Ok, I have to take a deep breath here ...
Breath in.
Breath out.
Alright, let's get on with it.
Preseason is about getting ready for the season and learning. So, after Monday's merciless beating by the Swiss side from Zug, we have to assess how the Rangers prepared for the upcoming campaign and what they learned from getting spanked 8-4.
Well, they learned that they can't take any opponent lightly, that they get tired playing four games in five nights and that crowds can get pretty damned loud when they watch their team win big. Aside from that, it is hard to gain insight into how they will fare in the future when the game is so vastly different - virtually no physical play and a ton of extra ice to be exploited by their opponents.
Onto the Late Hits:
*Tortorella juggled the lines mercilessly looking to find chemistry and we are pretty much back to where we started - Dubi is best with Cally and Arty. He got a shot to run with Richards and Gabby and wasn't nearly the factor he is when he crashes while Cally bangs. Feds-Step-Zuke as a unit have a spark and will only get better as Step and Zuke keep maturing. Boyle-Rupp-Prust was completely ineffective as they really couldn't play their game.
*Sean Avery needs to get at least a look with Richards and Gabby. That is, if Torts keeps him around. He should.
*That being said, Christensen was one of the few Rangers who looked comfortable on the big ice. No surprise, Zuke and Bell were the others as they both recently came from Europe. But, for my money, Zuke - or Zuccarello-Aasen as he was announced in the arena - is the only one who played his way onto the team this preseason.
*An hour or so before puck drop Marty Biron was hanging out on the bench bs-ing with someone. Perhaps he should have been warming up or something. He was horrendous, a totally different goaltender than the one who won in Praha. Of course, he got even less help from his teammates on this night but still. *As the Swiss pointed out, Brad Richards' salary is more than the entire EVZ club. He was atrocious on the power play. As was Gaborik. As was everyone.
*Josh Holden had two goals and an assist on his way to man of the match honours. He is currently suspended from league play for a bad hit and yet he got to star against us. Dammit.
*The Swiss fans were thunderous at the end of the game. The Bossard Arena isn't that big and the fans are almost on top of the ice. Having that many excited people singing for hours led to a foggy ice surface in the third (and to excitement in the air!).
*No big choreo pieces from the EVZ fan club. Disappointing. And several of their chants were exactly the same as those of other clubs, just with their own name inserted. Boring.
*As I tweeted, they clearly over-sold the standing room sections. I had a ticket in one but was talking with the wife of Zug assistant coach Waltteri Immonen and ended up hanging around her section (and getting chirped by her kids). When someone claimed the seat I had stolen, I tried to go down to the side of the Ranger end of the ice. I wanted to stand with the others at the back of the section but moments later stewards cleared everyone out. I went back around to near where I had been and slid in with the wheelchair fans. Eventually I saw the stewards let people fill in back where I was - they had too as the standing room areas were packed like sardines and plenty of paying customers couldn't see the ice.
*One puck, two tee shirts and a team flag? 130 USD. And you thought Dolan was bad. Plus the team shop did not accept credit cards - the merch stands I get, but the team store? That is insane! But apparently it wasn't a problem for the posh people of Zug as they sold out of commemorative scarves and pucks and the special orange (ewww) sweater was flying off the shelves. A replica sweater, with sublimated dye and no player name, for something like 175 USD. Ridiculous.
*There was a lot of totally random jerseys around the arena. I can understand the Habs and Islanders ones as the Swiss worship Mark Streit but some were really odd: Cam Neely throwback B's, Jonathan Toews Hawks home, Vinny Lecavalier Bolts third and a Mark Giordano Flames Winter Classic. I spoke to the Lecavalier kid and he wore it to the game because he is a big fan of John Tortorella from the coach's Tampa days.
And now the Rangers move on to Stockholm where things are gonna get real, yo. I have a few more days here in Switzerland before heading back to Sweden so I won't have anything in this space about the Blueshirts practices. Sorry.
Preseason: EVZ 8, Rangers 4 - A Rollercoaster of a Preseason Game
Preseason games in the National Hockey League (NHL) serve as a testing ground for teams to evaluate their rosters, experiment with strategies, and fine-tune their gameplay. They are an opportunity for players to showcase their skills, fight for roster spots, and get back into the groove of professional hockey. In this article, we'll delve into the preseason matchup between the New York Rangers and EV Zug (EVZ), a Swiss professional ice hockey team. This high-scoring game left fans with plenty to dissect and ponder as the regular season approaches.
Table of Contents
The Importance of Preseason Games
Evaluating Roster Depth
Trying Out New Strategies
The New York Rangers: A Preseason Overview
Building Anticipation for the Regular Season
Notable Performances
EV Zug: A Swiss Hockey Powerhouse
Understanding Swiss Hockey
The EVZ Roster
The Preseason Matchup: EVZ vs. Rangers
A Wildly Entertaining Game
Key Takeaways
The Road Ahead for Both Teams
Preparing for the Regular Season
Goals and Challenges
FAQs: Common Questions About Preseason Hockey
1. The Importance of Preseason Games
Evaluating Roster Depth
Preseason games are crucial for NHL teams to assess the depth of their rosters. Coaches need to make tough decisions about which players will make the final cut and contribute during the regular season. Preseason performances can make or break a player's chances of securing a spot on the team.
Trying Out New Strategies
Teams often use preseason games to experiment with different strategies, line combinations, and special teams units. It's a chance to iron out any kinks and discover what works best before the stakes are higher in the regular season.
2. The New York Rangers: A Preseason Overview
Building Anticipation for the Regular Season
The New York Rangers entered the preseason with high hopes and anticipation. Fans were eager to see how the team would perform after making significant offseason moves, including player acquisitions and coaching changes.
Notable Performances
Several Rangers players stood out during the preseason, showcasing their skills and making strong cases for roster spots. These standout performances are essential for building team morale and confidence.
3. EV Zug: A Swiss Hockey Powerhouse
Understanding Swiss Hockey
Switzerland has a rich hockey tradition, and the Swiss National League (NL) is one of Europe's top professional hockey leagues. EV Zug, based in the picturesque town of Zug, is a perennial contender in the NL and boasts a dedicated fan base.
The EVZ Roster
EV Zug's roster is a mix of Swiss and international talent. Preseason games against NHL teams provide valuable experience and exposure for EVZ players, offering a taste of the level of competition in North America.
4. The Preseason Matchup: EVZ vs. Rangers
A Wildly Entertaining Game
The preseason game between EV Zug and the New York Rangers turned out to be a high-scoring and entertaining affair. Both teams displayed offensive prowess, leading to numerous goals and thrilling plays. The game provided a glimpse of the skill and excitement that hockey fans can expect in the upcoming NHL season.
Key Takeaways
This preseason matchup highlighted various aspects of both teams' gameplay. It showcased the Rangers' offensive depth and the ability of EV Zug to compete against NHL competition. Additionally, it raised questions about defensive strategies and goaltending for both teams.
5. The Road Ahead for Both Teams
Preparing for the Regular Season
With the preseason behind them, both the New York Rangers and EV Zug are gearing up for their respective regular seasons. The Rangers will look to carry the momentum and lessons from preseason into their quest for success in the NHL. EV Zug will draw on their experience against NHL competition to bolster their performance in the Swiss NL.
Goals and Challenges
The road ahead presents goals and challenges for both teams. The Rangers aim to secure a playoff spot and make a deep postseason run, while EV Zug seeks to compete for the Swiss NL championship. Balancing the demands of a long season, injuries, and adapting to evolving competition will be among the challenges they face.
6. FAQs: Common Questions About Preseason Hockey
Q1: Are preseason games as important as regular-season games?
A1: Preseason games serve as a crucial preparation phase for NHL teams, helping them evaluate players, strategies, and systems. While the results don't count in the standings, the lessons learned can be invaluable for the regular season.
Q2: Why do NHL teams play preseason games against European teams?
A2: NHL teams often play preseason games against European teams to broaden their exposure and provide European fans with the opportunity to see NHL talent in action. It's also a way to promote the global growth of the sport.
Q3: How do coaches decide which players make the final roster after preseason?
A3: Coaches assess players based on their performance, fitness, adherence to team systems, and overall contribution during preseason. Factors like player chemistry, special teams roles, and positional needs also play a role in roster decisions.
Preseason hockey is a thrilling precursor to the main event of the NHL season. The game between EV Zug and the New York Rangers served as a reminder of the passion, skill, and entertainment that hockey brings to fans around the world. As both teams prepare for their respective regular seasons, the lessons learned and experiences gained in preseason will be invaluable. Whether in North America or Europe, hockey continues to captivate audiences and set the stage for a season filled with excitement, surprises, and memorable moments.
