NEW YORK — Tony DeAngeloIt is said that the best way to play the game of golf is by playing it. New York RangersHis position in the Stanley Cup playoffs' second round doesn't change.
“I couldn't care more who the opponent was,” the Carolina Hurricanes defenseman said. “Real good team. Power play is a real strength. Experiential knowledge is my testimony.”
DeAngelo wore Rangers uniforms for four seasons. DeAngelo is one of six Hurricanes currently playing for the Blueshirts. Jesper FastGoalie Antti Raanta (two), defenseman Brady Skjei (five), defenseman Brendan Smith(five) and central Derek Stepan (seven).
They are once again local heroes and will now enter enemy territory in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Sunday (3:30 ET, ESPN). They at least know what they're doing.
“I think it helps to have some familiarity. Smith added that it was just the playoff experience of a lot more players than anything. “I would prefer that over MSG experience, however I believe that it helps.”
Here are six Hurricanes who have performed on Broadway in the past and their feelings about this fight among friends.
DeAngelo, who had the least traumatic departure, has the strongest connection to the Rangers.
The Arizona CoyotesIn June 2017, he was traded to the Rangers along with a first round pick. Because the NHL has more random interpersonal relationships than “Game of Thrones”, he was actually traded to the Rangers for his current teammates and ex-Rangers Stepan and Raanta.
DeAngelo was a Rangers player for 167 games in four seasons and scored 92 points. The majority of this was in 2019-20 when DeAngelo scored 53 points in 68 games and finished 12th in the Norris Trophy.
Before joining the Rangers, DeAngelo was a victim of numerous disciplinary problems. During his OHL junior career, he was twice suspended for violating the league policy regarding “homophobic racist and sexist language” as well as abuse of officials. He was also suspended from three NHL games, while playing with the Coyotes for physical abuse of officials.
“It has never happened again. DeAngelo said that he regretted the slur. “I am still friends with that guy, and took the time for him to apologize. I did what I needed to do, I went to some [sports psychology]I took counseling classes back then. It was during the heat of the game. I wish I could go back. It has never happened again and it will not again.
His time with Rangers ended effectively in February 2021. He was fired from the team. after six games for disruptive behaviorThis included a physical altercation between goaltenders Alexandar GeorgievAfter a match. They purchased the final year of his two-year deal in June and made him an unrestricted agent.
After losing offensive defenseman Dougie HamiltonDeAngelo was signed by the Hurricanes to be their free agent one-year contract worth $1 million. DeAngelo was their fourth-leading scorer with 51 points in 64 matches.
Did he worry about the reactions of a Madison Square Garden crowd that was playoff-pumped when he touched the puck?
“I couldn't care less. I don't care if anyone boos my. DeAngelo stated, “If they want to boo my,” “What are they booing?” You're booing the guy who is skating on the ice.
He stated that he and his former teammates are close friends on the ice.
He stated, “I think there's some stuff,” especially for the forwards. “I'm certain they'd say that about me in their locker rooms.”
What do the Rangers locker room staff think about DeAngelo?
“I don't know,” DeAngelo said. “You guys might think about mean things but I think it is nice things.”
Fast was an underrated Rangers player from 2013-14 to 2019-20. Fast was a great defensive forward, he avoided penalties, and he pitched well offensively.
He was a five time winner of the Rangers' Player's Player Award, which is given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of a great team player. This tied him with Jean Ratelle for the most wins.
In 2020, he signed a three-year contract to the Hurricanes.
It's weird, but it's the way it is. There is always a business side. It happens,” Fast explained. “The season they are having is not surprising when you look at the players that they drafted and the players that they acquired in the offseason.”
Fast scored 34 points in 82 games with the Hurricanes, a career record. Fast isn't worried about the trip back to Madison Square Garden in the playoff series.
“Maybe at one point in the year when all of us were coming in. “But now that we have played them, that is behind us now,” he stated.
Skjei skated 307 games over five seasons of his Rangers career. The Rangers gave Skjei a $31.5 million contract for the second year. They also flipped him to Carolina because of their salary cap restrictions and Carolina's willingness ante up a pick in the first round.
Smith was in New York with Skjei.
“Honestly, I was able to see it from the beginning. I was able and able to play with him when I was traded. Smith stated that the sky was the limit when it came to Smith. He is a genius. He's so talented. He is the League's fastest D/men. He's in a great position this year to succeed. Even if he's not the best D-man in the world, he's still a great guy.”
Skjei played in 141 games for the Hurricanes, including 82 this season. He scored 50 points. He ranks third in the postseason average ice (21:03).
“We only need to get in there and have fun. You can play your way. Skjei stated, “We'll be all right.”
Stepan was a Rangers fan favorite for seven seasons. He scored 360 points in 515 games. During their run to the Stanley Cup Final, 2014, he had 15 points in 24 matches. Raanta and DeAngelo were traded by the Rangers to the Coyotes.
With a stop at in, the Hurricanes are now his third team in just three years. OttawaCarolina and Arizona. He scored 19 points in 58 games for the Hurricanes, and was constantly in the lineup. Stepan was in Games 4 through 5 against the Hurricanes. Boston BruinsYou can play in under 8 minutes for two of the three.
“Nobody likes being out. Stepan admitted that he is no different after the end of the regular-season.
Smith was acquired by the Rangers and played five seasons with them. Detroit Red WingsIn the 2016-17 season. His tenure didn’t begin well. Smith was eight months into a $41.7 million, four-year contract when the Rangers released him on waivers. It was his 29th Birthday. Smith has stated that his confidence was shaken, but he continued to play in the NHL. He also made a shift from defense to forward in 2019.
Smith was signed in July 2021 by the Hurricanes and played 45 games during the regular season.
He stated, “Playoffs can be a completely different ballgame.” “I try to be prepared and ready. At this moment, I see myself playing. “I think you should.”
Smith has been a part of all nine playoff games and has three points, including the Game-winning, short-handed goal against the Rangers.
He explained that New York experience has helped him to approach playing them in the playoffs.
“There are still some tendencies, evidently. “I think [coach]Gerard Gallant has done an amazing job with this group. He has helped to harness and move them in the right direction. They made some amazing offseason acquisitions. But you know their tendencies by practicing with them for 4½ years, so I know some of those guys there,” Smith said.
Guys like Artemi PanarinHe was playing against the Hurricanes, who have been very defensive in this series. He didn't register a shot in Game 2.
“Our battle level has never been higher. They are excellent players. We respected their time and space. Smith stated, “I think that's what the big deal is.” “There are many times Breadman will try to make his space. But if you stay with him and take that space away, he won't be able to make the elite plays.
Raanta was with Rangers for two seasons, 2015-2017. Raanta appeared in 55 games and went 27-14-5. His impressive save percentage of.921 was also impressive. They traded him to the Coyotes. He played 104 games with them over four seasons and excelled when he was healthy.
Smith was so effusive about Raanta's praises after Game 2 against New York that he invoked a name that Rangers fans consider sacred: The King. Henrik Lundqvist.
“It's amazing what he's done. He is so talented and plays like a pro. He is a fighter in practice. He didn't like to get scored. Smith said, “I think it carries over.” “He never wanted his score to be taken. Even in practice. If you made a mistake, he would be upset. Perhaps that was what rubbed off. [Raanta]”Playing with him.”
Raanta was signed as a free agent by the Hurricanes last summer. He has played almost all of this postseason in his place as an injured starter. Frederik AndersenExcept for two appearances by rookie goalie Pyotr Kochetkov against Boston. Raanta's save percentage is.939, and he has gone 5-2 in eight matches.
Raanta shared that he has fond memories from New York, including the birth his daughter and playing for Lundqvist two seasons.
“Hank's activities in New York were eye-opening to me when I was there. He was probably in his seventh or eighth season in the league. Raanta said that he was “one of the most skilled goalies.” “I was like, ‘Obviously, that's why he is the best goalie. He was never satisfied. He was the best goalie in New York. It was a pleasure to work with him as both a goalie, and as a person to get to know him.”
Raanta is now in a position to extend the Hurricanes' lead over the series in Lundqvist’s old home.
Raanta stated, “The atmosphere at MSG is quite nice,” “when you play there with the home team.”
