Tony DeAngelo

Televised New York Rangers Playoff Games Could Prove to be Interesting

by

One of the few benefits of having no fans in the stands for New York Ranger playoff games is that the televised look and feel may be different and in some ways improved. Rangers radio announcer Kenny Albert touched on this subject during Tony DeAngelo’s Watch Your Tone podcast that was dropped this past Wednesday.

Different camera angles could be part of New York Ranger playoff games

Albert addressed this issue when he was asked about how he felt the games would be like with no fans. One of the things he mentioned was that this could provide the networks with an opportunity to provide camera angles that they would not be able to do in a crowded stadium.

“I know with the golf event with Peyton Manning. Brady, Mickelson, and Woods the network was able to try some things with technology and put cameras in different areas and I’ve read some quotes from the NHL people that in an empty building, that is something that they might be able to do.” Albert explained. “But if there are no fans in the building, that would lead to some very interesting camera angles.”

Indeed, as sources have mentioned that the NHL and the networks are looking at ways to incorporate either fixed and/or robotic cameras, in addition to the normal manned camera shots, at the selected hub arenas to give fans a unique television experience that they would not be able to in normal circumstances.

Will we get to hear what the New York Rangers players are saying during the games?

During the podcast, Albert stated that he expected the technicians will set audio to be a part of the broadcast. “With the limited people at the arena, you will be able to hear everything on the ice,” Albert said.

The network censors will have their work cut out for them as they try to make sure the Rangers and other teams’ best chirpers do not say something that is not meant for us to hear.

The players will also be aware of that and while it might be strange to play in an empty building, Albert pointed out that many of the players have experienced playing in nearly empty arenas is the minors, juniors, and college so he does not expect that it will be a huge adjustment for them.

Albert also mentioned a downside of this system will be that he and other announcers around the league will be broadcasting from a studio for at least the first two rounds. Among the difficulties that he expects will be that while viewing the game from a monitor, he will not be able to see the entire ice, which means that he won’t be able to pick up a penalty that was called behind the play. Albert also mentioned that picking up jersey numbers is tougher to do from a studio monitor.

Regardless, the fans will get to see the New York Rangers in a playoff game, even if it will be a totally new experience for the players, networks, and the fans.

 

 

 

 

 

Many Protocols Must Be in Place for the New York Rangers in Phase 2 of Return-to-Play

by
Brady Skjei, New York Rangers

The NHL’s return-to-sport protocol is a very detailed procedure that will be required of the New York Rangers just to get six players working out inside the rink together, never mind what’s still to come when the Blueshirts progress to training camps or actually start playing games again. The protocol distributed to the Rangers, other teams, and players early Monday leaves no detail uncovered and paints a scene unlike any that would typically play out in these facilities.

So let’s say you are Jericho NY native Adam Fox and you want to start training in the facility. The first thing that must happen before he even steps foot into the facility is to have a swab inserted roughly two inches into his nasal cavity. That test then is sent to a place that can do laboratory-based RT-PCR testing, which will be used to detect any active or recent infection with COVID-19 and will be administered 48 hours prior to even thinking about entering the facility.

That will get Fox into the door of the facility. So, Adam Fox would like to start skating. In order to do that, he must complete a pre-participation medical exam, which includes an EKG test and screening for pre-existing conditions.

Now, it’s time to hit the ice. At best, Fox may be able to skate with New Jersey native Tony DeAngelo, and their fellow defensemen as phase 2 only allow six players on the ice at a time. Without contact. That means that Brendan Lemieux will have to do some “practice fighting” somewhere else. Coaches, including those for skating and skills, will not be allowed.

What happens when they get hungry or thirsty? Players inside the facility can consume Single-use beverages or snacks such as power bars, but any meals prepared and packaged by the catering staff must be taken home before they are consumed.

Whatever group of Rangers practices together, the grouping must remain constant and essentially be assigned a rotating shift for when they are allowed in the facility. Where possible, the Rangers have been told to assign a different athletic trainer, strength and conditioning coach and equipment manager to each group.

So after their practice, Fox, DeAngelo, and the rest of the Rangers would like some post-practice treatment. Not happening. In Phase 2, the players will not be granted access to saunas, hot tubs, or steam rooms and are encouraged to shower at home whenever possible.

So, after all of the players have gone through the facility, the Rangers cleaning staff must get to work. The facility must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between each training session. That includes locker-room areas and circuit-based training equipment. Players are required to leave all workout gear inside the facility for cleaning. The cleaning staff could end up being the MVPs of the season.

While all of this is happening, head coach David Quinn will be getting texts that will read something like 98.6. 97.8, or 98.2. While it might be nice to say they are sending him slapshot speeds, they instead will be the recorded temperature checks. During this process, players will have to do at least two more tests each week, plus daily temperature and symptom checks, one done at home, and another from medical personnel upon arrival at the facility.

There could be serious consequences for the Rangers if they do not comply with the measures put in place by the league. The NHL has promised that there could be penalties that include fines, loss of draft choices, and ineligibility to participate in the resumption of play.

This certainly will be a different experience for the Rangers, who mostly haven’t been back inside team facilities since the season was paused on March 12.

New York Rangers: Top 5 Moments of the 2019-’20 season

by
New York Rangers, Artemi Panarin

Before the global pandemic overtook the world and stopped hockey in a Thanos snap, the New York Rangers were having their best season in the last three years.

There were some great moments to look back on during this season, there was also some bad hockey, but like all rides, in the end, the good normally outweigh the bad.

Let’s look back at the top five moments of the 2019-’20 season.

5-Artemi Panarin’s MSG Debut Oct. 3, 2019, vs. Winnipeg

The Rangers signed the biggest free agent available in July, and now all eyes were on the team’s home opener against the Winnipeg Jets. Panarin didn’t disappoint Rangerstown, scoring a power-play goal 27 seconds into the second period helping the Blueshirts get their first win of the season defeating the Jets. Panarin also added an assist giving him his first two-point game of the year.

4- Rangers storm back from 4 goal deficit, defeat Montreal 6-5

The Rangers found themselves in a 4-0 hole three minutes into the second period on the road in Montreal. The Blueshirts had a decision to make. They could tank the rest of the game or picked themselves up and battle back. The team did the latter, scoring the next six of the next seven goals, including a short-handed goal by Brendan Lemieux (his second of the game), giving the Rangers a 6-5 win over their original six rivals.

3- Artemi Panarin records five points in a 6-2 victory of the New York Islanders

Artemi Panarin tied a season-high scoring two goals and three assists. The Rangers gave up the first goal against, then scored six unanswered goals dominating the game in all areas. Jesper Fast scored a goal with two assists to give the Rangers the first of back-to-back wins over the Isles that week.

2- Anthony DeAngelo scores a hat trick, Igor Shesterkin makes 46 saves in a win over the Devils.

Defensemen Anthony DeAngelo took charge in 6-3 win over the New Jersey Devils in the Jan. 9, 2020 game at the Garden. He scored his first goal of the contest in the first period, which gave the Blueshirts a 2-1 lead. He followed that with two goals in the second period to complete the hat trick.  This was his first hat trick in his young NHL career. For the game, Tony D. recorded four points assisting Chris Kreider’s goal in the first period. Rookie goalie Igor Shesterkin was the winner in his second game with the Rangers.

1- Mika Zibanejad scores 5 goals, including the overtime winner against the Washington Capitals

No surprise here. The top moment of this season belongs to Mika Zibanejad with his five-goal outburst against the Washington Capitals on Mar. 6. The game was a shootout between the two teams, which had plenty of highlight-reel goals between them. Zibby scored a power-play goal in the first period, one goal in the second period, two more goals in the third, including another man-advantage tally. He saved the biggest goal if the night for overtime after Capitals Alex Ovechkin had tied the game with 43 seconds remaining in the game.

In Overtime, Artemi Panarin streaked down the right side of the ice, drawing two Capital players to him. Panarin managed to chip the puck to the top of the face-off circle where the puck found the stick of Zibanejad, who then blasted the game-winner passed the Washington goalie.

The season might have been cut short, but the excitement of Rangers hockey was something fans won’t soon forget.

Hockey Community Shows Support for the New York Ranger’s K’Andre Miller

by
New York Rangers

On Friday, New York Rangers prospect K’Andre Miller was subjected to a repeated racial slur from a hacker during a Zoom video chat with New York Ranger’s fans. Immediately many of the people in the hockey community tweeted their dismay over this vile incident and their support for the twenty-year-old defenseman.

Current New York Rangers among the first to offer support and encouragement

Ranger’s defenseman Jacob Trouba was among the first to tweet his support: “What happened today was inexcusable and cowardly. Racism has no place in the hockey community or the world. K’Andre Miller, we are excited to have you as a part of the Rangers and I look forward to having you as a teammate.” Sentiments that were also echoed by Ryan Strome and Tony DeAngelo. Strome tweeted out that “This team and this organization sticks together. You are one of us and we have your back!”

Many outsides of the Ranger’s organization was also quick to respond. Miller’s former head coach at Wisconsin, Tony Granato tweeted this: “K’Andre Miller has the support of myself and the entire Wisconsin hockey family. He has a bright future in the game of hockey. No one should be subjected to the inexcusable, racist behavior experienced today by K’Andre.” USA Hockey, which Miller has been a part of through his performance representing the United States in two Junior World Tournaments, stated that: “We support K’Andre Miller, an incredible leader, teammate, friend & person. Racial & derogatory slurs have absolutely no place in the game or society.”  Miller even received support from the Los Angeles Kings twitter feed when the posted that: We support K’Andre Miller and are proud to have you as part of the NHL family. There is no place for the racist remarks you had to endure today, and we look forward to hosting you and the Rangers in the future.”

A couple of years ago, William Douglas posted an article on thecolorofhockey.com that detailed Miller’s journey through hockey. Let’s hope that this incident goes a long way in making sure that incidents like these can be purged from this sport and our society.

The New York Rangers Embarrassing Loss Hurts Playoff Chances

by
New York Rangers, Mika Zibanejad

The New York Rangers were feeling really good after Thursday’s night dramatic win over Washington. That all came crashing down Saturday night in a horrible loss to the New Jersey Devils. The 6-4 loss means that the Rangers fail to gain ground in the Eastern Conference wild-card race. After Mika Zibanejad gave New York a 2-1 lead with his 39th goal of the season, the Rangers gave up four straight goals to trail by three at the end of the second period. Greg McKegg scored on a deflection in the third period to cut the lead to 5-3. After a New Jersey empty-net goal, Tony DeAngelo scored at 19:17 for the 6-4 final.

The New York Rangers make a huge mistake in starting Shesterkin

Igor Shesterkin made his first start after suffering an injury and was pulled after two periods in favor of Henrik Lundqvist. It was not like this was all Shesterkin’fault. Most of the Blueshirts did not play well in front of them. The bottom line was that either head coach David Quinn or someone up the line in the Rangers made a huge miscalculation. Shesterkin was not ready to play tonight. It is not like they did not have options, either in the preparation or the fact that they have two competent goalies on the roster. So, they could have waited a little longer and let Shesterkin get more practice time in before he started. The option was to send him down to Harford for a game or two to let him work out the rust. It is not like he is a 38 year veteran like Lundqvist. He is a young talented player who could have benefited from some real game action. Even one game before the Rangers head out on a little road trip goes a long way in reacclimating a young player back to action. But no, they started him and that, along with a lackluster team effort for most of the game, puts a huge dent in any possible playoff action, with road games against Dallas, Colorado, and Arizona on the docket for the next three games.

Mika Zibanejad puts the New York Rangers On His Back in Victory Over the Caps

by
New York Rangers, Mika Zibanejad

If you missed Thursday night’s game, you may have missed an epic moment in New York Rangers history. Mika Zibanejad scored five goals, including the game-winner, in defeating the Washington Capitals 6-5.

Artemi Panarin had three assists, and as a footnote, Tony DeAngelo had the other goal for the Blueshirts. This crucial win keeps that Rangers within striking distance of a playoff spot.

It also spotlight’s the crucial role Zibanejad plays with the team, not so much for the number of goals, but for the fact that he came up with so a big play after the Alex Ovechkin tied the game with under a minute left to play.  In breaking their three-game losing streak, the Rangers are now just two points behind that other team with New York in front of their name for the final playoff spot.

Zibanejad comes up huge for the New York Rangers

So we must start with how significant this night was. With his fifth goal, Zibanejad tied the single-game franchise record, shared with two other players. He is only the fourth NHL player in the 21st century to accomplish the feat.

After his fourth goal, he was the first Ranger to score four in a game since Ryan Callahan did that on Mar. 6, 2011. Oh, because he scored three, he earned the coveted hat trick, the fourth hat trick of his NHL career, his second this season, and his first hat trick at MSG. With the five goals, his season total jumped from 33 to 38.

In doing so, he became the first Rangers center who scored at least 35 goals in a season since Eric Lindros accomplished that feat in 2001-02. This is not a one-game or even one-week type of hot streak. Since February 1, his 17 goals is the most in the NHL. Since this almost feels like an infomercial for Zibanejad, we could use the phrase “Wait…there is more!!” So here it is: Zibanejad recorded his 14th power-play goal of the season, tying his career-high.

This also ranks him third in the NHL for this category. So if you watched this game, this puts his tremendous night in perspective. If you did not get to watch, at the very least hunt down the highlights somewhere, such as at NHL.com.  You will not be disappointed.

Chris Kreider’s Good Play is Making It Difficult for the New York Rangers to Trade Him Away

by
New York Rangers, Chris Kreider

The New York Rangers are in a tough position. As the Feb 24 trade deadline approaches, they must make a decision as to what players, if any, will be dealt to other teams. Usually, trade decisions are easier if you are a team firmly entrenched in the playoffs, or a team well out of the playoff race. The Rangers are in no man’s land. They are still not one of the teams that currently qualify for a playoff spot, but are close enough to not do a wholesale sell-off. This is making the decision on what to do with Chris Kreider even more difficult.

Will the New York Rangers keep Chris Kreider?

Another that would help with a trade was if Kreider was not playing well. That is not the case. For example, in Friday nights game in Columbus, Kreider scored the tiebreaking goal with 3:11 left in the third period, and the New York Rangers extended their season-long winning streak to four games with a 3-1 win. He has 17 points (11 goals, six assists) in his past 15 games. Not only does this make the Rangers consider keeping him, but it also makes him the number one trade target for firmly entrenched playoff teams. Leading contenders include the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Louis Blues, and Colorado Avalanche. To a lesser extent, the Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and the Washington Capitals could also be suitors. The interest is high.

Why doesn’t the New York Rangers just sign him?

Unfortunately, the salary cap does not allow the Rangers to sign him, and keep everyone currently on their roster. The price for Kreider is reportedly going for 7 million dollars for seven years. If they do sign him, that means that they will not be able to keep restricted free agents such as Tony DeAngelo and/or Pavel Buchnevich, among others. That is the balancing act that the Rangers must deal with. If they trade him, the reported asking price is a first-round pick, or multiple conditional second-round picks, or legit young players or prospects. All of this may be impacted by how well the Rangers do in the games leading up to the Feb 24 trade deadline. They are home Sunday against Boston, before traveling to games in Chicago and Carolina. Their final game before the trade deadline is a home tilt against the San Jose Sharks. The results of these games may go a long way in determining what happens at the trade deadline.

 

New York Rangers defeat Winnipeg; DeAngelo, Buchnevich join Kreider on Trade List

by
New York Rangers

Chris Kreider scored two goals and Igor Shesterkin made 42 saves to lead the New York Rangers past the Winnipeg Jets 4-2. Kreider’s performance solidified him as the number one trade target heading to the Feb 24 trade deadline, but the Rangers continue to negotiate in order to sign the 28-year-old forward.

Buchnevich and DeAngelo join Kreider as possible New York Ranger trades

Pavel Buchenevich and Tony DeAngelo have risen up TSN’s trade bait chart in response to the New York Ranger’s attempt to re-sign Chris Kreider. This is due to the fact that if the Rangers can sign Kreider, they will most likely have to part ways with a combination of Pavel Buchnevich, Tony DeAngelo and/or possibly Ryan Strome in order to stay under the salary cap for the 2020-2021 season.  Alexandar Georgiev dropped out of their list, but the possibility of a trade still exists before the deadline. Kreider still has many potential suitors, even after the Pittsburgh Penguins may have crossed their name off that list by acquiring Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker.

Shesterkin removed for concussion check, comes back for the win

Igor Shesterkin recorded 42 saves in the win but had to be removed for a concussion check after colliding with a Winnipeg player. At 8:12 of the first, Shesterkin was crashed into by Andrew Copp after the Jets forward was pushed by Tony DeAngelo. Henrik Lundqvist came in to finish the first period and recorded a save as Shesterkin was cleared and re-entered the game in the second period. Shesterkin is the first rookie goaltender in Ranger history who has made at least 40 saves in two consecutive team games and is the first rookie goaltender who has earned a 40-save win in two consecutive personal appearances. Also, Shesterkin’s 238 career saves are the most by a Rangers goalie in his first seven NHL appearances and the most any goalie has made in his first seven appearances with the Rangers. After the game, head coach David Quinn praised his young netminder by saying From where I sit, it doesn’t matter what league he’s in, it doesn’t matter what building he’s in, it doesn’t matter about anything, he just has a net behind him and he’s going to keep the puck out of it, which is a simple approach and it works.”

In Wake of Victory over L.A., Igor Shesterkin Will Be the Starter in Goal

by
New York Rangers, Igor Shesterkin

Many are quite aware that the New York Rangers are one of the youngest teams in the NHL. With that youth, there will be some up and downs like the games they played last weekend. After losing a poorly played game against the Buffalo Sabres Friday night, the Rangers rebounded to defeat the Los Angeles Kings Sunday night by a score of 4-1. Eighteen-year-old Kaapo Kakko scored his first goal in 14 games. Greg McKegg, Artemi Panarin and Tony DeAngelo also scored for New York. Igor Shesterkin picked up the win and recorded 42 saves.

New York Rangers end goalie rotation

After Sunday’s win, head coach David Quinn announced that he will no longer rotate goalies and that Igor Shesterkin will continue to start. Quinn indicated that Shesterkin will continue to start regularly because he’s been the most consistent of the Rangers three goalies. “The best guy is going to continue to play,” Quinn said. “Keeping people sharp is no longer a high priority of ours. It’s going to be winning hockey games and the guy who plays well is going to keep playing.” Shesterkin has won three straight starts and five of his first six in the NHL. He is the first Rangers goalie in history to accomplish that feat. On Monday confirmed that Shesterkin will be in net when the Blueshirts travel to Winnipeg to take on the Jets. This is the first of a three-game road trip that includes stops in Minnesota and Columbus.

The “Consistently Inconsistent” New York Rangers

After Friday’s loss, Quinn noted that his young Rangers sometimes will struggle. “We like to keep things interesting. We’re getting better at it, but we have a hard time playing simple hockey from time to time.” This was an especially difficult loss at the Sabres had been struggling before coming into Friday nights games. Sunday night’s performance was much better in defeating a struggling, but pesky Kings team. Quinn pointed out that in order to win, the young players will need to contribute like they did Sunday night when they got big contributions from  Shesterkin,  Kakko, Filip Chytil and the recently called up, Phillip Di Giuseppe. Quinn summed up the night by saying that “it may have not been pretty hockey, but it was hard played hockey”.

New York Rangers Brass Keeping Their Poker Faces On as Trade Deadline Nears

by
New York Rangers

The New York Ranger’s management team appears to heed the words of the legendary Kenny Rogers song The Gambler which includes the lyrics “know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, and know when to walk away.” With the NHL trade deadline approaching on Feb. 24, the Rangers have been very patient when it comes to whether to trade or keep many of their pending free agents. Sitting in their hand right now, ready to be dealt or held, are these five players: Chris Kreider, Alexandar Georgiev, Jesper Fast, Ryan Strome, and Tony DeAngelo.

The New York Rangers have an Ace in Chris Kreider

Insiders are referring to this trade season as a “buyer’s market”, meaning that teams wanting players may not have to give up as much with many teams looking to move players. However, these insiders are also stating that Kreider may be the exception to this, as his skillset and playoff experience has had many Stanley Cup contenders taking a good look at him. There is also some speculation that the Rangers may still want to sign him. All of this makes Kreider their most valuable trade chip.

Rangers’ top brass have been very patient with Georgiev

Alexandar Georgiev has been the goaltender that most thought would be traded after Igor Shesterkin was called up in early January. However, the Rangers did not panic and trade Georgiev for nothing despite the increased media and social media coverage that they have endured about their three goalie situation. The Rangers are holding out for what they perceive as value and will not move him until they get what they want.

Jesper Fast’s fate seems tied to Kreider

In this market, it seems that if Kreiders stays, Fast will go. If Kreider gets traded, the Rangers will probably try to keep and re-sign the forward.  It does not appear that the Rangers can keep both and stay under the salary cap next year.

The Restricted Free-Agent Conundrum

We detailed Tony DeAngelo and Ryan Strome’s issues for the Blueshirts in a previous article, so we won’t go into a lot of detail. However, it seems that DeAngelo may be the most likely to go as there seem to be more teams looking for defensive help, and the Rangers have quite a few capable defensive prospects in their system. The other RFA that we did not talk about much is Brendan Lemieux, but because he is a bit cap friendly in a position where the Rangers are not all that deep, he is not likely to move.

The New York Rangers have a few Wildcards

Brendan Smith ($4.35 million) and Pavel Buchnevich ($3.25 million) have been mentioned so the Rangers could free up valuable cap space. Brady Skjei is also a possibility, again as cap help and that there appear to be more teams looking for blueline help. Finally, the Rangers still have the Lias Andersson mess to deal with, and a trade deal either by himself or with one of the above players could put that to an end. The Rangers have many cards to play and February will be a busy month for Rangers management.