Rangers' Anisimov Snaps Small Drought: Artem Anisimov grabbed an empty-net goal and added an assist in the Rangers' 3-0 victory over the Devils in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday. (Updated 05/14/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/27/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Artem Anisimov had gone pointless the final three games of the Rangers' second-round win over Washington, but iced the victory with the empty-net goal Monday. His primary assist on Chris Kreider's second goal showed the type of vision the tall Russian has for making plays as he fired off a perfect pass to spring his teammate. (Updated 05/14/2012).
05/25/2012 23:04 Devils top Rangers in overtime to advance to Stanley Cup Final
Adam Henrique scored off a wild scramble in front at 1:03 into overtime and the New Jersey Devils defeated the New York Rangers 3-2 to advance to their first Stanley Cup finals since 2003.
05/23/2012 22:48 Devils escape collapse after 3-0 lead, prevail in Game 5 against Rangers
Ryan Carter snapped a tie with 4:24 left, and the New Jersey Devils posted a 5-3 victory over the New York Rangers after blowing a three-goal lead in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday.
05/14/2012 22:50 Rangers surge in third period, shut out Devils in Game 1
Rangers rookie Chris Kreider and defenseman Dan Girardi both had a goal and an assist in the third period, and Henrik Lundqvist stopped 21 shots for his fifth career playoff shutout, as weary New York opened the Eastern Conference finals with a 3-0 victory over the well-rested New Jersey Devils on Monday night.
05/14/2012 22:42 Rangers come alive in third period to take down rested Devils in Game 1
The New York Rangers were the team that played a Game 7 a couple of days ago while the Devils hadn't played in nearly a week. Yet it was the Rangers that owned the third period for a 1-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference finals.
Anisimov took a noticeable step forward in his development last year, increasing from a 28-point (12 G, 16 A) rookie season in 2009-10, to 44 (18 G, 26 A) last year. Still, he had some lapses in consistent production. It's not uncommon for young Russian players to take a couple of years to acclimate themselves to the NHL and breakout in their third season, which bodes well for this Blueshirt as he prepares for 2011-12. Brad Richards' arrival also means no constant search for a No. 1 center in the Big Apple, so Anisimov should settle in between Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan, with whom he has thrived. Anisimov has already shown a willingness to do the dirty work and the intangibles it takes to play in the NHL. He's shown slow but steady development each year with the organization. If he continues to do that, there's reason to believe he'll break the 50-55 point mark, making him a solid No. 3 fantasy center this season. (Updated 10/4/11)
