Preseason: Looking Good ...

The Rangers looked pretty good in their preseason bout with the Ottawa Senators tonight and pulled out a 2-1 win. It is reason to be giddy as these guys took care of business against an opponent they were supposed to beat - Ottawa's B-team. The boys showed some good chemistry and worked hard, which is all one can ask for. Some observations:

*I have to start with the biggest shock for me in this one: Nik Zherdev was fantastic. He showed some flash with his stickhandling (even if he looked like Alex Kovalev in getting around three guys and losing the puck out of the zone), he skated hard and he backchecked! Backchecked! With his reputation coming from Columbus, that was the last thing I expected and I really hope he keeps it up.

*Zherdev's linemates both played solid. Markus Naslund had two shifts where he turned back the clock to before the lockout and played with the strength and quickness that made him a NHL star. Scott Gomez was wearing the C (Drury had it Saturday) but didn't appear to play with the same effort that everyone else did, but that is just how he plays before he pops up and makes outrageous plays. The three of them were good on the power play, which is where they will be needed the most, but they still went 0-for-7 with the man advantage ...

*But I am still excited because there was actually cycling on the Ranger power play. Cycling! By the Rangers! What a beautiful thing.

*High draft picks Artem Anisimov and Bobby Sanguinetti were practically invisible, while Doug Weise and Lauri Korpikoski were both solid. The Rangers signed Weise after Traverse City and tonight he showed why - he kept his skates moving, hit banged bodies and played his position, I'm a fan. Korpikoski, as we already knew, has NHL skills. His game-winning goal was a simple redirect through a stick-less Alex Auld but he swarmed the net and looked good coming off the boards.

*Jarkko Ruutu deserves a beating. That's all, just wanted to point that out ... again.

*There were two guys out there battling for the seventh defenseman spot in Brian Fahey and Thomas Pock. Fahey fell three times during one shift and had a few bad turnovers while Pock was quiet, yet steady.

*Two other defensemen need A LOT of work. Wade Redden seemed to coast through the game, did not play with the poise of a No. 1 blueliner and - if I am not mistaken - was the defenseman victimized on the 2-on-1 that resulted in the Sens lone goal. But as bad as he was, Dmitri Malik, oops, I mean Dmitri Kalinen was terrible. He turned over the puck, blew coverages, was knocked around by forecheckers ... he stank. Me'thinks he will follow in the grand tradition of Tom Poti and Marek Malik to draw the ire of the Garden faithful.

*It's funny, as much as I have professed my fandom for Voros, I don't think he will even have a spot on the team if Colton Orr keeps skating the way he has. Orr looks like a completely different player out there, we just need to see if he can still fight ...

*Brandon Dubinsky, by the way, continues to look like a different player - that Jagr guy. Dubi seems to be getting more comfortable with using his size to protect the puck and get through traffic to get off smart, high percentage shots.

*I managed to make it this far without talking about Petr Nedved but I just have to include him. What can I say? He partied like it was 1999. He definitely makes for an interesting conundrum - is he worth either bumping Selke candidate Blair Betts to the bench or sending Chris Drury back to the wing? Maybe, maybe ... I know I would rather see the latter as Bettsy is too important on the penalty kill and in the faceoff dot.

*There isn't much to say about the goaltenders, neither Hank nor Zaba were really tested.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Alex Auld - 28 saves.
2-Lauri Korpikoski - one goal.
1-Petr Nedved - one goal.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Christoph Schubert - The German was the best player on the ice for the Sens. He played smart in his own end, he played physically and he made the all-important solid first passes.
2-Zherdev - I was going to put Nedved in here because he showed NHL form, but Zherdev really did everything well on both ends of the ice, even venturing into the corners and working off the short boards. Totally shocked, totally impressed.
1-Dan Girardi - Everything that Wade Redden wasn't on this night, Girardi was. Girardi played really good positional defense, he stood up Sens as they came across the blueline, he joined in the attack ... he was the No. 1 defenseman on the Rangers.

 "Preseason: Looking Good, but What Does It Mean?"

The preseason in sports is a time of anticipation, excitement, and often overanalyzing. Fans eagerly watch their favorite teams hit the field or court, looking for signs of promise, and hoping for a successful season ahead. In this article, we will explore the significance of the preseason, its role in preparing teams for the regular season, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of this exciting but often misunderstood phase of sports.

The Purpose of Preseason

Training and Conditioning

The preseason is primarily focused on training and conditioning. Teams use this time to get their players back into game shape, working on their fitness, strength, and endurance. It's an opportunity for athletes to shake off the rust and regain their peak physical condition after the offseason.

Roster Evaluation

Coaches and team management use the preseason to evaluate their roster. They assess player performance, look for new talent, and make decisions about who will make the final cut for the regular season. The preseason serves as an extended tryout period for many aspiring athletes.

Team Building

Preseason games provide teams with the chance to build chemistry and cohesion. Players learn to work together, understand each other's playing styles, and develop a sense of teamwork. Effective team building is crucial for success in the regular season.

The Role of Preseason Games

Testing Strategies

Coaches often use preseason games to test different strategies, lineups, and tactics. They experiment with offensive and defensive schemes, allowing them to fine-tune their game plans for the regular season.

Gaining Experience

Preseason games provide valuable playing time for rookies and younger players. This experience helps them adjust to the pace and intensity of professional sports, preparing them for their roles in the regular season.

Fan Engagement

Preseason games are an opportunity for fans to get back into the spirit of the sport. They offer a taste of what's to come and allow fans to reconnect with their favorite teams and players after the offseason hiatus.

The Challenges of Preseason

Limited Playing Time

During the preseason, star players often see limited playing time. Coaches want to avoid injuries to key players before the regular season begins, so they carefully manage their minutes on the field.

Inconsistent Performances

Preseason performances can be inconsistent. Teams may struggle to find their rhythm early on, and scores may not accurately reflect a team's potential. It's essential not to read too much into preseason results.

Roster Uncertainty

The uncertainty of roster decisions can be stressful for players. Many athletes are fighting for their spots, and the preseason can be a make-or-break time for their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do preseason results predict regular season success?

Preseason results are not always indicative of regular season success. Teams often experiment with lineups and strategies during the preseason, so outcomes may not accurately reflect a team's potential.

2. Why do star players see limited playing time in the preseason?

Coaches limit the playing time of star players during the preseason to reduce the risk of injuries. Keeping key players healthy for the regular season is a top priority.

3. Can preseason performances impact a player's career?

Preseason performances can significantly impact a player's career. Strong showings can lead to a spot on the regular season roster, while poor performances may result in a player being cut or assigned to a lower league.

4. Are preseason games as important as regular season games for fans?

Preseason games are essential for fans in terms of rekindling their passion for the sport and reconnecting with their favorite teams. However, the stakes and intensity of regular season games are typically higher.

5. How can fans make the most of the preseason?

To make the most of the preseason, fans can use it as an opportunity to evaluate the team's potential, get to know new players, and enjoy the anticipation of the regular season. It's also a great time to attend games and support the team.

The preseason is an exciting time for sports fans, as it marks the return of their favorite teams and players to the field or court. While preseason games may not have the same intensity or significance as regular season matchups, they serve a crucial role in preparing teams for the challenges ahead. Coaches evaluate talent, players regain their form, and strategies are tested.

As fans, it's essential to enjoy the preseason for what it is—an integral part of the sports calendar that builds excitement and anticipation for the regular season. While preseason results may not always accurately predict regular season success, they offer a glimpse into the potential of teams and players. So, as you watch your team's preseason games, remember that it's just the beginning of another thrilling season of sports.