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Three Stars of the Weekend
Number three: Derick Brassard He scored the game-winner against the Islanders, and continued to produce consistent scoring chances (eight shots on goal) from the third line.
Number two: Henrik Lundqvist The King is simply back to being the King. A 38-save performance (one of which we'll get to in a bit) on Friday put him over the .500 mark for the first time this season. Look out, Sochi.
Number one: Marc Staal He might be playing the best all-around hockey of his entire career, and from an offensive perspective, he certainly is. He had two assists on Friday, one of which a great pass to Brassard on the game-winner.
What You Missed
Lundqvist 1, Josh Bailey 0
The biggest story in the Rangers' sphere is undoubtedly right now—bigger than any winning streak—is the future of Ryan Callahan. Some of those rumors, rounded up. [Blueshirt Banter]
For the fourth time this season, the Rangers have won three consecutive games. What's most important about the current streak is all three wins were in regulation, against Metropolitan Division teams. On Friday, the Rangers downed the Islanders 4-1. Some recaps. [Blueshirt Banter] [ESPN NY] [NY Post] [Daily News] [The Record] [Newsday]
With rumors swirling around Callahan, are the Rangers targeting Chris Stewart? [Blueshirt Banter] [ESPN NY]
Before Staal had his big performance against the Islanders, Alain Vigneault highlighted him as a player who's been performing well. [Blueshirts Blog]
A lot has been made about the political climate in Sochi leading up to the 2014 Olympics, and how safe the city will be. While he'll be representing team Sweden, Lundqvist won't be bringing his family with him. [NY Post]
USA Hockey announced Zach Parise will captain its squad in the upcoming Olympic games, while Ryan Suter and Dustin Brown wiill both wear 'A's,' meaning no letter for Callahan. [SB Nation NHL] [Rangers Rants]
Separating love and logic in hockey when it comes to trade rumors. [Blueshirt Banter]
With the Rangers playing better hockey, and looser hockey, the team took the ice Saturday... to play some pre-Super Bowl football. [NY Post] [Blueshirts Blog] [Rangers Rants]
