New York Rangers: Top 5 Ryan Callahan Moments
March 5th marked the three-year anniversary of Ryan Callahan’s trade to the Tampa Bay Lightning for NHL veteran Martin St. Louis.
Back in 2014, the New York Rangers were approaching the latter half of their season with a win-now attitude, which is why they opted to oust and shovel their captain off to Tampa Bay for the aging St. Louis.
The Rangers got exactly what they wanted. They made it to the Stanley Cup Final that season but lost the Cup in five games against the Los Angeles Kings.
In light of this anniversary, let’s take a look back on some of Callahan’s top moments with the New York Rangers…
5. “The Shift” Against the Jets
This play (though resulting in a Jets goal) is quintessential Ryan Callahan. Callahan is a two-way forward who is not afraid to play the body and works hard to block pucks in front of the net.
Here, he is stickless, blocks two shots and tries to clear the zone with his hands before skating off for a change.
4. Callahan’s Overtime Winner Against the Penguins
Any time the Rangers manage to beat the Penguins it is exciting, but when it is an overtime winner it is even better.
Callahan’s takeaway along the boards allowed for a two on one opportunity for the Rangers. A great pass from former Ranger Brandon Dubinsky allowed Callahan to tip it in past Marc Andre-Fleury.
On top of Callahan’s Overtime game winner, he also posted an assist and got in a fight in this game for a Gordie Howe hat trick.
3. Callahan’s First Career Hat Trick Versus Flyers
Callahan recorded four goals in this game against the Flyers and earned his first career hat trick.
Two of the goals were results of Callahan being up in front of and were scored off two great passes.
Callahan’s power play goal came off a great pass and an even better shot – he beats Flyers goaltender Brian Boucher up high on the blocker side. The final goal was scored off a giveaway in front of the net by Kris Versteeg, and was an easy goal for Callahan in front.
2. OT Goal Against the Hurricanes to send the Rangers to 2013 Playoffs
This goal is another example of the way Ryan Callahan plays hockey every time he steps on the ice.
A result of a turnover along the boards, Callahan steps up to carry the puck up ice and score on a low angle shot. Only this one was more special than normal and sent the 2012-2013 Rangers to the playoffs.
1. Callahan’s 100th Goal in Overtime Versus Buffalo
This was selected as the number one play in Callahan’s time with the Rangers not just because of the milestone Callahan achieved on this goal (and the celly), but is also due to the sheer skill it took to get the puck in the net.
Callahan not only takes the puck away along the boards (a trend in this post it seems) but he also puts up a great move on Sabers right wing Patrick Kaleta to get in the zone and get off a great chance on net.
Related Story: Predicting the Rangers' Playoff Future
Final Thoughts: Was the Trade Worth it?
Taking a look back on the trade, Tampa is the winner.
Since St. Louis retired after a second season with the Rangers, they have no lasting impact from the trade on their current roster or even in their farm system.
Meanwhile, the Lightning have Callahan locked up through 2020. The 30-year old winger is likely out for the remainder of the season after suffering a hip injury in January, however, he has found his footing in Tampa and over the past three seasons has been a consistent forward for his team.
In the position the Rangers were in at the time, it was an effective move to make a change and shake things up on their roster.
The Rangers still have some ground to make up when it comes to effectively aiding their issues on the defensive end of the ice. However, the team came close to winning the Cup and still came out able to develop a strong core set of players that can be used in the long run.
Next: New York Rangers: 5 Best Players Without A Stanley Cup Since 1994
Regardless of everything, this is still a trade that was tough for the Rangers fanbase.
We miss you, Cally!