Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. See ya Carson Soucy and thanks for the memories!
While we’ll get into the “historic” trade that Chris Drury officially made following the Rangers’ 4-3 win over the Bruins (and a trade that his counterpart, Mathieu Darche, also made following his Islanders’ 4-0 win in Philly) soon enough; but to open tonight, then yes, it’s true – the Blueshirts actually won a game in 2026!
The spiraling and now retooling Blueshirts, and in a result that I wouldn’t have believed if I didn’t see it for myself – were able to defeat the Boston Bruins on Monday night – and while this doesn’t matter, but just to say it anyway – in a game that they didn’t deserve to win either.
But for these brutally bad Blueshirts?
Then they’ll take the win – and the two-points in the standings afforded because of it – and in any way, shape or form possible these days.
And since emerging victorious this season is such a Rangers’ rarity – then no – and they didn’t act like they’ve been there before.
Heck, they almost forgot to do their traditional sticks up salute at center ice too – as that’s how long it’s been since the Rangers last won a game at M$G!
The Blueshirts, after pulling off “The Miracle on Ice II” back on January 2nd (the 2026 Winter Classic) – and then finding a way to beat the team that they always seem to defeat, the Flyers – had only won one game in their last nine tries prior to tonight’s tilt against a fellow Original Six franchise.
Furthermore, then entering Monday night and the Rangers had only won twice during the month of January, while also compiling a season record of 5-13-4 on home ice.
Such negative trends, and for as brief or as long as they may be, were snapped as a result of the Rangers’ 4-3 overtime win on this here date of January 26th – but it’s not like anything really changed either.
If anything, then this game was more about being a bad loss for Boston rather than being a huge win for the Blueshirts.
After all, then how did these Bruins, who just two-weeks ago, savaged the Blueshirts to a tune of 10-2, lose to the absolute “Least of the East?”
Perhaps your answer?
Goaltending.
Once again and another visitor at M$G elected to start their back-up goalie against the Rangers – and as the Bruins did when Jonas Korpisalo – and not Jeremy Swayman – was announced as manning their pipes.
Conversely, and the Blueshirts had their own back-up/temporary starter, Quick, in their barrel – and it was the future Hall of Famer that bailed out the team in front of him, time-and-time again at that – and as he did with all of his odd-man rush and breakaway saves.
Without Quick – then the Rangers most likely would’ve finished as they always do – on the wrong end of the scoreboard.
What can we say for a fact?
Then it wasn’t the Rangers’ power-play that did them any favors – as once again – they posted another goose egg in this department (0-4) – and where for the third time in their past four games – and the Blueshirts were unable to score during a two-man up, 5 x 3, power-play.
Despite such a dark tone about a rare ray of light – a Rangers’ win; then there were actually some good things that we saw out of the Blueshirts on Monday night at M$G – and specifically – the Baby Blueshirts.
Arguably, and Gabe Perreault (one assist, three SOG, one drawn penalty) had his best outing of the season – that is – sans his two A-Rod goals that he scored against Ottawa.
Defenseman Matthew Robertson, who has struggled with taking penalties all-season, refrained from sitting in the sin bin during this tilt – and better than that – eventually scored the overtime walk-off goal too.
Elsewhere, and another Rangers’ rookie, Noah Laba, still trying to get back to 100% after his injury sustained prior to the New Year (against Tom Wilson of the Capitals), picked up an assist while also drawing a penalty to boot.
While of course, the Rangers’ first-round pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Brennan “The Appendix” Othmann, did much of nothing (zero points, zero shots on goal, and later stapled to the bench for long stretches); but at least you got these riveting performances from three other rookies that are much more accomplished than the Blueshirts’ bust.
While I know that everyone isn’t of this thinking, you know, TANKING (only fans root for this – as players and coaches do not subscribe); but I did have mixed-feelings about this mixed-bag Blueshirts’ win.
On one hand, then it was great to see the young players really take some strides.
On the other hand, and after being through this with the New York Giants during the past two-years – then all this win did was decrease the franchise’s odds at this year’s draft lottery.
And should I have a third hand like an alien in a “Twilight Zone” episode? (The famous diner episode with the man from Venus meeting the man from Mars.)
Then it should also be reminded that among all of the top talent, then only Tynan Lawrence, who is projected to go anywhere from third-overall to tenth-overall, is the only center among the bunch.
Currently, and according to the people who watch teenagers play hockey on a full-time basis, and there are a slew of wingers (Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg – and a pair that may go 1-2 overall), and a ton of rearguards too (Keaton Verhoeff, Chase Reid, Alberts Smits and Ryan Lin), that are expected to dominate the top spots of the upcoming 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
And as we all know – then not only do the Rangers need a young promising center with real superstar ability – but that the Blueshirts haven’t really hit it out of the park with any of their young first-round wingers either.
Suffice to say and it may be Lawrence – and not McKenna – that may be the answer to Ranger fans prayers.
But racking up meaningless wins could derail such plans too.
What a time to be alive!
Among the FAT CATS, then from the jump, and I thought that the alleged sexual assaulter, NDA Panarin, was the best of the lot.
From puck drop throughout overtime – and it felt like “The Breadman” was showcasing himself to the entire league – and perhaps to his current boss of today too – “The Pizza Man,” Chris Drury.
After all, then it’s being reported that Panarin, who will turn 35-years-old next season, doesn’t want to leave New York – but of course – then Drury must do what’s best for his team too – which includes not dealing out another long-term NMC contract to an aging veteran.
No joke?
Then for the greatest free agent signing in franchise history – and he actually showed us that he could hustle and play defense too.
For two teams that skated to a 10-2 decision just two-weeks prior – and there wasn’t that much offense at the start of this match – but it sure came later on.
Furthermore, then for an M$GN broadcast that always looks to find the bright side of things, then it spoke volumes when Dave Maloney said, “the Rangers haven’t given up any goals or taken any penalties yet” – and as he did just 8:30 into the match.
That’s how low the Blueshirts have fallen – and where such things (no goals allowed/no penalties taken) – are now considered as morale victories in the present.
But at least they got the win where it mattered most – on the scoreboard.
Urho Vaakanainen, only in the line-up because Soucy was bubble-wrapped for “roster management purposes,” kicked off the scoring at the 9:45 mark – as following his blast – then there was Will Cuylle, who has somewhat regressed this season when compared to his previous years, to deflect the puck past Korpisalo for the Rangers’ 1-0 goal – and #50’s twelfth goal of the season too.
But since the Blueshirts can’t have anything nice for too long – then, and less than 3:00 later (the 12:09 mark to be specific) – and there was Elias Lindholm capitalizing off a David Pastrnak shot/pass for the 1-1 equalizer.
The Rangers, and in another rarity, flipped the script.
Just 24-seconds later and while on an odd-man rush with J.T. Miller – and Perreault made the best pass of his career thus far – and then found Captain Culture for the 2-1 goal.
The Blueshirts, now returned to a one-goal lead, then had several turning points that all fell into their favor.
The first instance took place with around three-minutes remaining – as Cullye blew up the often-injured Bruins’ rearguard superstar, and Sully’s son-in-law too, Charlie McAvoy – and as he did right by the boards to the right of Korpisalo.
McAvoy, already wearing a fishbowl, was absolutely irate about the hit – and a hit that also led him to the tunnel for repairs.
While McAvoy would return to the game once the second period progressed; then, and where there is no doubt about it – and this collision with Cuylle completely threw him off his game – so much so – that the Long Beach, NY native was rattled and frustrated for the remainder of the match.
Granted, while McAvoy would later pick up an assist; but he did also take two penalties.
It’s just a shame that the Rangers could never capitalize on these power-plays.
The Blueshirts, who not only lead the league in giving up more goals at the start of any period – but at the end of them too – almost allowed another.
Quick, who had already stopped several odd-man rushes prior to this, absolutely robbed Alex Steeves’ breakaway try with 15-seconds remaining in the first period.
As a result – and the Rangers’ preserved their 2-1 lead when entering the middle frame.
But once again – nothing nice stays too long in Rangerstown, USA.
To open the second stanza and the Bruins were all over the Rangers like shit on a monkey.
After making some hairy saves, Quick could no longer shoulder the load any longer – and blammo – as a result, another blown Blueshirts’ lead – as Lindholm scored for the second time in the match – and as he did just 3:18 in.
Now 2-2, and the Blueshirts would soon then get three chances to regain their lead, including their aforementioned 5 x 3 power-play – but never could.
As a result, then just thirty-seconds after all of their power-play time – and as it often goes as well – and the Bruins’ penalty kill gave their team some momentum – and as we saw at the 8:52 mark when Morgan Geekie beat Quick for the 3-2, visitors, goal.
This all felt like deja vu, from the Rangers’ inability to score whenever at 5 x 3 and right down to the multiple blown leads too.
But what we didn’t know at the time is this would be the last goal scored on behalf of the black-and-gold too.
Still 3-2, Boston, at the start of the do-or-die third period; then both teams weren’t allowing much.
The Bruins’ defense was eager to finish the night with a 3-2 win, while the Rangers seemed hellbent on obliging them.
As the game meandered on, including another failed, and fourth, Rangers’ power-play of the contest; then, and of all people, and there was Will Borgen, following a Blueshirts’ o-zone faceoff win, to tie the game, 3-3 – and as he did with just 6:17 remaining in regulation time.
While officially, the box score will tell you that the Bruins won the battle of the dots tonight (via a slim 29-28 margin); but what that stat doesn’t tell you is how many zone draws that the Rangers won – and while I don’t have the stat in front of me – but I’d reckon that the Blueshirts won at least 75% of their o-zone draws tonight.
The Bruins, who continued to threaten Quick, could never follow-up on what would eventually become “empty threats.”
While the Rangers couldn’t find a late goal in regulation time either; then at least Sully’s Squad managed to get a point out of this contest come sixty-minutes played.
It felt like both teams adopted a conservative approach in the overtime; but where admittedly, – then both teams also forced turnovers and created scoring chances too.
For the Bruins, then following all of the Rangers’ missteps – and all they did was shoot the puck high-or-wide.
As it felt like a shootout would decide this match, then, and with 67-seconds remaining (my nieces must be going nuts about the “6-7” here) – and BLAMMO – there was Robertson, seemingly paying tribute to Bobby Orr, with his beautiful 4-3 walk-off winner.
Equally as satisfying?
Then the fact that it was Quick, sans a win since Election Day (although rarely at fault either – as the team usually sucks and can’t score goals), that not only allowed the Rangers to fight back – but who also assisted on this game-winning red-lamp score too!
And this all happened in front of the bulk of the 1994 Stanley Cup winning team too – but more about that precious group below.
If we were to watch this game without bias, then, and similar to what we say whenever the Rangers lose to a last-place team (and as they’ve done four times this season) – and I thought this match was a bad loss for Boston – and rather than as a prevailing Rangers’ win.
But of course – and that’s a problem for Chris Drury, Mike Sullivan and everyone else associated with Boston today! (I kid, I kid – or am I?)
With rumors of Soucy being traded prior to puck drop, and rumors which became fact following Robertson’s winning goal – then, and especially as I write these words, and to quote Bill Goldberg too….
“WHO’S NEXT?”
The sad answer?
Not Drury.
Nor Dolan either.
In case you missed it, then here’s where I last left off – the Rangers getting swept away in California:
NYR/SJS 1/23 Review: California Culture Dreamin’ FAT CAT Blueshirts Get Swept on The West Coast; Don’t Show Up To Play Again, Same Old Rangers; Same Old Post-Game Quotes Too, Silly Sully Gets Stupid in Practice; Forgets About His Timeout in a Game, Celebrini Shows Us What a True #1 Pick Is; Trade Lafreniere “Wright” Away, Tanking At The Shark Tank, Miserable M$GN, Snow Storm Impact; Postpone the Alumni Game/Forfeit The Bruins’ Game & More
After getting swept in California, then come Saturday, and now returned in New York – and the Rangers had an undeserved day off.
Elsewhere, and due to the pending snow storm – and the Blueshirts also announced the cancellation of Sunday’s alumni game.
It should be noted that this much anticipated alumni game was CANCELED – and not postponed.
That’s a shame.
Furthermore, then the Rangers of today should’ve just forfeited Monday night’s match, or any other game of the season, and in turn, give the fans what they want – the fan-favorite alumni.
A day later, January 25th, and with snow already dropping – and the centennial Rangers actually reconvened for practice in Tarrytown, N.Y.
Not one beat reporter showed up for the skate – and I don’t blame them either.
After all, who is going to risk their life to watch these losers?
Heck, I’m surprised that all of us still care about this sorry franchise to begin with!
Come Monday and with the tail-end of the storm now complete – and the Blueshirts decided not to have a pregame skate.
However, there was some news, as both Peter Baugh and Wince Mercogliano, of The Athletic, reported that the Islanders, yes baby brother, had some deal in the making with Chris Drury – and where in such a proposed deal – then Carson Soucy would be heading the other way.
These rumors intensified as Monday morning became Monday afternoon when the team reported the following:
UPDATE: Connor Mackey has been recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack and Anton Blidh has been assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack.
— NY Rangers PR (@NYR_PR) January 26, 2026
While we all knew that Soucy would be moving on; then not only was it brow-raising when he became the first victim of Drury’s rebuild – but the fact that Drury reached out to the Islanders too.
I’ll have more on Soucy as we get into the GAME REVIEW and beyond; but for now, just these quick-hitters:
— Had Lou Lamoriello still been at the helm of the Belmont Bozos – then there’s no shot in hell that this trade would have ever happened. As talked about in my last book, “The Top 100 Villains in New York Rangers History” (plugged below) – and there isn’t a person on this planet (aside from Ranger fans – I kid, I kid!) that hates the Big Apple club more than Double L.
— We’ll see if this comes up once Soucy talks about the deal; but this may have been a case of Chris Drury actually learning from previous mistakes.
After all of the Barclay Goodrow and Jacob Trouba controversies, then, and as noted last week – and Soucy just became a father of three last week.
To uproot Soucy from both his newborn and family would’ve been criminal – and even if hockey is a business.
Rather to send Soucy out west (as Drury tends to deal with Western Conference teams more than anyone else); and instead, and the ZOOM ZOOM GM allowed the proud papa to remain close to home.
In turn, and this may have been Drury’s most personable and affable trade of his crummy managerial career yet – and a career that peaked at the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline.
— The timing of this trade couldn’t have been any more humorous – as after tonight – and the Rangers and Islanders are set to do battle, twice over at that, during their home-and-away back-to-back set on Wednesday and Thursday night.
Place your anytime Soucy goal prop bets now!
— Last but not least (for now), and I found it comical that Soucy was bubble-wrapped for this game against Boston; but where Drury hasn’t applied this same logic to the biggest prize of this year’s deadline – NDA Panarin.
The Rangers are only one “Breadman” injury away from getting nothing back for the league’s most available and valuable asset.
Sullivan addressed the media two-hours prior to puck drop tonight.
Among the protein in his word-salad and the head coach said that he wouldn’t comment about the Soucy news – other only to say that every player on his roster is a “game-time decision.”
Elsewhere and Sullivan said that while both Adam Fox and CZAR IGOR are skating, then, and at the same time – and neither superstar is quite ready to return yet either.
And at this rate?
Then it’s probably best to wait until the Olympics are over – as there’s no reason to rush either one of them back.
Here’s what Sully had to say prior to tonight’s tilt – and where notice the glasses – as he thinks it makes himself look smarter:
Here was Silly Sully’s line-up for the fifty-third game of this rotten 2025-26 season:
FIRST LINE: Miller/Mika/Perreault
SECOND LINE: Panarin/Trocheck/Lafreniere
THIRD LINE: Cuylle/Laba/Othmann
FOURTH LINE: Raddysh/Carrick/Rempe
FIRST PAIR: Gavrikov/Schneider
SECOND PAIR: Robertson/Borgen
THIRD PAIR: Vaakanainen/Morrow
STARTING GOALIE: Quick
BACKUP GOALIE: Martin
BUBBLE WRAPPED: Carson Soucy
HEALTHY SCRATCHES: Jonny Brodzinski and Connor Mackey
IR: CZAR IGOR
LTIR: Connor Sheary, Adam Fox and Adam Edstrom
BOX SCORE time.
The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:
SCORING:
PENALTIES:
TEAM STATS:
GOALIES:
|
NYR
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 24 | 3 | 21 | .875 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 63:49 | 0 |
|
BOS
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 28 | 4 | 24 | .857 | 16 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 63:29 | 0 |
Going into the match, then, and once again – and I thought it was very telling that another Rangers’ opponent elected to start their back-up goalie at the allegedly “World’s Most Famous Arena.”
I forget the number that John Giannone mentioned, but he did comment about this, and where it was at least ten times this season where this has transpired.
A figure that wasn’t brought up by Giannone, nor “THE KING OF COMMENTARY” Henrik Lundqvist, neither the worst goalie in franchise history, Sieve Vagistat?
How the Rangers were 1-7 this season whenever wearing their new centennial powder-blue threads.
After tonight, and that figure now reads as 2-7.
As it was brought up that tonight’s tribute was “LEGENDARY BLUESHIRTS’ NIGHT,” then Lundqvist, when talking about this retool for the first time on M$GN airwaves, said that his rebuild years weren’t fun and that it’s tough to get excited.
He also said that he hoped that all of the franchise legends in the building (he never included himself during this) could inspire these losers (he didn’t say losers, as instead, he said the word “team!”)
When explaining Soucy’s scratch, Giannone gave the Rangers’ response – “roster management purposes.”
It was then brought up, and like every other team not named the Flyers this season, that Boston’s win against the Rangers from sixteen days ago had completely turned their season around too.
It was also around this time where it was revealed that Matt Rempe, a “healthy” scratch during the past two-weeks, would be returning tonight.
Previously, then the coach who Sidney Crosby carried to two Cups had rushed Rempe back, denied it, then admitted it later, then only to say last week that Rempe is still hurt and not 100%, was now fully aboard the Rempe Train.
Make it make sense!
In what had me roaring with laughter, was during Michelle Gingras’ usual segment where she interviews a Ranger at the bench.
In what came off as defiant-yet-true – and Gingras not only told Sam Carrick, but demanded it of him too, that the Rangers need to show up at puck drop.
While she wasn’t wrong – but she was saying this to the wrong person.
Following a montage in regards to Dave Maloney, then M$GN, and the Rangers for that matter too, paid tribute to the 1994 team for the 1,994th time.
Listen, I get it.
There’s not much else to talk about, at least not from the realm of winning, when it comes to the Blueshirts.
And while I loved that 1994 team as much as anyone else – but since we do these 1994 tributes every six-weeks – then all of this just felt watered down.
That said – and I did enjoy the tribute – but where it didn’t really hit – and unlike the previous 1,993 renditions that we’ve seen before.
Prior to bringing everyone out, then M$GN, and for the 78245786725678267856782542567825678th time, ran a piece on Mark Messier’s 1994 “Guarantee.”
Elsewhere, and I thought that Captain Culture, J.T. Miller, was guaranteeing a loss tonight!
Furthermore?
Then if Messier, who is a local, can do ESPN broadcasts – then why not make him a M$GN offer – and where he could replace the useless Vagistat too?
Seriously?
Then, and as talked about before – and M$GN could have ESPN’s best, Messier, along with TNT’s best, Lundqvist.
Instead, and we’re saddled with a former Islander goalie who dry-humps his own charts.
After some Baba O’Riley, and Sam Rosen was there in order to emcee the “Legendary Rangers” ceremony.
Honored were Darren Turcotte (he was back recently), Mark Messier, Adam Graves, the greatest goalie in franchise history Mike Richter, Stephane Matteau, Brian Leetch, Radek Dvorak (really), Neil Smith (second time back), Mike Keenan, Kevin Lowe, Sergei Nemchinov (he hasn’t been back in a long time), Craig MacTavish, Brian Noonan, Mike Hartman, Jeff Beukeboom (back again), Jay Wells, Joe Kocur (first time back in a looooooong time), and Glenn Andersson.
I had a few thoughts about this, including the following:
— How Radek Dvorak figured into this was beyond me.
— And if you were going to honor anyone from his era during this, then Jaromir Jagr, who has been back already at M$G this season, would’ve fit best.
— Wayne Gretzky was invited (he sent in a video), but couldn’t be bothered to show up. I don’t blame him.
— For those asking, then the other members of the 1994 team, such as Nick Kypreos, Glenn Healy, Edzo, Alexei Kovalev, Sergei Zubov and others, have jobs elsewhere in hockey. Plus, then there was the whole snowstorm in the area too.
— For a night branded as “LEGENDARY RANGERS” – then I was surprised that Lundqvist wasn’t honored for the fourth time this season.
— The one Ranger that continues to be omitted from all of these celebrations is James Patrick.
— And don’t get me started how there aren’t any banners for Frank Boucher, the Cooks, Ching Johnson, Lester Patrick, et al, for the 79856756756756785678567856785678 billionth time too!
For those who missed it, then here’s the short-and-sweet ceremony – and while I’m done with all of the 1994 OD – it was well done – and I did enjoy it too:
GAME REVIEW time.
As always, then just the stuff that I haven’t mentioned yet – and all of the highlight clips too.
But if you do want my complete play-by-play commentary in real-time, then check out my Tweeter/X page over at: https://x.com/NYCTheMiC
Following the GAME REVIEW – then everything else Soucy trade-related – and the next expected two losses on tap.
FIRST PERIOD
In a nice touch prior to puck drop, then M$G ran a replay of a John Amirante National Anthem – while also introducing his grandson, Richie, to the arena.
That video of Amirante belting out The Star Spangled Banner most certainly hit every Ranger fan who knew him.
After Trocheck won the first draw, Maloney, when talking about the Bruins, called them, “BIG BOYS.”
“OH JOE, BIG BOYS JOE! DID YOU EVER SEE JACK HUGHES’ COCK JOE?”
“Sam, not only have I seen what’s in-between Jack’s pants – but I’ve tasted it too – it was FABULOUS SAM, ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!”
I need to get a life.
After Quick made his first save of a grand total of twenty-one; then Pastrnak and Geekie almost hooked up. Thankfully, the Rangers got out of this – and hey – despite being out-shot 2-0 at the time – and the Blueshirts didn’t allow a goal within the first two-minutes of period either.
BABY STEPS!
Not even 3:30 in and Bruins’ rearguard, Jonathan Aspirot, had recorded two hits on Mika and Miller.
I thought this would become the start of something – but these were the only two hits that Aspirot recorded all game.
As I was expecting the obligatory early Robertson penalty; then, and while we didn’t get it, but we almost had a questionable trip go uncalled at the 4:29 mark.
With not much offense going on, then “The Great One,” #99 himself, Wayne Gretzky, who also officially became a senior citizen on Monday as a result of his 65th birthday, sent in a video to Ranger fans – and where he called them the best fans in the world.
I wonder what fans of the Edmonton Oilers had to say about that!
After Maloney mentioned how the Rangers hadn’t given up a goal or taken a penalty yet; then and with 10:48 to go, Quick made his best save yet on a Lindholm try.
Immediately afterwards?
Cuylle’s 1-0, Rangers, goal:
Will Cuylle deflects Urho Vaakanainen’s shot into the net! pic.twitter.com/Im6RAumgYW
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) January 27, 2026
Cuylle almost scored again right after his goal – but no dice.
After that, and with 8:20 remaining and Gavrikov single-handedly broke up a Bruins’ 3 x 2 odd-man rush.
And because the Rangers can’t have anything nice – then Pastrnak stripped the puck at center ice, found Lindholm centered in front of Quick, and as a result, and with 7:51 remaining too – tied the game at 1-1:
La patience de Pastrnak profite à Elias Lindholm 🚨 pic.twitter.com/UTpMl9Lksv
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) January 27, 2026
Another blown Blueshirts’ lead – but they’d get it right back following this pretty Perreault-to-Miller 2 x 1 strike – and for the 2-1 goal too:
Cette passe de Gabriel Perreault 🎯 pic.twitter.com/E4Wyhubnvq
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) January 27, 2026
Come 5:33 remaining?
Then both teams were shooting at 25%.
The Bruins, who probably should’ve won this game, passed themselves out of a good scoring chance during a 4 x 2 attack with 3:35 remaining.
Up next was the Cuylle hit on McAvoy – and the defenseman scaring his starting goalie, Jeremy Swayman, out of his shorts too:
Jeremy Swayman doit faire attention à la tornade Charlie McAvoy 😳 pic.twitter.com/v3B50DZHfF
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) January 27, 2026
After this hit, then Giannone reported that Tanner Jeannot told Cuylle that they were going to drop the gloves at one point or another.
Such a fight never came to reality.
In reality, Quick then robbed Steeves on a breakaway with 15-seconds left in the period.
2-1, Rangers, through twenty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
2-1, #NYR, through 20 minutes. 1P Thoughts:
— I can’t remember the last time McAvoy has played two complete games against the Rangers in a row – always hurt – and may be done for this game too after the Cuylle collision.
— A rare 1P lead at home – but does anyone see it…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) January 27, 2026
SECOND PERIOD
As we approached this frame from the place where prior to the game, tickets could’ve been had for $55 (season ticket holders must love that); then McAvoy, who grew up as a Leetch fan, like how Quick grew up as a Richter fan, was back on the bench.
The Bruins just controlled the puck at the start of this period, and where an after-dark Maloney responded, “The Rangers need to be hard getting it out.”
Their wives say the same thing!
With the visitors just dominating, then Miller couldn’t clear a puck and he made this god-awful turnover that directly led to Lindholm’s 2-2 goal:
Lindholm again pic.twitter.com/TAgZcrCV18
— Mr. Tenkrat (@PeterTenkrat) January 27, 2026
Full credit to Maloney here – as he was absolutely ripping Captain Culture for the terrible turnover – even calling the play, “a cardinal sin.”
This was also the Rangers’ second blown lead of the game- but also their last.
It was also Lindholm’s first two-game of the season – or in other words – another opposing “first” as allowed by the Rangers.
After this, and at the 4:00 mark, Rempe almost scored – but Korpisalo, like Jon Taffer, “shut it down.”
In regards to Rempe, then I thought he was once again rushed back to the line-up.
There were times where the Rangers needed a big hit, or perhaps a fight too, but it never really came – that is – sans one hit late on McAvoy.
That said?
Then Rempe finished with two shots on goal tonight – which is two more than Lafreniere and Othmann had – COMBINED!
As said after the loss to the Sharks?
Then, and if the deal is on the table – and I’d trade Lafreniere “WRIGHT” away for Seattle’s Shane Wright.
At the 4:50 mark we had our first penalty of the game, as Henri Jokiharju had held NDA Panarin.
Right away, and on cue, as if he wanted the almighty “announcer’s jinx” to hit – and Kenny Albert told us how Boston had given up four power-play goals in their last five games played.
The Rangers’ man-up teams, and as mentioned earlier, finished as 0-4.
The Blueshirts, who got break-after-break tonight, got another one here.
With 49-seconds remaining on their power-play and Mopey Mika had high-sticked Peeke.
However, the failed dee-jay was incensed about this – and where he even demanded the officials to look at the replay.
I can’t remember the last time when the zebras were bullied into reviewing a 2:00 minor penalty – but maybe since Zibanejad is half Iranian – and they obliged – and then agreed with him too – as upon replay – and it was clear as day – Mika had caught Peeke with a follow-through – or in other words – a non-offense.
It got even better for the Rangers.
Rather than some foreplay followed by a 1:11 Bruins’ powerplay; and instead, and with 13:47 remaining – McAvoy was boxed for holding Trocheck.
This gave the Rangers 37-seconds worth of a 5 x 3 power-play.
And you already know how that worked out.
0-2 on the power-play.
0-3 on the power-play.
And right after the first man-up quintet went the whole way without scoring; then they changed and the Bruins then made the Rangers’ inability to score power-play goals pay:
Encore Morgan Geekie! pic.twitter.com/fQAg5W9ghv
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) January 27, 2026
You knew this Geekie 3-2, them, goal was coming.
Pastrnak, who logged six assists in the last meeting between these two teams, now had three assists in this one – and where this assist was also the 900th point scored in his career.
In other news from this time?
Then this is when ESPN’s Emily Kaplan not only confirmed The Athletic’s report about Soucy going to the Islanders – but where she had the scoop too – going the Rangers’ way was an Islander 2026 third-round pick (more below).
For a team ran by a classless general manager, then it was classy when the Rangers/M$GN showed us that Alex Karpovtsev’s family was there.
Maybe it was just me – but I really enjoyed this – and almost shed a tear too.
Down to 9:48 remaining and the Bruins drew their first-and-only power-play of the game – a Rempe hold on Lindholm.
Quick made one save on Geekie and that was that.
The Rangers’ power-play was 0-3 and their penalty kill was now 1-1 too.
The Blueshirts were back on the power-play themselves with 7:12 remaining as Jeannot had hooked Laba.
Two-minutes later and the Rangers’ power-play was now 0-4.
We remained at 3-2, Boston, through forty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
3-2, Boston, after 40. 2P Thoughts:
— Not many SOG during the final eight minutes or so.
— #NYR out-shooting them 18-16 – but where once again – special teams swing games.
— See ya Soucy.
— Rangers blow another 5 x 3 PP and are 0-3. Bruins are 0-1.
— Pasta is boiling…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) January 27, 2026
THIRD PERIOD
After Messier was done plugging whatever his Game 7 company is to Michelle Gingras (I still don’t know what it is – is it a clothing line?), then Trocheck soon won the first draw of this here final frame.
For whatever reason, then M$GN was advertising a -40000 money line on the Islander/Flyer game that was going on at the same time – and where that line may be that figure when the Isles play the Rangers next.
I didn’t fully get into this yet – but I’ll bury this story here and then move on.
Prior to the game, and only five-hours before it – and the Rangers’ marketing team was relentlessly-and-begging me to buy tickets – even claiming, “MAKE YOUR SNOW DAY LEGENDARY!”
While I had no plans to take a LIRR round-trip on Monday night; then, and just for the purpose of this site, and I took a peek at the offer presented to me.
$55 for a seat – but not just anywhere – but in the lower-bowl!
My, oh, my, have the mighty have fallen – and what a slap to the faces of season ticket holders too.
That said?
Then I would’ve taken the Rangers up on this offer – but only if it meant that I could get a picture with Messier – as I’ve met every other prominent Blueshirt from that 1994 team.
Pasta almost had his fourth assist – but Quick made the early stop.
After that, then this is when Rempe made his biggest contribution with his hit on McAvoy – and a Charlie M. that remained as frustrated as a blue-balled prom goer all game.
Marat Khusnutdinov, who scored four goals last time, had a sneaky backhander denied by Quick with 14:02 to go.
As McAvoy continued to grow incensed, and maybe over the fact that Sullivan is his father-in-law; then chopped Rempe in the leg during a post-whistle scrum.
McAvoy should’ve been penalized here.
This also reminded me of an early 2000s Rangers v. Islanders game that I attended at the Nassau Coliseum (I’ve written about this game in-detail before, check the archives) – as the pint-sized Theo Fleury did the exact same thing to Zdeno Chara.
Korpisalo, in arguably his best save yet, denied a hell of a Trocheck-to-Perreault try with 12:42 remaining.
As McAvoy continued to grow to an all-out state of flustered; then he interfered with Gabe The Blueshirts’ Babe (what a Stan Fischler inspired nickname – but who doesn’t love “THE MAVEN?”) with 12:12 to go.
I thought that the Blueshirts’ second man-up unit should’ve started here – but instead – we got the same old shit – and after only one Panarin shot – the Bruins’ PK was now a perfect 4/4.
Down to 8:15 remaining – and Quick stopped Pavel Zacha, Pavel Zacha, dormez vous, dormez vous, on a Bruins’ 2 x 1 odd-man rush.
This was just one of the many odd-man rush or breakaway saves that the greatest American goalie of all-time made in front of the greatest Rangers’ goalie of all-time, Mike Richter.
As we approached crunch-time; another Blueshirts’ o-zone faceoff win – and Borgen’s 3-3 equalizer too:
Will Borgen ties it up in the third! pic.twitter.com/BbvEhSbfaO
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) January 27, 2026
DO NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THIS:
All of these odd-man rush and breakaway saves made by Quick allowed the Rangers to not only tie the game – but later win it too.
And with the score now at three goals a side?
Then the M$G crowd, probably at 65% capacity, was most alive.
After a few chances from either side and this tied score remained.
Overtime was required.
Here’s what I said at the time:
3-3 after 60, #NYR will get a point. 3P Thoughts:
— Quick’s many odd-man and breakaway saves allowed the Rangers to tie – as their 0-4 power-play sure as hell didn’t!
— Feel a Pasta GWG coming up – most effective and best player in the game.
— Didn’t think they’d come back…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) January 27, 2026
OVERTIME
With Gavrikov and Trocheck by his side – and Miller won the first draw of the 3 x 3 circus time.
It was during this bonus time where Panarin’s attention and focus to defense was most noticeable.
Panarin stripped Pasta of the puck on his first shift.
Mika was then stripped, which then set-up a Bruins’ 2 x 1 – but Lindholm went wide.
As Panarin continued to hustle and make plays; then Schneider prevented a Pasta breakaway with 90-ticks left.
Then, and of all people – and Matthew Robertson won it in OT with this beaut:
Les Rangers donnent un coup de main au CH en battant les Bruins en prolongation! pic.twitter.com/kXnnf6jqVz
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) January 27, 2026
While the down-and-out Rangers celebrated this 4-3 walk-off goal as if was a 1994 Game 7 winner; but hey – and Robertson had every right in the world to be excited too.
Here’s a rowdy Robertson after the win:
Matthew Robertson talks about his emotions after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime:
“Honestly, I just blacked out and just smiled. I was excited.” pic.twitter.com/alNqZ3kszX
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) January 27, 2026
4-3, in OT, the Rangers, your final.
But of course – and we have one last piece of business to attend to.
After the Soucy to Islanders trade had been rumored-and-teased, albeit unconfirmed all-day; then, and at 10:40PM EST, about forty-minutes after the Rangers’ victory against the Bruins, and the Islanders 4-0 shutout of the Flyers too – and the swap became confirmed.
Here’s what the Rangers said about the trade in their short statement, and courtesy of https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-acquire-third-round-draft-pick-in-exchange-for-carson-soucy:
New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the team has acquired a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft from the New York Islanders in exchange for defenseman Carson Soucy.
The Blueshirts now have eight draft picks in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, including one first-round pick, one conditional first-round pick, one second-round pick and two third-round picks.
Here’s what the Isles had to say about the deal – and in a lengthier press release when compared to what the Rangers had said:
The New York Islanders have acquired defenseman Carson Soucy from the New York Rangers in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Soucy, 31, has scored three goals and five assists for eight points in 46 games this season. This season, he has a +4 rating, which was tied for second on the Rangers. Soucy is averaging five blocks a game and has 66 this season. He has played in 411 career NHL games with the Minnesota Wild, Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks, and Rangers, totaling 30 goals and 65 assists for 95 points and a +64 rating.
The Viking, Alberta native played two full seasons in the American Hockey League with the Iowa Wild (Minnesota’s AHL affiliate). He scored 35 points (six goals and 29 assists) in 136 games. The 6’4, 211-pound defenseman attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he scored 47 points (12 goals and 35 assists) in 147 games. He was a part of the Bulldogs team that reached the NCAA Championship game in 2017.
Soucy was originally selected by Minnesota in the fifth round (137th overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
As teased-and-noted earlier – and I think this is a win-win trade for all parties involved.
For the Rangers, then they receive a third-round pick, in what’s reported to be a deep draft, in exchange for the defenseman, that ironically, just last year, ran a former Islander out of town, Calvin de Haan.
For the Islanders, they get a big-and-bruising blue liner for their defense – and for a team that lost Alexander Romanov earlier this season due to a season-ending shoulder injury.
Romanov, still on the LTIR and not expected to return in 2025-26, recently signed an eight-year extension with the Isles for $50M overall – or $6.25M annually.
Soucy, who will turn 32-years-old over the summer (July 27th), is on the last year of a contract that pays him $3.25M annually.
As much as I hate to say it – then the Eastern Conference is wide-open for any playoff contender.
The Islanders are currently third-place in the Metrosexual division, two-points out from second-place and eight-points out from first.
This trade will help shore up their blue line and most especially so with the 26-year-old Romanov out.
For Soucy, the recently minted father-of-three – and this deal keeps him close to home.
You know that I can’t stand Drury – but credit when credit is earned – as he did right by Soucy.
Soucy will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season – but whatever his future may be – then at least this deal will allow him to be home with his growing family – and then he can take it from there, and with much more time afforded, come the hot months.
You can check out my four-volume set of books, “TRICKS OF THE TRADE,” for complete details; but this Soucy for a third-rounder trade now marks the fourth-ever trade between the Rangers and Islanders.
To give you a short synopsis, then previous trades among the two warring sides of the New York hockey battle include two from the Islanders’ inaugural year and then another swap of no significance.
In the first trade among the two franchises, then on June 8th, 1972, the Islanders acquired the Rangers’ seventh-round pick of the 1973 NHL Entry Draft (ultimately, Denis Andersson) and an eight-round pick (Denis Desganges) in exchange for roster protection at the 1972 Isles’ Expansion draft. (For the youngin’s, then think about how Vegas handled their own expansion draft.)
The second deal featured a big name, as on November 14th, 1972, and the Islanders, back when you could just send money one way to complete a trade, sent over a few bucks for Ron Stewart.
Stewart, once implicated, then exonerated, in the death of Terry Sawchuk after a drunken brawl; only played in 22 games for the Nassaumen – and once his playing days were through – then became a short-tenured Blueshirts’ bench boss at the end of the Emile Francis era.
The third transaction, and the latest prior to today, among the New York clubs featured a meaningless swap of the Rangers’ sixth-round pick of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft (Tanner Lane) in exchange for Jyri Niemi – and as made back on May 25th, 2000.
Up Next – and for both the Rangers and Islanders at that!
A home-and-away two-game set on Wednesday, January 28th at Belmont, then one day later on Thursday, January 29th, at M$G.
These are the final two games of the Rangers vs. Islanders 2025-26 season-series.
Previous to these two matches, and the Islanders shut-out the Rangers, 5-0, and as they did back on November 8th.
The Isles continued to embarrass the Rangers, and as they did with another shutout back on 12/27, 2-0.
For my GAME REVIEWS on these rotten games, then check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/11825-2/ and https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/ms26/
Prediction?
Then, and in a role-reversal, compared to when the Rangers swept the Islanders last year, 4-0, in the 2024-25 season – and I expect the Islanders to bust out the broom this year.
My prayers to the hockey gods?
Then, and just like last year, and the Rangers 0-4 record against the Islanders will lead them to the first-overall pick of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
(Damn that early April of 2025 9-2 Rangers’ win that gave the Isles Matt Schaefer – but I may have mentioned this story once or 567567567567567567567 times before on this site!)
But yeah, the following:
Should Drury be the one at the podium come the call – and he’ll screw it up – his signature move!
I have to work at the real j-o-b on Wednesday night (but I’ll always accept PAYPAL and VENMO donations for your readership, should they be offered), but I should be around following the match for another GAME REVIEW blog – and where who knows – then perhaps we’ll have another Dingbat Drury trade to discuss too!
But until that time?
Then your favorite segment and mine, you know…
PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my Rangers’ induced therapy bills. After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)
My fourth title and tenth book is now available!
“The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History,” is now available for sale!
For complete information, please visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/rangerkillers/
My second plug of tonight’s blog – the mandatory plug for my book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”
As mentioned previously, the book is now available in hardcover, in paperback and in Kindle formats. To purchase a copy of the book, visit this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Rangers-Rafters-Madison-Square-Garden-ebook/dp/B09CM5N2WD
For those still looking for signed paperback versions of the book, I have re-ordered more copies. I now have a few signed copies for sale at $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:
Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today
My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.
My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.
To obtain signed copies, visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/
To purchase all four volumes on Amazon, visit: Amazon.com – “One Game at a Time.”
The greatest volume-set of books on Rangers’ history today!
“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” a four-volume set of books that meticulously covers every trade made in franchise history, is now on sale.
All four volumes of the title can be purchased on Amazon.com and are presented in three different formats – eBook, paperback and hardcover.
To purchase Volume I: Conn Smythe (1926) – Craig Patrick (1986), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume II: Phil Esposito (1986) – Neil Smith (2000), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume III: Glen Sather (2000-2015), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume IV: Jeff Gorton (2015) – Chris Drury (2022), visit Amazon.com
To purchase signed copies of all four volumes, visit https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:
Don’t forget to order my four-volume set of books, “Tricks of the Trade!”
If you don’t order through me, all four volumes are now available on Amazon.com
For more details, check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
Thanks for reading.
LET’S GO RANGERS!
Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
