It was a ridiculous, disjointed, mess filled with individuals trying to make names for themselves - Rangers, Devils & referees. Apparently Paul Devorski and Chris Ciamaga were able to renew their officiating stripes by screwing over Sean Avery - like part of the hazing to get into the frat. 'Dude, I did it, the brothers did it, everyone has to do it...' Avery collected no points and 14 PIM while his potential replacement, Ruslan Fedotenko, had a goal and two assists. The other free agents on tryouts were Alexei Semenov and Garnett Exelby. Semenov was the most sound of the defensemen but he really can't skate so it isn't like he could wander far. XLB was bad. Eminger was better but not by much - he is a borderline NHLer and he played like it. Definitely need to see more of Pavel Valentenko while Matt Gilroy was definitely impressive. Hobey certainly played with more confidence and poise than he had last season. The sixth defenseman, MDZ, well, you aren't going to like what I have to say about him.
I wanted the Rangers to draft John Carlson in '09 and I think this season Carlson will far surpass MDZ. And I think Bobby Sanguinetti, who MDZ essentially replaced, will have more points than the Ranger now that he will get NHL ice time. Outraged? Well it shouldn't be at me and instead at the youngster who did not appear to improve himself in any way in the offseason.
Del Zotto scored a gimme of a goal - Hedberg was grossly out of position (that he was missing a stick was meaningless, he got caught too high in his crease and overcommitted). But we knew he has offensive skills, what I wanted to see was an improvement in his own zone and the kid was even worse than his -20 self from last season. It was game 1 for him so maybe it was rust but he didn't show a single sign that he is ready to make that leap to reliable defenseman what I had hoped for. Check that, I had hoped for a Doughty-esque improvement but will settle for basic reliability. Hank wasn't good but after a life of leisure all summer, it is hard to expect him to be. He will find his shape quickly once the games get real, at least that is what we need to pray for. No more hidden excuses for sub-par play - migraines, family, knee, whatever. Without Wade around to bail him out he will have to be that much better this season. Hahahahaha. Sorry, I had to.
On offense, if Callahan is the only one of the players in this 'game' to make the opening night roster I would be ok with that. Sure Avery got screwed but he also acted like a fool - dodging a real fight to get slap happy at a skill player is just pathetic, even if it is Kovy. He showed a nice willingness to go to the crease and cause havoc but it is hard to saw if Tortorella will see it that way. Torts seemed to like Kennedy's effort. I thought he skated hard but I don't see him as being a top NHL player - an AHL star for sure but NHL? He is small and his decision making doesn't seem to match his foot speed - how can he fit into the Ranger roster? His speed would be wasted with fourth-line goons, the third line is all but spoken for once Dru comes back and Kennedy doesn't have top six talent.
Speaking of... Arty scored a goal but he also scored last preseason too, the real test for him will be to see if he shows up during the regular season without a tough guy riding shotgun for him. Grachev was just as invisible as Jeremy Williams, which is pathetic. White supposedly begged the trainers to let him play but didn't play with any of the accompanying desperation. Byers fell down more than a few notches in my book by trying to catch Hepatitis before getting smacked around by Minor Leaguer Clarkson. Weise and Newbury did nothing that showed they are anything more than minor leaguers themselves. I think that just leaves Boogaard alone, which is where he will be most this season. For the second straight night he couldn't pick a fight nor do any kind of 'intimidating' that defended his teammates. As of 1:30a the Rangers had not announced their cuts but I wouldn't be surprised to see Williams, Grachev and Byers bounced to Hartford with XLB cut outright. We shall have to see - which is the mantra for now. It's preseason and tonight was just the second exhibition of preseason at that - a start, nothing more. Lotta time to form opinions as the Blueshirt brass tries to form a team. The Blueshirts will be back in action Sunday evening at 5 in Detroit.
Quick Look at the Cuts: Evaluating the Rangers' Preseason Roster Changes
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The preseason in the NHL is not only a time for teams to assess their talent and prepare for the grueling regular season but also a period of tough decisions. As teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming season, some players will be celebrating their inclusion, while others will receive the difficult news of being cut from the team. In this article, we'll take a quick look at the cuts the New York Rangers have made during this preseason and explore the implications for the team as they gear up for the challenges ahead.
The Cutting Process:
Before diving into the specifics of the Rangers' preseason cuts, it's essential to understand the dynamics of the cutting process. NHL
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Title: Preseason Thriller: Rangers Triumph Over Devils 5-4 in Overtime
Introduction:
Preseason hockey serves as a tantalizing appetizer for NHL fans, offering a glimpse into the upcoming season's potential while allowing teams to fine-tune their rosters. The matchup between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils was a prime example of the excitement that preseason can bring. In a thrilling contest that saw the Rangers emerge victorious with a 5-4 overtime win, both teams showcased their strengths and weaknesses, leaving fans eager for the regular season to begin. In this article, we'll break down the key moments, standout performances, and what this game signifies for both the Rangers and the Devils.
The Game Highlights:
Kreider's Captaincy Debut: This game marked Chris Kreider's first appearance as the Rangers' captain, and he didn't disappoint. Leading by example, Kreider displayed the intensity and skill that earned him the coveted "C" on his jersey. His leadership on and off the ice was evident throughout the game.
Kakko's Offensive Explosion: Kaapo Kakko, the young Finnish forward, had a standout performance, notching two goals in the game, including the game-winner in overtime. His ability to find open ice and unleash his lethal shot was on full display, leaving Rangers fans excited about his potential for the upcoming season.
Devils' Young Talent: The New Jersey Devils showcased their young talent, with prospects like Dawson Mercer and Alexander Holtz making significant contributions. Mercer, in particular, stood out with his playmaking ability and vision on the ice.
Special Teams Battle: Both teams struggled on the penalty kill, with each conceding power-play goals. While it's still preseason, tightening up their special teams will be a priority for both the Rangers and the Devils as the regular season approaches.
Implications for the Rangers:
The Rangers' victory in this preseason matchup offers several insights into the team's potential for the upcoming season:
Kreider's Leadership: Chris Kreider's performance as captain was a positive sign for the Rangers. His ability to inspire his teammates and contribute offensively will be crucial as the team looks to make a playoff run.
Kakko's Development: Kaapo Kakko's offensive prowess was on full display, showcasing his growth and potential as a top-tier forward in the NHL. If he continues to develop at this pace, he could become a game-changer for the Rangers.
Defensive Challenges: The Rangers' defensive performance left room for improvement, with some defensive lapses leading to Devils' goals. Solidifying their defensive structure will be a priority for the coaching staff.
Goaltending Depth: Both Igor Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev had their moments in net, showing the Rangers' depth at the goaltender position. Having two reliable goaltenders will be crucial during the long NHL season.
Implications for the Devils:
While the Devils didn't come away with the win, there were positives to take from the preseason matchup:
Young Talent Shines: The Devils' prospects and young players demonstrated their potential, providing hope for the future. Developing these players will be a key focus for the organization.
Special Teams Work: Like the Rangers, the Devils also showed promise on the power play. Enhancing their special teams' efficiency will be essential for their success in the regular season.
Goaltending Battle: Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood's solid performance highlighted the importance of having a reliable netminder. The Devils will rely on Blackwood to anchor their defense.
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The preseason clash between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils was a thrilling preview of what's to come in the upcoming NHL season. With standout performances from both established stars and emerging talents, it left fans on both sides excited for the regular season to begin. As these teams continue to fine-tune their rosters and strategies, the stage is set for an exciting season of hockey rivalry and competition.
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