New York Rangers Top Five Highlights From 2014-2015

May 16, 2015; New York, NY, USA; The New York Rangers celebrate after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in game one of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

In honor of Fourth of July, we wanted to compile the top five highlights from the 2014-2015 New York Rangers seasons.

It was certainly filled with plenty of fireworks that got everyone in Rangerstown on their feet.
Everything from Rick Nash scoring his 42 goals to surprising play of first-year starter Kevin Hayes. It was a tall task to collect all the team’s stories in one article, but we wanted to give back to you the reader and wish you a happy and safe weekend.

Without further delay, here are the top five highlights from this season:

Next: 5. The Captain Gets It Done In OT

May 26, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) during the second period of game six of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, defenseman Ryan McDonagh was named the 27th captain of the Rangers.

It was a honor for the 26-year old, who has become a gem for the Blueshirts. No Rangers fan will forget “the trade” with the Montreal Canadiens on June 30, 2009 that saw former Ranger Scott Gomez and two others exchanged for three of their players and McDonagh.

After four years on Broadway, he was bestowed the “C” and has never looked back. Despite his struggles in his first year of the captaincy, McDonagh still rose to the occasion and has become a staple in Rangers highlights.

Here is just one. In Game Five of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Rangers were down 3-1 in the series and were “win or go home” mode. On the brink of elimination, the Rangers hosted the Capitals at Madison Square Garden. The game went into overtime, with the Captain rising to the occasion.

Next: 4. The King denies Kuztnetsov

May 10, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a save on Washington Capitals left wing

(8) as Rangers center

(21) defends in the second period in game six of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Rangers won 4-3, and tied the series 3-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

What can you say about Henrik Lundqvist that hasn’t already been said? He is the Rangers-everything.

Without him, the team doesn’t go or at least has a hard time in trying. Last season was unique. He faced his first major injury early in the second half of the season, which kept him out for two months.

However, he returned in time for the playoffs and helped lead the team to the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final for the second straight year. And though he came up one game short of returning to the Finals, he has plenty of highlights to reflect upon.

Here is a save on Capitals forward Evgeny Kutznetsov in Game Two:

Next: 3. Recognition for the Goal Buster

Feb 24, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Cam Talbot (33) and right wing Kevin Hayes (13) celebrate defeating the Calgary Flames at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Flames 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Even though he was traded to Edmonton, Rangers fans won’t soon forget what Cam Talbot had done for the Rangers last season.

After taking over for Lundqvist in early February, Talbot stepped in and no only played well, but kept the team’s hopes alive and was a big reason why the Rangers ended up with the President’s Trophy and set franchise highs in points and win during the regular season.

For his efforts, he was named the recipient of the Steven McDonald Award. An award unique to Rangers players who go above and beyond for their team.

Hey maybe gone, but never forgotten.

Next: 2. Hags Gets it Done

Apr 24, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Carl Hagelin (62) celebrates with New York Rangers center

(28) after scoring the game winning goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during overtime in game five of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Penguins 2 – 1 in overtime to advance to the next round. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Another player who has left the team is Carl Hagelin. Last week, Hagelin was traded to the Anaheim Ducks. hey may have new colors this upcoming season, but fans will never forget his “62 in blue”.

The Swedish speedster made oppoenents and fans heads turn when he touched the puck. Perhaps, his lasting memory will be the OT winner, series clincher against the Pittsburgh Penguins in round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season.

Coming from behind the net, he puts a wrist shot on Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury that seemingly surprised everyone in the building! Madison Square Garden erupted as Hagelin was mobbed on the ice by his teammates!

Next: 1. 1000th of St. Louis