New York Rangers Daily: Misery loves company at MSG after Knicks collapse; NHL coaching rumors
So you thought being a New York Rangers fan was tough. Well, Wednesday night wasn’t the greatest if you are hard core for the other team that calls Madison Square Garden home.
Holy hell. What an epic, historic collapse by the New York Knicks in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Final series against the Indian Pacers.
Up 14 with 2:45 remaining in regulation, the Knicks let it all slip away. On home court, no less. With Indiana star Tyrese Halliburton imitating Reggie Miller’s infamous choke sign. It’s the first time in NBA history that a team up that many points with 2:45 or less to play lost in the playoffs. The record was 994-0 before the Knicks let it become 994-1.
The Knicks lost 138-135 after an embarrassing display of ineptitude. Let’s be honest, this staggering loss could be a KO even though it’s just the first game of the series. Really, it’s hard to find a Rangers equivalent from their history. I mean, that’s just how unreal this collapse was by the Knicks.
But at least the Knicks have the chance to somehow pick themselves up off the mat and get back in this series. That’s because they earned their way here, into the playoffs, into the conference final after taking out the defending champion Boston Celtics, a series which included two amazing comebacks of their own.
They have the chance because they’re here in the playoffs. It’s more than the Rangers can say after failing to even qualify for the postseason. So, there’s that. Still a chance to write their own history.
But misery loves company, as the old saying goes. And today the Rangers have some serious company at MSG in that department.
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New York Rangers news
As the Chris Kreider debate remains heated with the fan base, here’s a breakdown of the options if the Rangers choose not to trade CK20 this offseason.
If the Buffalo Sabres decide to trade Bowen Byram this summer, here’s why the Rangers should be interested in exploring a deal for the 23-year-old defenseman.
So, what about Carson Soucy? Did the veteran defenseman show the Rangers enough to stick around next season? And, if so, where does he fit best?
Our Eric Charles takes a look at two more center options for the Rangers to consider with the No. 12 pick in this year’s draft: Brady Martin and Braedon Cootes.
NY Post ($$): Larry Brooks examines how Matt Rempe, and not Will Cuylle, might be the more likely Rangers RFA to receive an offer sheet from another NHL team this summer.
NHL news and rumors
Sportsnaut: Here are the key takeaways after the Dallas Stars erase a 3-1 deficit with a five-goal third period to rally past the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final.
TSN: The Oilers took three penalties that cost them early in the third periord, the Stars capitalizing on each. And Oilers star Leon Draisaitl said postgame “we’ve got to be an awful lot more mature than that.”
Sportsnaut: The Florida Panthers had the “right recipe” to snag Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday. Game 2 is in Raleigh on Thursday.
Sportsnaut: ICYMI, here’s a complete breakdown of each of the conference final series, along with our staff predictions.
Sportsnaut: And here’s a breakdown of the top candidates right now for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
Forever Blueshirts: Former Rangers star and Hockey Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan was granted permission to speak with the Islanders about a front office role. Shanahan’s contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs expires next month and he’s not expected to be retained after 11 years as Toronto’s director of hockey operations.
TSN: The Seattle Kraken received permission to speak with Maple Leafs associate coach Lane Lambert, the former Islanders bench boss, for their head coaching vacancy.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Speaking of coaching vacancies, the Pittsburgh Penguins are taking their time replacing Mike Sullivan. But Dan Kingerski reports that Mitch Love, the Washington Capitals assistant, appears to be a top candidate — though Kingerski notes that the Kraken also have interest in him.
Boston Herald: Fresh off agreeing to a contract extension, Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney told the Herald that the Bruins coaching search will be completed long before the NHL Draft in late June, and that they are not waiting to discuss their opening with anyone still coaching in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Fourth Period: Dave Pagnotta reports that former Philadelphia Flyers assistant Brad Shaw will join Sheldon Keefe’s staff with the New Jersey Devils.
Sportsnet: It’s sounding like to a man that the Winnipeg Jets players really want the team to re-sign unrestricted free agent Nikolaj Ehlers.
Daily Faceoff: Shortly after the Maple Leafs were eliminated in Game 7 of the second round by the Panthers, William Nylander was off to play for Sweden at the World Championships. He’s expected to join Mika Zibanejad and Co. in the lineup Thursday against Czechia in the quarterfinals.
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