*Ryan Callahan looked good with that C on his sweater.
*Gaborik should have easily had a hat trick. Easily.
*Not sure if Wolski is the answer on the wing with Gabby and Richards but he has definitely raised his game from where it was at the end of last season. He was involved offensively and, more importantly, he was good away from the puck. Richards wasn't 100% and it showed, and yet he was still dangerous every time he was o the ice. It could be a delight to watch him once the games get real and he gets fully fit. If Wolski can start clicking with him and the Slovak we could have some serious success.
*The other Gary Roberts guy on the ice was Michael Del Zotto, or as he will be known here henceforth, Del-Zaster. MDZ was simply not good for the second straight game. His positioning was dubious, he was outmuscled to the puck, he choked it up and he definitely dragged Tim Erixon down with him. Schoney had to have seen that, as he juggled the defenders in the third to get the new kid away from him.
*I just finished typing that and turned on the television to catch Micheletti raving about MDZ's performance on the replay. Need I say more?
*Pavel Valentenko was almost as poor and it hurts to write that. Valentenko didn't use his shot, didn't get off any big hits, was beaten in his own zone and took a penalty because of it. Had high hopes for him.
*How hilarious was it to see Mmmaaaarrrttttyyy take a dive and get no call? Man did I miss hockey.
*I must say, the goaltending was sad on both sides.
*Brendan Bell was the first star because the writers get a form mid-third period as to who they want and they get lazy and put 'GWG scorer.' Bell was exactly who he was when he left Ottawa for Switzerland - a defensively deficient mediocre puck handler. But thank goodness his shot slipped through Mmmaaarrtttyy's rolls, because I think seeing a two-goal lead get blown would have made me snap. Even in preseason.
*Dancing Larry showed up. Hooray for that. He brought his tired, pathetic act to the Rock and was the same as always: a mush. He danced his uncoordinated lame dance and the Devils rallied. Please, someone make him stop - it was quaint years ago, now it is just sad.
*Mike Sauer was the best Ranger on the ice. And he has a bum knee. Love watching him work.
*The arena folks played a nice pre-recorded package from the NHL before the game to honour those hockey players lost in the offseason. It was nice but fans were wary to clap or not, which made it awkward. Still nice to see everyone remembered.
*In person you can see that Carl Hagelin is really fast. I mean, like, fast. Like, would give reigning speed champ Michael Grabner competition fast. Let's hope he is more like 30 Goal Grabner and not No Hands Rico Fata.
*Five forwards on the power play? No thank you. Never again please. When Wolski is the lone man back you know you are in trouble - no matter how far he improved from last year.
*Mike Rupp started great in his utterly meaningless, pre-planned circus fight against Eric Boulton before getting ultimately taken down by a guy a foot shorter than him. Disappointing.
*Beginning to think that Brian Boyle's 21 goals last season were a fluke. But the big man is still a heck of a penalty killer so he gets a pass.
*Adam Larsson is no fluke. That kid is going to be good. Why does he have to be a Devil?
*Petr Sykora's performance made me sad that the Rangers let him go way back when.
*There are few things more enjoyable than seeing disappointed Devils fans. I mean, to see an actual Devil fan is rare enough, but to see them disappointed is just delightful. Yeah, no goal pal - stay out of our crease.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars will return with the regular season. I will be mid-air on my way to Prague on Monday when the puck drops in Philly so I will just leave an open post here. Please fill me in on what happens!
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Title: Preseason Thriller: New York Rangers Edge Out New Jersey Devils 4-3
Introduction
The NHL preseason is a time for experimentation, evaluation, and anticipation as teams gear up for the grueling regular season. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at a preseason clash that had fans on the edge of their seats: the game between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils, which ended with the Rangers edging out their rivals 4-3.
Table of Contents
The Significance of Preseason Games
Testing New Strategies
Evaluating Young Talent
The New York Rangers: A Team in Transition
New Coaching Staff
Promising Youngsters
The New Jersey Devils: Building for the Future
Youthful Roster
Aspirations for Improvement
The Preseason Thriller: Key Moments and Takeaways
Exciting Goals and Plays
Player Standouts
FAQs: Common Questions About Preseason Hockey
1. The Significance of Preseason Games
Testing New Strategies
Preseason games allow coaches to experiment with different strategies, line combinations, and special teams units without the pressure of regular-season points at stake. It's an opportunity to fine-tune the team's approach and identify areas that need improvement.
Evaluating Young Talent
For rookies and prospects, preseason games offer a chance to showcase their skills and compete for a spot on the NHL roster. Teams use these games to assess young talent and determine if they are ready for the big leagues.
2. The New York Rangers: A Team in Transition
New Coaching Staff
The Rangers have experienced significant changes in recent years, including a new coaching staff led by Gerard Gallant. With a blend of experienced veterans and rising stars, like Alexis Lafrenière, the Rangers are in transition and eager to make their mark.
Promising Youngsters
Alexis Lafrenière, the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, continues to be a player to watch. His development is vital to the Rangers' success. Other young talents, such as Kaapo Kakko and Vitali Kravtsov, are also poised to contribute significantly.
3. The New Jersey Devils: Building for the Future
Youthful Roster
The Devils have been building a youthful roster, with an eye toward the future. Young players like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Ty Smith are central to their long-term plans. The preseason serves as an opportunity for these players to gain valuable experience.
Aspirations for Improvement
Despite a focus on youth, the Devils are not content with mediocrity. They aspire to improve and become competitive in the highly competitive Metropolitan Division. Preseason games are a chance to test their progress.
4. The Preseason Thriller: Key Moments and Takeaways
Exciting Goals and Plays
The preseason matchup between the Rangers and Devils delivered excitement with thrilling goals and plays. Both teams showcased their offensive prowess, and the game featured back-and-forth action that kept fans engaged.
Player Standouts
Certain players made significant impressions in the game. Whether it was a rookie making a memorable debut or a veteran showcasing leadership, these standout performances added to the drama of the preseason matchup.
5. FAQs: Common Questions About Preseason Hockey
Q1: Do preseason games count in the regular-season standings?
A1: No, preseason games are exhibition matches and do not count toward regular-season standings.
Q2: How long is the NHL preseason?
A2: The NHL preseason typically lasts about two weeks, with teams playing a varying number of games.
Q3: Are tickets for preseason games cheaper than regular-season games?
A3: Yes, preseason game tickets are often less expensive than regular-season tickets, making them a more affordable option for fans.
Conclusion
The preseason game between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils exemplified the excitement and anticipation that comes with preseason hockey. As both teams experiment with strategies and evaluate their young talent, fans can't help but get a glimpse of the potential that lies ahead in the regular season. While preseason games are not counted in the standings, they offer fans a taste of the thrilling action and unforgettable moments that await when the NHL's regular season officially begins.
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