Preseason: Rangers 5, Senators 4 (shootout)

They win and they win and they win ... and it doesn't mean a damn thing. The Blueshirts blew a 2-0 lead, then rallied to tie the game twice before prevailing in a shootout against the Senators. It was a nice spectacle for the meager Garden crowd but little more. As the two teams play again in a few hours, I will make this brief:

*Cavemen looked to the skies, saw Haley's Comet and were awed by the beauty, never to be seen again in their lifetime. I now know how they feel. I saw Derek Boogaard score a goal. The big goon is a horrible hockey player who has shown a whole lotta nothing in the preseason before tonight but he scored a stunner of a goal to tie the game at three. Seeing as he scored his last regular season goal on January 7th of 2007, it was quite the shocker. But it must be said, he now has one more goal than he has fights so far.

*Fellow fourth liner Brian Boyle pretty much cemented his position on the team with a goal and a great performance. Sure his ugly shot should have been stopped by Brian Elliott but you have to give him credit for getting the puck on net. And Boyle showed some good skill in the Ranger end on the penalty kills.

*At least Boyle played well there, because the blueliners were a whole lotta horrible. Steve Eminger saw a fair amount of ice time and didn't come close to playing at the level of Pavel Valentenko or Mike Sauer. If Sather/Torts stand up and make their moves based on merit, Eminger will do as I yelled in the third period - "go to Hartford, go directly to Hartford, do not pass go, do not collect any of my season ticket money." I know, no chance of that last one happening but we can hope that the bus league is in his future.

*Matt Gilroy and Michael Del Zotto were also both atrocious in the Ranger end but at least they bring something else. They move the puck, they can work the power play ... Ryan McDonagh certainly showed his abilities but he doesn't seem to have the strength yet to be the big tough defender we are hoping for. He can't play alongside Hobey or MDZ but perhaps could be a fit with Marc Staal - he of the gorgeous goal on this night. I was sure it was Avery but damned if it wasn't Staalsie. What a goal.

*Derek Stepan scored a shorty during regulation as well as a shootout tally while Erik Christensen simply scored in the shootout. So who do you go with? Stepan saw 22 minutes of ice time, Christy 13, so which do you think the Ranger brass want to go with? Frankly I take both over Arty Anisimov but that's me.

*Others worth noting was Hank, who could hardly be faulted for three of the four goals against, and Brandon Prust, who had two assists - including the set up on the Boogyman's amazing goal. Sure the goal itself wasn't that amazing, just that Boogey scored it. That being said, I want to see him fight, not score. Maybe tonight ...

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Preseason: Rangers 5, Red Wings 1

Oh man, oh man, oh man. If only this was the regular season. The Rangers improved to 3-1 in the preseason by absolutely dominating Detroit's b-team, as my buddy Eric called them. The Blueshirts controlled the puck, controlled the pace of play, were strong in their own zone and put in some pretty goals. Who could ask for anything more?

Well, me, for one.

All I am asking for is that they play this way during real play, against real teams. It would be nice to believe that this stellar exhibition season is a sign of things to come but we all know that it is virtually meaningless. That being said, some notes on the night:

*All food and drink, from what I have seen, is more expensive at the Garden. Gotta pay for the renovation somehow ... sadly the real fans won't be around to enjoy the fruit of their money's labour but that is another post for another time. Granted, it may be worth all of the extra money as I heard Micheletti was atrocious yet again.

*There was a sizable crowd - more than there were for the Devils game. And the best parts of it? No Dancing Larry and only one Potvin Sucks Whistle.

*The most important thing to come out of the evening was a return to form by Henrik Lundqvist. After looking horrible in his first exhibition match Hank looked quite solid in this one. There were two plays where he extended his legs going cross crease where I gasped but he bounced right up and showed no signs of soreness. Thank freakin' goodness, we're screwed if we have to rely on Islander Biron.

*His counterpart, Jimmy Howard, was horrible. And because of that it is hard to judge the Ranger goals - he looked like he wasn't comfortable in the least. Granted, the defensive corps in front of him so clearly missed the steady presence of the greatest defenseman of our generation, Nick Lidstrom. Down the line though, you can see the Detroit defense will be in good hands with Jakub Kindl and Brendan Smith once they develop a little more. Very impressed with Smith.

*If it is tough to judge our offense because of their defense, then it was also tough to judge our defense because of their offense. Without Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Holmstrom and Cleary Detroit's forwards had little finish. Franzen was bad, Bertuzzi was barely there and Hudler was horrendous.

*But even with the Wings missing their top talent, I was still able to make some observations. Sauer and Valentenko are really making it tough on the Ranger brass for who to keep. Both played solid defense, limited the mistakes and contributed to the offense. In an ideal world, they would both be kept while Rozsival would join Redden down in Hartford. Rozy made several bad passes and he made a classic Redden play, fumbling the puck at the blueline on the power play without any pressure around him. I would rather deal with some growing pains with the kids than deal with more mental mistakes from the overpaid millionaire. MDZ was far better in his own end than he was in his previous appearance and deserves some accolades for that (see, I admitted it Bob!), as well as his ever-present offensive acumen.

*Todd White, have fun in Hartford. It wasn't like Erik Christensen was particularly good but White was weak. He needed to step up his game and, frankly, he didn't. Granted he was saddled with Prust and Boogaard but you would skill like to see more out of the veteran. He didn't see a second of penalty killing time but that isn't his fault, Torts needs to see if this guy can do more than a little north-south skating between two goons.

*Boogaard, by the way, will never again have the scoring chances that he had on this night and he couldn't score on them. So thus far this preseason he hasn't fought, he hasn't scored, he can barely skate ... and we have four years of him. Thankfully Ottawa has Jarkko Ruutu, Chris Neil and Frank Lessard so we are almost certain to see Boogaard do what he is getting paid for this weekend.

*Sean Avery didn't get an assist on Derek Stepan's goal but it was his hard work that kept the play alive. He has been nothing short of fantastic this preseason, shaking my fears that he would lose his job. Of course, I thought he would lose it to Fedotenko, and the two actually complimented each other well in this game.

*Frolov, Gabby and Stepan made for a good line so it would be nice to see them together come opening night. So here is the team I would like to see when the puck drops for real:

Frolov-Stepan-Gabby
Dubi-Christy (Drury)-Cally
Avery-Prospal-Fedotenko
Kennedy-Anisimov-Prust

Whatcha think?

Quick Look At The Cuts

I vented a little bit on Twitter but figured I would add some analysis here...

PLAYERS ASSIGNED TO HARTFORD (AHL) ON 9/27/10:
Goal (1): Chad Johnson
Defense (1): Wade Redden
Forward (6): Dane Byers*, Evgeny Grachev, Kris Newbury*, Dale Weise, Jeremy Williams*, Mats Zuccarello
* Player must clear waivers prior to being assigned to Hartford

Wade Redden, hahahaha. If Wade ends up in Hartford I will actually be quite disappointed. As mentioned in this space multiple times, I really think he should head overseas. Why let his stink of failure infect the kids on the farm? They will start to believe that they too can play mediocre hockey and make big money, and we simply can't have that.

As for the rest of the guys, we are certain to see at least some of them down the road. It is disappointing Zuccarello was sent down but it is probably best - he can continue to adjust to North American hockey outside of the critical eye of New York. From all indications, he will make the show sooner rather than later. Grachev on the other hand ... well, I don't have the faith that others do but - as has been pointed out to me - he is just 20 years old so there is plenty of time. Weise wasted a chance to make the show but he also a youngster so patience and hard work may pay off down the road. Johnson definitely needs to get his head straight and stop giving up soft goals. Byers, Newbury and Williams will be the leadership core of the Pack/Whale this year. Both Byers (Hartford's captain) and Newbury showed that they can skate with the big boys if the injury bug takes its toll on the Rangers.

PLAYERS RELEASED FROM TRYOUT AGREEMENT ON 9/27/10:
Defense (3): Garnet Exelby, Brandon Manning, Alexei Semenov

As I tweeted, I wonder where Semenov's wife will let him play now. His size is intoxicating but he simply isn't that good. Hands of cement, skates of cement ... Exelby seemed to have a head of cement and blew perhaps his last chance at a NHL job. Manning, well, who?

PLAYERS STILL IN NEW YORK RANGERS TRAINING CAMP:
Goal (2): Martin Biron, Henrik Lundqvist
Defense (9): Michael Del Zotto, Steve Eminger, Matt Gilroy, Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh, Michal Rozsival, Michael Sauer, Marc Staal, Pavel Valentenko
Forward (16): Artem Anisimov, Sean Avery, Derek Boogaard, Brian Boyle, Ryan Callahan, Erik Christensen, Chris Drury, Brandon Dubinsky, Ruslan Fedotenko, Alex Frolov, Marian Gaborik, Tim Kennedy, Vinny Prospal, Brandon Prust, Derek Stepan, Todd White

Probably the biggest surprise here, for me at least, is that the Rangers kept Sauer in camp - and it is a pleasant surprise as I've been rooting for this kid to come through for a while. Still, it will be tough for him to make the next batch of cuts with the group of blueliners around him. The Rangers may or may not carry seven defensemen but if they do, there are three spots for Eminger, Hobey, McD, Sauer and Valentenko. Of those five McD is almost a certainty and Hobey has looked great. Valentenko's toughness has been impressive but the bosses surely want Eminger's experience around ... Wednesday night will be interesting.

Up front there are 16 players for 12 spots, maybe 13 or 14 depending on what Torts wants to carry. Vinny Prospal has lucked out with his injury - what timing - so he hasn't had to fight for his job. Rather than Fedotenko threatening Vaclav for his spot, it looks like he is battling Avery and maybe even Kennedy. Kennedy was far better on the wing than down the middle, and Boyle was better in the middle than on the wing. Having Kennedy, Boogey and Prust allows the Rangers to play matchups with their fourth line. I would say Stepan is certain to make opening night with Drury out. So at least one player will be cut and my guess is either White or Christy. Wednesday will be quite interesting ...

Preseason: Red Wings 5, Rangers 3

Another day, another preseason game. And sadly, a loss.

But seeing as the 5-3 defeat at the hands of Detroit was just another exhibition, the final result is of little consequence. What happened and how the individual Rangers played was what was important - and it was clearly a game of individuals for the Blueshirts. With a few exceptions, there was little line chemistry up front and there was absolutely none on the blueline. So just how did those individuals do?

The Standouts:
*Sean Avery: A night after his antics went a bit over the top, Avery reined in his emotions and played a smart game. He still harassed the Wings, but he managed to go penalty-free while remaining involved in the flow of the game. And he got a goal for his efforts and his willingness to work the front of the crease. I've repeated it again and again and again and again and again and again, if you pay the price, good things happen.

*Pavel Valentenko: Yes he was a step too slow. Yes he made mistakes. But when he saw Tomas Holmstrom camping out in front of the Ranger net he went after him. I will gladly take the two minutes shorthanded in return for the message being sent - get the hell away from our goaltender.

*Alex Frolov: During a pre-recorded interview, Avery said that Frolov was underrated defensively and I can see why. The Russian is responsibly in his own end and good positionally. In this game it resulted in the shorthanded two-on-one that got Arty a goal.

*Ryan McDonagh: Wade who? McD played nearly 25 minutes and certainly showed NHL ability. He suffered a bit from the rotating partners but once he settles in, he will be a capably and reliable part of the Blueshirt blueline.

The No-Shows:
*Both goaltenders: Martin Biron and Chad Johnson both allowed bad goals, with Johnson's horrible showing on the Holmstrom shot being the worst of the worst. That is two terrible goals in two periods of work by DosNueve so he has bought his ticket to Hartford. And, if reports are to be believed, he will even be pushed for his starting job there by Cam Talbot. Biron was still rusty but let's face it, it will take him time to get the stink of the Islanders off.

*Evgeni Grachev: Perhaps I have been a bit hasty labeling him Pavel Brendl II, I am willing to admit that. Grachev is still a kid so he still has time to avoid the bust label, but he isn't doing himself any favours. You can teach a lot of things in hockey, but you can't teach desire. A player has to have the drive to succeed and the confidence that comes with it if he is going to make the show. By all on-ice indications to date, Grachev doesn't have either.

*Alexei Semenov: Semenov is big. Semenov is slow. Semenov is going to develop a hump the way he skates. He lumbers around hunched over, making himself seem smaller than he really is - exactly the opposite of what he should be doing. Management is enamoured with his size but if Frankenstein can't play big, he shouldn't play at all.

As for some of the other guys, Mats Zuccarello is making strides towards adjusting to NHL play but he clearly isn't there yet. Erik Christensen had a back-and-forth game and his top-line position is certainly being threatened by Derek Stepan. As dynamic as Brian Boyle was against the Devils, he looked one-dimensional and outright incompetent at times against Detroit. Mike Sauer wasn't able to keep up with the Wings' pace but I really don't want to write him off just yet.

Torts said that a wave of cuts are likely for Monday and we will see who is standing after that. The building blocks are here for a respectable team this season but, as we just saw, the Rangers are still not even close to the elite talents in the NHL.

Preseason: Rangers 5, Devils 4 OT

On a day where the Rangers lighten our hearts with the wonderful news that Wade Redden was waived, it is hilariously sad that the Blueshirts blueline looked absolutely horrific in the face of the Devils. But all of that would matter if the Rangers played a NHL game tonight but the silly exhibition in Jersey was certainly not.

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.

Preseason: Rangers 4, Devils 3 OT

Sure it was over 80 degrees in New York today but even the heat couldn't stifle the excitement of hockey finally returning to the Garden. And while many of us would have just been happy to see some pucks, the Rangers beat the Devils in a - dare I say it? dare, dare - thrilling 4-3 overtime game.

Oh there was rust and sloppy play, don't get me wrong, but both teams came out strong and played fun, end-to-end hockey. Seven goals, two fights and one failure nicknamed Fatso made for a nice night out.

So I just turned on the television to watch Ranger Rewind and see if I miss anything and the voices of Sam, Joe and Chico doing commentary start making my skin crawl. Several people had texted me during the game to tell me they were the broadcast team but you just can't wrap your mind around just how annoying they are unless you actually hear them. Wow.

Since I can't bare to listen to them cackle, I will just do a quick Ranger-by-Ranger scouting report from what I saw from section 329. Besides, it was a preseason game, there is no point in harping on individual moments...

*Marty Biron: Was hardly tested and yet allowed two goals. He seemed to have a bit of rust that should shake off over the preseason. Still, at this point, I find it hard to root for the former Islander and Flyer.

*Derek Boogaard: He's big. And we certainly should get used to the theatrics of tonight where he lumbered around, threatened to fight PL3 and did nothing. He had a few big checks but I'm not sure they were lined up so much as the big man not being able to stop.

*Brian Boyle: Man was I ready to dump on him. He was so soft and he played so ugly we called him Susan last season. This time around, well, let's hope he can replicate tonight's effort down the line. A few big hits, a solid showing in a fight (despite being jumped by Mair) and one sexy goal. Brian Boyle. Wow. Keep in mind though that he played like this when he debuted in LA in February of '08 and then turned into Susan.

*Erik Christensen: Christy showed some flashes of skill and even had a moment or two of that chemistry with Gabby we saw last spring but he is definitely a ways away from regular season form.

*Brandon Dubinsky: Dubi disappeared for several stretches of the night but when you noticed him, you noticed him. Good size, good hands, good drive.

*Ruslan Fedotenko: Another performance like this and my worries that he will take Sean Avery's job will go away. The Tank didn't play like he had much left in the tank. He kept his legs moving but he didn't go particularly fast, didn't go far and didn't achieve much along the way. He did bump Mmmaaarrtttyyy, giving the goaltender his opportunity to try out for Canada's 2012 Olympic diving team.

*Alex Frolov: His opportunism was awesome - that steal and goal basically sent Fatso into cardiac shock. Frolov's skill has never been questioned, his drive has. He was willing to put his big body in front to block Brodeur and payed the price for it but whether it was just a good first impression or a sign of things to come will help determine just how far the Rangers can go this year.

*Marian Gaborik: My buddy texted me after the game asking where were those two goals back in April and I laughed. Upon further thought, he's right. But why couldn't he come up with those goals during crunch time? He was tired from the Olympics and other teams could key in on him and shut down the Rangers. If Frolov comes through, Gabby will have more of the time and space to score like he did tonight.

*Dan Girardi: I'm pretty sure he was the screen in front on the Zajac goal but that's ok. We know what he can do and he just needs to shake off the rust and re-find the chemistry with Staalsie.

*Chad Johnson: For 18 minutes and 14 seconds I was hugely impressed with him and upset that the Rangers went out and robbed him a chance of backing up Hank. Then he gave up a Michael Leighton-esque softie that forced overtime. DosNueve was strong on his skates, good with his positioning and anticipation ... and then let a goal go through his legs. Unacceptable.

*Tim Kennedy: Despite watching at least a dozen Sabre games last season, I really didn't realize just how small he was. Kennedy got bumped from the puck a few times and did absolutely nothing on the power play but he showed good quickness. He still has plenty to prove over the rest of preseason.

*Ryan McDonagh: Um, Mr. Redden? Your services won't be needed any longer, thanks. After a shakey start that saw him take a bad penalty, McD shook it off and played with a poise beyond his years. His timing was good, his decision making was good, his positioning was good ... my biggest concern will be if he can avoid hitting the post-collegiate wall the way Hobey did last year.

*Brandon Prust: Prust disappointed in the offensive end but came through in the tough guy department, even if he pulled that one-hand-on-the-glass nonsense that he did when he first came to the Rangers. He won his fight by decision but could be more than just a top middleweight, a solid power forward - something he showed alongside Arty and Shelley late last year.

*Michal Rozsival: Ya know, it is hard to find flaws in his performance. Rozy was reluctant to shoot but was far more decisive with the puck than he has been in a long time. As long as he keeps that up and avoids any kind of idiocy in his own end, he can avoid the derisive boos from the last two seasons.

*Michael Sauer: If there was one Ranger I wanted to see succeed it was Sauer and he disappointed. Sauer took himself out of position to make a few hits and also took a bad penalty. The rest of the time he quietly went about clearing the puck but if he is going to be one dimensional, he has to be perfect at that one dimension.

*Alexei Semenov: Lurch is big but not all that tough. He proved again he was quite capable at a simple style of defense but he showed that last season too. He is nothing better than a seventh defenseman, if that.

*Marc Staal: A clear case of rust. Staal was mostly solid but made a few mental mistakes that won't happen once he gets his skates under him.

*Derek Stepan: Like McD, Stepan had a shakey start but overcame it and showed a very, very good awareness of the ice. His passing was top notch and his positioning was pretty good but I'm not sure he is ready to be a prime time player just yet - have to see more over the next few weeks.

*Dale Weise: Another disappointment. Weise has good size and knows how to use it but he didn't seem to get his skates under him. He would get going, the play was turn in another direction and he had trouble adjusting. He was just a step too slow for my taste and will have to put the pieces together if he is to avoid Dane Byers' fate - NHL-caliber drive and strength but AHL thought processes.

*Mats Zuccarello: How can you not root for the little guy? The Devils went after Zuccarello on his first few shifts, giving him a rude welcome to the NHL. When he finally realized that looking for the ref to make a call was a waste of time, Zuke was far better. His stick seems to be taller than he is but he puck handled well and got off a few good chances. He will need to convert a few of them and keep showing his ability to adapt to the NHL game if he is to catch on but the talent is there.

Programming note: I won't be there on Saturday in Newark but should be able to do a quick write-up. Frankly, the only thing I want the Rangers to get out of it is a healthy Hank.

 Rangers Triumph Over Devils 4-3 in Preseason Overtime Thriller

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The preseason serves as a tantalizing preview of what's to come in the NHL regular season, and the matchup between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils didn't disappoint. In a thrilling contest that saw the Rangers emerge victorious with a 4-3 overtime win, both teams showcased their potential, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the start of the regular season. In this article, we'll delve into the key moments, standout performances, and what this game signifies for both the Rangers and the Devils.

Game Highlights:

Kreider's Captaincy: This preseason game marked Chris Kreider's debut as the Rangers' captain, and he led by example. Kreider's leadership, both on and off the ice, was palpable. His physicality, speed, and scoring touch set the tone for the Rangers.

Young Guns Shine: The Rangers' young stars, including Alexis Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko, showcased their immense potential. Lafrenière's playmaking ability and Kakko's scoring touch were on full display, highlighting the Rangers' bright future.

Devils' Defensive Prowess: The Devils' defense, led by Dougie Hamilton and Ryan Graves, displayed its strength. They limited the Rangers' chances and contributed offensively. Hamilton's presence on the power play was particularly noteworthy.

Special Teams Battle: Both teams struggled on the penalty kill, with each conceding power-play goals. While it's preseason, tightening up their special teams will be a priority for both the Rangers and the Devils.

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 Captaincy: Chris Kreider's performance as captain was a positive sign for the Rangers. His leadership and offensive contributions are essential for the team's success.

Young Stars Shine: Alexis Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko's strong performances indicate that they're ready to take on more significant roles in the regular season. Their development is crucial for the Rangers' offensive depth.

Goaltending Depth: Igor Shesterkin's solid performance in net reaffirms the Rangers' confidence in him as their starting goaltender. Alexandar Georgiev's presence provides valuable depth.

Defensive Improvements: While the Rangers' defense showed promise, there's room for improvement, particularly on the penalty kill. Solidifying their defensive structure will be crucial.

Implications for the Devils:

Despite the loss, the Devils had their moments in this preseason matchup:

Dougie Hamilton's Impact: Dougie Hamilton's addition to the Devils' blue line was evident. His offensive prowess and defensive stability will be vital for the team's success.

Young Talent: The Devils' prospects, including Dawson Mercer and Jesper Boqvist, demonstrated their potential. Developing these young players will be a key focus for the organization.

Special Teams Potential: The Devils' power play showed promise, with Hamilton quarterbacking it effectively. Enhancing their special teams' efficiency will be crucial.

Goaltending Dilemma: Mackenzie Blackwood's solid performance highlighted the importance of strong goaltending. Managing the goaltending tandem between Blackwood and Jonathan Bernier will be essential.

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The preseason showdown between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils provided fans with a taste of the excitement and competition to come in the regular season. With standout performances from established stars and emerging talents, it left fans on both sides eagerly anticipating the start of the NHL season. As both teams continue to fine-tune their strategies and rosters, the stage is set for an enthralling season of hockey rivalry and competition.

First Ranger Game Tonight!!

Sure it's only preseason but still ...

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