for me, having to play against my old team. It must have been hard for the Ranger players, too. You could see it in their eyes. If I hadn’t been wearing the mask, I’m sure the tears would have rolled down as they skated by.”

Giacomin admitted the fans’ reaction was even more than he had hoped for.

“I was shaking before the game, I was so nervous,” he said. “I kept thinking, let’s get the game going. Then when it started, I kept hoping I’d get a shot or something to end my shaking. thought I’d faint in the middle of the game. I kept getting hotter and hotter. At the end I was exhausted.”

Giacomin retired on Jan. 17, 1978, with a career record of 290-209 and 96 ties; he was 267-172-89 with a 2.74 goals against average and 49 shutouts with the Rangers. When he left, he was first in team history in career wins (267) and shutouts (49), and second in games played (539). He also ranked first in wins for a season (38, 1968-69), tied for first in appearances for a season (70, 1968-69 and 1969-70) and tied for fourth in shutouts for a season (nine, 1966-67) at the time.

The Hall of Fame opened its doors to Giacomin in 1987, and the Rangers retired his No. 1 on March 15, 1989, only the second player in team history (after longtime teammate Rod Gilbert) to be so honored.

Shesterkin is beloved by Rangers fans, with good reason. His career numbers may well end up better than Giacomin’s. But it’s hard to picture Shesterkin, or any other Rangers goaltender, will have the kind of popularity that “Fast Eddie” did with Garden fans of that era.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...-rangers-goalie-ed-giacomin-on-86th-birthday/