What an odd Saturday, right? A 4pm start and a 5-2 win over the Bruins. Sure it was preseason, sure Boston ghost-skated through the third period, but it sure is nice to beat an Original Six rival. And it came just after the Brandon Dubinsky signing, so this are looking rosy (definitely not Rozy) in the Ranger's Universe right now. There still is a long way to go before the season even starts so let's just enjoy the moment.
*The Rangers opened the scoring with a power play goal. MDZ to Prospal to Kotalik, one-timer goal. Holy cow. It was a power play goal. By the Rangers. Tic-tac-toe, goal. The Rangers. The New York Rangers. I needed five, 10 minutes to collect myself. I still don't think that the shock has worn off fully.
*I finally collect myself and Arty Anisimov scores a stunner of a shorthanded goal. Granted, it was on some scrub Bruin defender - Jeff Penner? - who can't carry Chara's jock but damn. Two days, two highlight reel goals. For once (once) I agree with Micheletti - Anisimov made the team with that one. Let's hope he can score like this when it counts.
*Matt Gilroy certainly has earned a spot as well. It is far, far too early to call him the next Brian Leetch (and let's not, given how well Tom Poti turned out) but seeing a Ranger defender willing and capable of carrying the puck 180 feet is simply fantastic.
*There is still some question on MDZ, who got speared by Milan Lucic. Lucic had been running around for a period and a half hitting Rangers and Donald Brashear was no where to be found. MSG never had a replay so we can't see what exactly happened but they cut to the incident with MDZ on the bench. If he came off from being hit, why didn't Brashear jump on to get revenge? We are supposed to fall in love with this goon for defending his teammates and he doesn't do the job two days in a row. If anything, he looked confused standing there on the bench. Yeah, high class. *Early in the game Aaron Voros got creamed on the boards, then elected to fight and use his face to block punches again. And, as he got up off of the ice, he was smiling. That's comedy. I think that the Rangers are going to keep him for this season for comedic relief alone.
*Avery! Avery! You know, let the other 29 teams and their fans hate this guy. For us, he is a star. He causes havoc and he rubs it in with a goal to make it a 2-0 game. And, unlike in New Jersey, he was treated like a regular player as the Avery Rules were nowhere to be found. It was a nice change of pace; too bad it won't happen on most nights this year.
*Valley starred against the Bruins in the preseason opener but he gave up a piss-poor goal midway through the first period of this one. After MDZ turned his head and lost track of the puck, Savvy was able to throw it at the net from behind the goal line and banked it in off the netminder. Weak. The second goal in the second period wasn't much better. Sure Valley was left alone on a turnover, but he flopped across his crease and the puck was slid under his stick. While he still is not going to lose his job to Chad Nueve-Seis, he needs to be better.
*Nueve-Seis starred right after he came in mid-second period as the Rangers had to kill a long 5-on-3. He was perfect stopping 12 shots and has been a nice revelation this preseason. Chad definitely looked better than Tim Thomas, who was far from the U.S. Olympic goaltender that he usually is. *Now I don't get how they got that aforementioned two-man advantage. I understand the Semenov elbow, the guy is massive so when he leans into a check, his elbow leads the way. But how did the Bruins get a power play in the first place when Steve Begin breaks in to fight Dane Byers, who was challenging someone else? Last I checked, third man in was a major penalty. And Begin jumped in to cross check Semenov after the Ranger defenseman dumped someone but Begin escaped without a call there. It is preseason for the refs too I guess.
*Byers made one helluva drop pass to P.A. Parenteau for the fifth Ranger goal. While it doesn't look like he will play in New York at all this season, Byers certainly proved that he worth keeping in the organization. Perhaps he will get a shot next year ...
*Brian Boyle will be a Blueshirt this season. After playing so poorly in the first two preseason games, he has steadily improved. I still think Blair Betts would be better, but Boyle's size is tantalizing.
*If you didn't think YES announcer and ESPN Radio personality Michael Kay could get any more annoying and obnoxious, you were wrong. Those commercials for him in the bank with big fan Glen that were aired seemingly every break were worse - far, far worse. Perhaps they thought that the only way he could look good was to get someone that bad to join him in a spot. What next? A special commercial with Kay alongside Joe Micheletti?
*Yet again, Micheletti was completely outshone by Dave Maloney. Once they bring Al Troutwig back into the mix, they really should get rid of Micheletti entirely.
*Why must MSG continue to bring up Marian Gaborik's five goal night against us? Yes, he is on our roster now, and that may prove to be terrific. But there is no reason to keep picking at an old scab again and again and again. What next? MSG will air the Montreal Massacre again?
But on a happier note, there are three preseason games left where the Rangers will make their final cuts and set the opening night roster. It will be interesting to see what Torts, Sather and company decide as there have been so many players stepping up for the open slots. You can pretty much write off Byers, Paul Crowder and Corey Locke but who do you pick from between MDZ, Bobby's World and Heineken? Parenteau scored here and has been as good as needed in all situations but hasn't starred; do they keep him as an extra forward? And how does Arty's success alongside Lisin and Grachev boost their stock? As soon as the Rangers release their cuts, I will put them up. I wouldn't want to have to decide ...
"Preseason Showdown: New York's Dominance in 5-2 Victory Over Boston"
The preseason in sports is often an intriguing time. It's a period where teams test their strategies, evaluate their talent, and prepare for the grueling challenges of the regular season. In a recent preseason game, the New York team faced off against their perennial rivals, the Boston squad. The final score? A resounding 5-2 victory for New York. In this article, we'll delve into the details of this preseason showdown, analyzing the game's key moments, standout performances, and what it might mean for the upcoming regular season. We'll also address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive view of this exciting matchup.
Game Recap: New York's Dominance
1. Strong Start
From the opening faceoff, New York came out with intensity and purpose. Their aggressive forechecking and crisp passing immediately put Boston on the defensive. It didn't take long for New York to capitalize on their early pressure, netting two quick goals within the first period.
2. Stellar Goaltending
One of the standout performances of the game was the goaltending from New York's netminder. He made several incredible saves, thwarting Boston's attempts to mount a comeback. His poise and reflexes kept Boston at bay throughout the game.
3. Effective Special Teams
New York's special teams were firing on all cylinders. Their power play unit displayed excellent puck movement, leading to two power-play goals. On the penalty kill, they were equally impressive, denying Boston any significant scoring opportunities.
4. Balanced Scoring
New York's offense showcased its depth with five different players scoring goals. This balanced scoring not only made it challenging for Boston to defend but also highlighted New York's versatility.
Key Moments in the Game
1. Opening Goal
The first goal of the game came from New York's star player, who deftly maneuvered through Boston's defense and beat the goaltender with a precise wrist shot. This early goal set the tone for the rest of the game.
2. Penalty Shot Save
In the second period, Boston was awarded a penalty shot, a rare and exciting event in hockey. However, New York's goaltender made a brilliant glove save, denying Boston the chance to narrow the score gap.
3. Third-Period Surge
While Boston managed to score two goals in the third period, New York responded with two of their own, solidifying their lead and sealing the victory. The rapid exchange of goals in the final period added to the game's excitement.
Standout Performances
1. New York's Goaltender
New York's goaltender was undoubtedly the star of the game. His outstanding saves and composure under pressure were key in securing the win.
2. New York's Special Teams
Both the power play and penalty kill units for New York performed exceptionally well. Their effectiveness in special teams situations was a significant factor in the victory.
3. Balanced Scoring
The fact that five different players scored for New York showcased the team's offensive depth. It also made it challenging for Boston to focus their defensive efforts on a single player.
What Does This Mean for the Regular Season?
While preseason games are not always indicative of regular-season success, they do provide valuable insights into a team's performance and potential. New York's dominant 5-2 victory over Boston sends a clear message that they are ready to compete at a high level.
Key takeaways for New York include their strong start, solid goaltending, effective special teams, and balanced scoring. These elements, if consistently replicated in the regular season, can make them a formidable contender.
For Boston, this preseason game serves as a learning opportunity. They can analyze what went wrong, adjust their strategies, and fine-tune their gameplay for the regular season ahead.
FAQs: Understanding Preseason Hockey
As preseason hockey games often raise questions about their significance and impact, here are some FAQs to provide clarity:
1. What is the purpose of preseason games in hockey?
Preseason games allow teams to evaluate their players, test different line combinations, and fine-tune their strategies before the regular season begins. They also provide an opportunity for players to compete for roster spots.
2. Do preseason game outcomes predict regular-season success?
While preseason results can offer insights into a team's performance, they are not always indicative of regular-season success. Teams may experiment with lineups and strategies during preseason, which can affect outcomes.
3. How do preseason games differ from regular-season games?
Preseason games are often less intense and competitive than regular-season games. Teams may prioritize player evaluation and development over winning during the preseason.
4. Are preseason games important for player development?
Yes, preseason games are crucial for player development. They allow young and aspiring players to gain experience, compete for roster spots, and adapt to the pace of professional hockey.
The preseason showdown between New York and Boston provided a thrilling glimpse into what lies ahead in the regular season. New York's dominant performance showcased their strengths and potential, while Boston gained valuable insights to refine their gameplay. As fans eagerly await the start of the regular season, this preseason game has set the stage for an exciting and competitive hockey season ahead.
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