Swedish Elitserien fans aren't likely to enjoy this analogy but they are not unlike the diehard fans of collegiate or major junior hockey. Win or lose, they are fiercely proud of their boys. And when those boys move on to other teams in other leagues, that pride does not go away. When I went to Everett ahead of the Vancouver Olympics, the Silvertips fans came up to talk to me about Ivan Baranka - where he was, how he was doing. He was one of theirs. They were saddened to hear that he couldn't make it in the NHL but were happy he tried because, gosh darn it, he was one of their boys. Now take that pride and multiply it. Then multiply it again, and again, and again. And maaaayyyyybe then you have reached the sheer adoration that Gothenburg hockey fans have for Henrik Lundqvist.
Their passion for the boy they watched become a King was rewarded on Friday when the Rangers came to town. Hank turned back into Henke as the Frolunda folks were able to bask in their pride and joy one more time. They sang, they clapped, they made him hop. And they had a helluva time doing it. That their team lost was utterly inconsequential. That our team won was just as inconsequential.
The Rangers' fourth line and the top three lines of the Connecticut Whale showed up to face Frolunda and escaped with a weak 4-2 victory. The Blueshirts were sloppy, they were slow, they were undisciplined. But they brought Henke home and that is all that mattered - to everyone. A happy King will be a good King this coming campaign and you could tell Lundqvist was loving the limelight. Sure he also seethed when he gave up the two goals but hey, no one was smiling more at the end so who cares?
While it would be nice to wrap things up there, I did come all the way to Gothenburg so I guess I will throw some observations out there:
*As you surely saw, Hank wore an A - which was AWESOME. Honestly, how many of you are getting one stitched on your sweaters now? I would if I had a Lundqvist to put it on.
*You might not have seen that when they called Ryan Callahan to come over and take the ceremonial faceoff, Hank reached over and said something to Boyle (the other A wearer) before tapping him towards the carpet. Our goalie may not wear a letter regularly but make no mistake, he is a leader on this team.
*And even he needs some reassurance sometimes. Just as he surely was getting a bit overwhelmed by the pregame ceremony, Sean Avery skated over and gave him a pat. That's what friends are for.
*The Scandinavium is still McArena with the Golden arches everywhere but they did add a Subway franchise inside so at least they now believe in healthy alternatives.
*In Prague they sold special one-game-only tee shirts, scarves and banners. Here they just had the generic NHL Premiere merch that you can buy on NHL.com. I was hoping for a Henke Comes Home line.
*Frolunda fans really love to do the wave. Prompted by the PA announcer, twice they did the wave and it went around the arena several times before stopping. *Frolunda fans have no patience for commercial breaks or, as it was announced 'media breaks.' They booed and whistled several times when the shovels came out at stoppages.
*They also expressed their unhappiness for the scratching of the Rangers' non-Lundqvist stars, the fact that it wasn't a total sell-out (but close) and Sean Avery. No surprise there on any of those counts.
*Hope Sean is alright, the replay in the building made it look like he was kicked in the face and he didn't play a single shift in the third period.
*Was told to calm down by a Swedish fan next to me when I got worked up over the penalties the Rangers were taking because 'our power play, not so good, you have no worries, relax.' He was right, the poor guy.
*Believe it or not, everyone around me seemed impressed with Erik Christensen. Perfect, they can have him. He is perfect for them - he can dangle to his heart's desire and get away with being defensively deficient and soft as a pillow in the Elitserien.
*For the second straight game I met up with other fans from New York and even some season ticket holders (section 402 represent!). We Blue Bloods are passionate people too, even if we don't sing or do the wave.
*Late hits: MDZ was woeful one day after I gave him praise. Carl Hagelin and Tim Erixon both had a few good moments but definitely need work. Brendan Bell keeps showing how comfortable he is on the big ice. I like yelling STUUUUUUUUU every time Bickel hits someone. Kris Newbury's shot that opened the scoring was sad, it seemed to wobble its way into the upper corner. Brian Boyle was definitely still suffering from flu-like symptoms - he was in bad shape getting back to the bench after all of that penalty killing, and that was before he got a shot to the head. His linemate Brandon Prust is the man - 'nuff said. Ryan Bourque continues to surprise with strong play. Dale Weise ... did he even play? McIlrath was sucked into a tussle with a Frolunda player and took a penalty - he needs to mature. I felt bad for the Frolunda backup as he gave up a goal on the first shot he faced. I mentioned it up top, Hank hopped. The Frolunda fans chanted something like 'we want to see you jump' and he gave a little hop, once in the first and once in the third. It was hilarious and great at the same time to see him respond.
The Rangers have Saturday off to go around Gothenburg before heading to Bratislava Sunday. I will not be at that one as I go right to Switzerland but I am hoping to catch a feed to do a wrap-up. No guarantees. If I was to do Scotty Hockey Three Stars then they would be 3-Henke, 2-Henke and 1-Henke - it was his night.
Preseason Triumph: New York Rangers Prevail Over Frolunda
The NHL preseason is a time of excitement and anticipation, offering fans a glimpse of what's to come in the regular season. In this article, we'll delve into the preseason matchup between the New York Rangers and Frolunda HC, a renowned Swedish hockey team. We'll explore the game's highlights, the significance of preseason play, and answer some common questions about the NHL preseason.
Table of Contents
The NHL Preseason: A Prelude to the Main Event
Purpose and Significance
Player Evaluations and Lineup Adjustments
Preseason Clash: New York Rangers vs. Frolunda HC
Game Highlights and Standout Performances
New Faces in Rangers' Blue
The Road to Regular Season
Incorporating Young Talent
Strategy and Training Camp Insights
NHL Preseason FAQs: Common Questions Answered
1. The NHL Preseason: A Prelude to the Main Event
Purpose and Significance
The NHL preseason serves multiple purposes, from allowing teams to fine-tune their rosters to providing an opportunity for players to showcase their skills. For coaches and management, it's a crucial time for evaluating talent, determining line combinations, and making roster decisions. It's also a chance for new acquisitions and young prospects to make a case for regular season spots.
Player Evaluations and Lineup Adjustments
Throughout the preseason, coaches assess players' performance in various game situations. They experiment with different line combinations, defensive pairings, and special teams units. This experimentation helps identify which players are best suited for specific roles and responsibilities.
2. Preseason Clash: New York Rangers vs. Frolunda HC
Game Highlights and Standout Performances
In the preseason matchup between the New York Rangers and Frolunda HC, fans witnessed an exciting display of hockey. While the game's outcome doesn't count in the regular season standings, it offers valuable insights into team dynamics and player potential.
Key highlights from the game may include impressive goals, standout saves by goaltenders, and notable plays by rookies looking to make an impact. These moments create excitement and anticipation among fans for the upcoming season.
New Faces in Rangers' Blue
The preseason often introduces fans to new acquisitions and rising prospects. For the Rangers, it's a chance to showcase their offseason additions and emerging young talent. These fresh faces bring renewed energy and enthusiasm to the team and can have a significant impact on the regular season's success.
3. The Road to Regular Season
Incorporating Young Talent
One of the significant storylines in the NHL preseason is the emergence of young talent. Teams use these games to evaluate prospects who are vying for a spot on the roster. The preseason provides a platform for these players to prove their worth and potentially earn a place in the NHL.
Strategy and Training Camp Insights
Preseason games also offer teams an opportunity to test different strategies, systems, and tactics. Coaches can experiment with offensive and defensive schemes and make adjustments based on the performance of their players. Training camp insights help refine the team's game plan for the regular season.
4. NHL Preseason FAQs: Common Questions Answered
Q1: Do preseason games count in the regular season standings?
A1: No, preseason games do not count in the regular season standings. They are exhibition games used for evaluation and preparation.
Q2: How long is the NHL preseason?
A2: The length of the NHL preseason typically ranges from 6 to 8 games per team, depending on the NHL schedule for that season.
Q3: Are rookies and prospects allowed to play in the NHL preseason?
A3: Yes, rookies and prospects are often given significant playing time in the preseason to showcase their skills and compete for roster spots.
The NHL preseason is a time of excitement, evaluation, and anticipation for fans, players, and teams alike. While the games don't impact the regular season standings, they serve as a valuable opportunity to assess talent, experiment with strategies, and introduce fans to new faces on the roster. As the preseason progresses, teams continue to fine-tune their lineups and strategies, building the foundation for a successful regular season ahead.
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