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The Rangers played their first game in nearly a week last night at MSG. Based upon the results, they should have just skipped it and gone right to the Olympic break. Carolina beat the Rangers 2-0 last night, J. Staal (15) scoring a late empty net goal at 19:06 of the third. The only other goal of the game was by Svechnikov (21) at 06:26 of the first period. Don’t be misled by the 1-0 score for 52 minutes and 28 seconds and think this game was a really close affair. Sure, accidents happen but the Rangers just were not in this. Carolina was playing keep away with the puck and outshot the Rangers 43-16 and out attempted 86-37. Quick deservedly got the third star of the game, given to the only Ranger who showed up to play.
The NYR of 2025/26 may go down as one of the worst home squads ever iced by the franchise, now with just two (2) regulation wins on home ice. The fewest in regulation over the season is four (4), to the best of our knowledge. The game was followed by the usual platitudes by all involved. Refunds are in order, including for those viewing at home!
Game summary below:
Next game is Thursday, 26 February at 20:00 EST against the Flyers, telecast by ESPN. Will anyone remember to tune in?
72 responses to “Rangers 0, Hurrycanes 2”
Food in Italy is good. Miller may come back 30 pounds heavier because I don’t see him playing any games
I’m officially over Sullivan. Not that I was ever on board but I tried to be neutral and keep an open mind.
This was his record w/ Pens post championships:
Season Team Wins Losses OT/Ties Points
2017–18 Penguins 47 29 6 100
2018–19 Penguins 44 26 12 100
2019–20 Penguins 40 23 6 86
2020–21 Penguins 37 16 3 77
2021–22 Penguins 46 25 11 103
2022–23 Penguins 40 31 11 91
2023–24 Penguins 38 32 12 88
2024–25 Penguins 34 36 12 80
Puckpedia updated Panarin’s contract to include a full NMC so Drury may be spared some embarrassment 2 years hence. I think that will be around the end of his tenure as GM. 2 more years of this will get Dolan’s attention as dropping ticket prices on the secondary market evolve into empty seats.
Is Meeka getting closer to waiving?
I give jd credit
Came to garden for. A few centennial celebrations
After Dolan and Drury did him wrong
Beezle “they should have just skipped it and gone right to the Olympic break.” that was perfect and encompassed the feelings of most here I believe.
They are just awful to watch
they did skip it ..MSG like a funeral. Never seen a 1-0 game that seemed so out of reach
only bright spot… Iorio looked fine on 3rd pair D. possible Drury could flip him for a pick at deadline if Schneider stays
Think it a mistake to move Schneider. Fox has missed too many games the past three seasons and needs his minutes cut to something around 18-20. Let Schneider carry first pair load and Fox second + PP. If the Borg can’t play left side, move him for someone who can.
I’d also look to move Morrow if you can get anything for him if this Rio kid seems stable.
If Schneider nets you a young center think you do it.
Drury should also move Quick to a legit contender if one has interest. Guy deserves to go out with at least a chance at one more ring.
As to Igor – if Drury can convince him to waive, I’d move. Two or three seasons from reasonable shot at cup run, will be pushing 34. No point in using up that much cap when you can get almost as good for half the cost. Pair with a younger back up and use that cap elsewhere.
If I’m Twerkin, Mika Mouse, and Miller I’d be thrilled to move. Unless of course winning a cup is meaningless to them. Because it ain’t happening as a Blueshirt.
They are not getting anything of real value for Borgen. I know you don’t like it Beezle, but it has to be Schneider. He’s what can bring you back true assets to help the retool. If that’s not accurate, then you keep him. As BobbyO said, if he brings back a young center, you do it.
Grading this organization on a talent level from 1 to 10 I’d give then a 2.5 at best. Only because of Twerkin and Fox. We are in deep deep trouble.
Not sure Drury can bring back anything value except pizza delivery.
Last night at MSG got 2 beers for $42. And folks wonder why liquor and beer sales are down in US…
Did have the Carnegie Deli sandwich – highlight of the night until we went out afterwards; tons of trim in the big Apple last night.
Oreo cookie – fine, whatever; spare parts
Coolio – one of his better games
Purro – up and down game but was playing w JTM so not sure what one could do
Gavi – needs the break more than anyone save for Quick
Quickie – should be team MVP for having to play behind this team at age 40
Sully – he coached a great game, got the most out of everyone, extend him now!!!
Carey – They should be getting a young center back from moving Trocheck (include one of those LAK picks if necessary), not Schneider. Moving the latter sets the defense back. There is of course also the draft. At a minimum, I would not move Schneider now. If Drury has any sense, he’d get him signed now to a two year and have that in his pocket for summer time crazy season.
As to Borgen – I’m not looking for any great shakes for him, just swapping for a similar player but for left side. Not hating on Borg, he’s ok, servicable probably the best term, in that second pair role.
Beezle,
You want more than one young center/forward. They need a lot. Drury told us, and I’m not sure why no one is listening, this is a retool, not a rebuild. He’s not going up collecting 18 year old players, he’s going to be collecting 20 to 24 year old players.
They should get a young center back (Stramel) for Trocheck and more but should still pursue another center using Schneider. Then you keep peg legs Meeka and Miller on the wings if they won’t leave
When teams trade 20 or 22 year olds I always wonder why
In general teams normally know more about their own guys and pros and cons
Look at morrow and pars
because they are trying to win a cup
It’s waaaay too early to be giving up on Morrow. Parssinen was just a guy they liked. Wasn’t considered a big prospect.
I am prepared for a poor return on Trocheck. A 2nd and AHL players.
I can see them trying to move Vaka9N, but why is Blidh playing? There’s no market for him.
Mr. Greenjeans will likely be in Hartford next year. I suspect Aspinall will join him their. These are the forwards we’ll see next year. We will still be asking “Will they score tonight?” next season. You don’t know you have bottomed out until you start moving up.
If that’s the return he won’t trade him. they will probably have 17-20m in cap space in summer..assume there will be some new faces
Not sure any incumbent GM admits to a rebuild, usually a new GM to lower expectations.
Fire Dreary in first minute of last nights game – ha!
If the Rangers had a competent owner, they don’t, this entire organization would be cleaned out top to bottom yesterday. It is beyond obvious no one has any idea what they’re doing.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUbTbO4DrZN/?igsh=NW9vc25pcHJlMnY1
Speaking about the owner. If someone owned a team that was celebrating their 100th year you would think they would care if the product was crap. Luckily for Giant and Rangers fan our owners are clueless.
If I were in charge heads would roll and besides another stupid letter that does not mean crap I would give the season ticket holders some kind of discount for the rest of the year to buy the overpriced food and beverage’s.
Our owner does not care about Rangers and we are doomed until he is no longer in charge.
Just remember as that great man once said. ” This one will last a lifetime”
Wish all of you young guys luck. You are going to need it over the next 20 years.
LGR
I am prepared to be disappointed with the Trocheck return. I won’t get fooled again.
Why is Blindh playing? I can see Vaka9N if they are trying to move him.
We just got a 20yr RW. While I’m fine moving on from Lafreniere, he should be bringing back a winger of similar “potential”, ie change of scenery for both. I’m not dumping Coolio. Are we done with Perreault already?
We have Laba as 3C, hopefully in a couple years a 2C. Mika is the 1C. Miller should be the 2C now until you have someone better, at which point he is on the wing, though if he still is not putting up points (forget the rest of his game) then he has to be moved.
Seems to me you need a left wing for third line (assuming Greentea on RW) and either a 2C or another RW for the 2nd line. I’m not going to waste time on the fourth line.
Can’t say I saw much with Morrow other than a lot of mistakes with the puck and some not very good defense. Can he shoot? Yes. Even can make a pass to the correct guy now and then. Could you sit on him next year? Sure, the team is not going anywhere next year fast so see if he moves the dial in the right direction.
We can pretend that a “retool” is a magic wand that fixes everything by September but real world this is a two or three year process.
Unless he totally bombs in preseason, they should give Greentree a go at RW on the third line next season out of the box. Normally I’d say put him in Hartford for a year or two but a) Hartford sucks and b) NYR aren’t going anywhere far next season so you can afford to be a “development” team for a season. Same goes for Perreault and Laba. Get them minutes, teach as necessary and make sure you have a better product at the end of the season than when you started.
Hmmm….
BREAKING UPDATE | Prosecutors in Centre County say they will be withdrawing the felony aggravated assault charge against Penn State’s star hockey player Gavin McKenna.
https://wjactv.com/sports/penn-state/prosecutors-withdraw-felony-charge-against-penn-state-hockey-star-gavin-mckenna-assault-case-court-pennsylvania-centre-county-investigation
Trocheck trade is the one Drury can’t afford to eff up. Plenty of excuses to be had around the breadman situation.
Upon further review of video evidence, prosecutors believe that McKenna “did not act with the intent to cause serious bodily harm nor did he recklessly act with extreme indifference to the value of human life.”
Thus, officials say they will be withdrawing the aggravated assault charge against McKenna.
Glad the felony is dropped
And I actually like McKenna more for the rangers because of this
He stuck up for his mom
He will stick up for teammates and himself and not turtle in the face of adversity
Earlier this season I was losing hope for otter
But his past stretch has me wanting to see more
He still has time before the bust label gets stuck to him.
He’s the age and hard working mindset we want right now.
Beezle – I agree with you regarding keeping Schneider.
I would also keep Fox, Laba, Cuylle, Perrault, Carrick and Robertson, unless I got an offer that was too good to pass up. Everyone else would be up for grabs, including Igor as many of the others will be too old by the time they will be able to contend again.
The draft focus should be on a number 1 & 2 center first and if nothing worthwhile available, then a top pair man. Wings can be filled in through free agency or 2nd and 3rd round picks.
Beezle
3rd line
Cuylle Laba. Green-goblin
The only way I would even consider moving Schneider is for a young center like Mason McTavish. Doesn’t have to be him though.
Michigan vs Michigan State on. Spence vs Barnhill, and future Ranger, Stramel.
Otter just needs some skill and smarts and speed; other than that, he’s ready to go.
Going to OT. Spence has been a nuisance.
https://www.reddit.com/r/hockey/s/tND0fh82g9
Captain Culture Club providing words of wisdom
Is MSG prepared for a young team and its growing pains? They’ll lose a lot but hopefully play hard and be entertaining to watch. Get ready for lots early draft picks the next few years.
who’d have though Disco Mika would be the last graybeard standing of the old forward core?
Is Mike Sullivan the right coach for the retool?
Brandon Cohen
February 3, 2026
When the New York Rangers hired Mike Sullivan to replace Peter Laviolette, many were thrilled. Sullivan, a former back-to-back Stanley Cup winning coach, felt like a huge upgrade from Laviolette, and a potential overseer of a comeback season. Sullivan was the right coach to bring the Rangers back from their blip of a season and get the most out of this veteran core.
Instead, Sullivan has seen the Rangers worst season in decades. Rather than coming back, the Rangers proved last season was no fluke, falling all the way to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The only plus this season has been that the Rangers might finish far enough down the standings that they will have a shot at a much-needed top-five draft pick.
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Still, that’s not what the Rangers hired Sullivan for. When he was hired, the idea was that he would help a struggling team find their focus and win some games. Instead, the Rangers have been awful. Few players are playing to their expected potential, and the mess of last year has not only continued, but it’s worsened.
Even worse, Sullivan’s former employer, the Pittsburgh Penguins, hired Rangers Assistant Coach Dan Muse away, and have since become much improved.
All of this leads me to wonder if the Rangers made the wrong decision. It would of course be the wrong decision in hindsight, as essentially no one complained when the Rangers hired Sullivan, but it’s a fair thing to worry about. One of the reasons the Penguins let Sullivan walk away so easily was that they were unsure he would be the best coach to lead them through their expected rebuild/retool. Now, the Rangers are hoping he can be the best coach to help them do just that.
The early results haven’t been encouraging. Sullivan continues the trend of Rangers coaches completely prioritizing veterans over young players, further serving as a detriment to their development. While a forward like Alexis Lafreniere has done himself no favors, any time he’s started to get some momentum, Sullivan has stood in his way by taking ice time and/or powerplay time away. Gabe Perreault, Brett Berard, and Brennan Othmann have been up and down, scratched, and inconsistent.
I’ve spilled far too many words on why I don’t believe Chris Drury is the man to lead the Rangers from an organizational standpoint, but Mike Sullivan has started convincing me that he’s no more than another Chris Drury behind the bench. Given the long-term contract the Rangers gave Sullivan, I’m sure hoping I’m wrong.
In the next few years, we will see. For all we know, Sullivan will see that this team is not a playoff team and will adapt accordingly. Maybe the roster will change so much that Sullivan is forced to allow the youth to take over. If not, the rebuild (or supposed retool) will suffer with Sullivan behind the bench. That was never the plan when the Rangers made the obvious hire.
Mentioned in this article: Mike Sullivan
More About:Coaching
I was against the Sullivan hiting and wanted Dan Muse elevated. So give me a box of Crackerjacks because that’s all us Ranger fans will be getting with the 3 Amigos Dolan, Drury, and Sullivan running the clown show!
So Muse would have Rangers in playoff picture ?
Being that there are only 24 hours in a day, I wonder how much the team USA commitment has distracted Sullivan away from his primary job.
How many times did he have to take a call from Bill Geurin instead of meeting with a player or game planning with his assistants?
This team was doomed when Drury decided to move on from Trouba and Kreider
The flashpoint was the memo putting the up for sale.
That was the culture shift
But they weren’t winning a cup with Trouba and Kreider
1 Cup in 86 seasons so not a grand statement
Return on Kreider and Trouba is….
Return on Kakko is…..
Return on Chytil and Mancini is……
Return on Panarin is……..
Short answer: Dog sheet
There are certain types of players needed to win a Cup ..none of those guys are those types of players
Bobbyo
Where did I say that? Enlighten me.
Kreider and Trouba are guys cup winners have
Not sure what you are smokin’
Just because they didn’t get over the himo while they were here doesn’t equate. It’s not that simple of a logic equation
Kreider was a beast in playoffs (see hat trick)
Trouba changed the course of the Pitt series
Raising the cup is more than what just two players can catapult a team to do. Also need some bounces and some calls to go your way.
But without guys like that, the team is way worse off. And we are seeing that this year.
Hump not himo
Why would you want Muse if you didn’t think
He would win?
The year after we made the conference finals
With Kreider and Trouba returning. We were the odds on favorite to win the cup per Vegas in September.
What does Vegas think now?
We’re a lot further away from a cup than ever before
Fire Drury
8:30 am post
I think this guy hates Kreider almost as much as I hate the isles fans and that’s saying something
Kreider is the all time Ranger leader in playoff goals scored. I guess they have never had any playoff players.
We may have to wait through a couple of years of Drury and Sully screwing things up. It will be like the early years of the Sabre rebuild. It won’t turn around until they are gone. That will be a minimum of 2 years.
Because Muse is new and not a retread? In the two season he was with NYR running the PK we had the #4 in the league (84.5% and 80.3%)? Good record and vibes from coaching the NTDP? At the time:
Friedman: Muse worked hard in NY – “He was consistently the first guy to arrive every day and the last guy to leave,” Friedman shared.
Dubas: “What separated Dan was his ability to develop players, win at all levels where he has been a head coach and his consistent success coaching special teams in the NHL.”
Small good news:
Newest #NYR prospect Liam Greentree with a three-point game tonight for @SpitsHockey, including this goal. He’s up to 48 points (24 goals and 24 assists) through 36 games.
A three-point night for #NYR prospect Nathan Aspinall, including two goals. The 2024 fifth-round pick leads the OHL with 71 points 26G and 45A) through 48 games. A big riser this season.
Kreider wasn’t a beast in Florida series ..and if Ducks wins a cup and Kreider and Trouba are still there it will be Because of Maravich Karlson Gauthier etc
Kreider, Trouba, and Zibanejad were not the reason the Rangers didn’t win the cup the two seasons they went to the ECF. The reason they didn’t win the cup was because their superstar did not score up to his regular season numbers. Kreider did, Zibanejad did, Panarin did not.
Word salad Bobbyo I never suggested that either.
Bazooka Joe, Laviolette, Sullivan the same old mold!
Beezle Smart small good news. Both those players particularly Greentree are close to playing with the Rangers. Litttle did Drury and Dolan realize that on any given night Panaran was at least 35% of our scoring power.
Olympic type question for you guys ..if Russia
Was playing who would be starting goalie?
Going be interesting for Dreary if the team can’t score the next 2 seasons and they have an extra $20M in cap space because no ufa’s to sign, to explain to JD and the nut shots what his rationale was in not extending Bread. Dolan likes his stars on the marquee.
Vasilevskiy or Sorokin
A new post with no mention of recent NYR losses