At least it’s only preseason. In their final tune up at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the Rangers were crowned by the Kings 4-1. The same two teams played Vegas in 1991. That was a stark contrast with John Vanbiesbrouck admitting to Al Trautwig that it was so humid out that dehydration was a legit concern in 85 degree temps outside. Good thing the rematch was played inside in front of over 11,000. Even if it was 11 degrees cooler, it didn’t help the Rangers win.

Playing their fourth road game over five days, Alain Vigneault went with a mixed bag. He gave top three defensemen Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi and Marc Staal the night off. It showed right away. Off the opening faceoff, Anze Kopitar went around Anton Stralman beating Henrik Lundqvist 15 seconds in. A night after being chased by Vancouver for five goals, he allowed four over three periods. A blueline that included regulars Stralman, Mike Del Zotto, John Moore along with Conor Allen, Stu Bickel and Justin Falk struggled mightily. The latter three were vying for the seventh D. Bickel showed toughness fighting Jordan Nolan. Falk remains the favorite even though he’s been up and down. Allen likely will start in Hartford.

Special teams weren’t good. The Rangers allowed two power play goals while not getting much accomplished on their own. They gave up dangerous shorthanded chances. A theme throughout a long unorganized road trip. Unorganized because they haven’t looked sharp. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to travel. Unfortunately, the MSG renovation has them on the road for the first nine games. It still doesn’t explain why it was necessary to play the bulk of their exhibition schedule in Western Canada. The charity golf tournament that raised money for Calgary was a noble gesture. I just wonder how quickly they’ll recover. Back home for a few days, they head West again to begin the season.

Jeff Carter and Mike Richards each scored on the power play for the Kings. Carter made it 2-0 when he had all day to deke Lundqvist and slide the puck in an open side. If there was a bright spot, it was the play of J.T. Miller along with kids Jesper Fast, Marek Hrivik and Oscar Lindberg. After being called out by Vigneault along with the ghost of Chris Kreider, Miller redirected a Stralman point shot past Jonathan Quick that cut the deficit to 2-1. A neat deflection by a poised 20-year old who deserves to make the team. The 2011 first round pick has played on the left wing. He’s more active than Kreider, who still has a tendency to disappear. It’s hard to say what they should do with him. The other rookies have been more noticeable. Lindberg was involved picking up an assist on Miller’s tally. He also was part of their best line flanked by Fast and Hrivik. Of the three, Fast is the one who looks most ready. If there’s one positive, it’s that the Rangers have more young talent than previously thought. They’ll have reinforcements at Hartford.

Brandon Mashinter had another scrap but took a costly penalty that led to Richards beating Lundqvist with a clean wrist shot from the point. He’s mighty tough and could be a player Vigneault calls upon at some point this season. But you can’t lose discipline. With Arron Asham showing enough to make the roster, Mashinter will be ticketed for Hartford. What to do with Darroll Powe and Taylor Pyatt? There’s more of a case for Powe, who brings penalty killing and defensive awareness. An area that’s been lacking. Improved strength has helped. He can be a valuable extra forward. With Dominic Moore and Brian Boyle, is there really a need for Pyatt? How many fourth liners can they carry? Assuming Asham makes it along with Powe, Pyatt could be the odd man out. If they want to change the identity, then keep Miller and Fast to start the year. They’ve earned it.

At this point, Ryan Callahan is pushing for Thursday’s season opener at Phoenix. He’s cleared for contact and returns tomorrow along with Derek Stepan. Carl Hagelin is further away. Trying to figure out the 23-man roster is hard because they still need to get back to the cap. They’re $294,167 over. So, it comes down to roster cuts. It will work itself out.

One other note from yesterday. Rick Nash continues to baffle. Whether it’s holding onto the puck looking to go 1 on 4 or failing to hustle back defensively leading to lazy penalties, he isn’t a complete player. Despite oodles of talent, the 40-goal scorer has demonstrated why the Blue Jackets got rid of him. There’s no doubt he’ll produce. He’s the Rangers’ best forward. It would be nice if Vigneault got into his head about the other part of the game. Defense is still important. Even the offensive minded coach has noted that. Similar to not being able to win low scoring contests consistently, you can’t win shootouts nightly. There has to be a balance. I’m not sure I’d play Nash with Brad Richards for too long. At least Richards tries to get back.

The Rangers finished preseason 1-5-0. Their only win came against the Flyers, who have struggled. I’m trying not to put too much stock in it because Vigneault kept a lot of guys around so he can familiarize himself with the organizational depth. There might be a benefit to that. If players struggle, he should have a better idea who to call up. It’s been echoed throughout. The team will become much harder to play against once Callahan, Stepan and Hagelin are part of it. They’re the toughest forwards on the roster. I’d like to see Callahan utilized in a similar role to Kreider on the power play. He’s effective in front and has deft touch. Hopefully, icing a full roster will allow the team to gel.