Even without top pick Kaapo Kakko, who remained out due to sickness, the Rangers had to be pleased with the play of their prospects in Traverse City. Following a disappointing 6-2 loss to the Blue Jackets on Friday, they responded well with a 7-4 win over the Stars last night.

Adam Fox led the way with five points including two goals. A strong showing for the 21-year old defenseman the Rangers traded for and signed. He’s been wearing number 23 for the team they sent to the prospect tournament that concludes next week.

I am not going to put a lot of stock in how the young kids perform. Of course, it’s always positive when a few of the key players the team is high on do well. However, we won’t really know until training camp and preseason how NHL ready they are. I’ll leave it at that.

Vitali Kravtsov scored on the power play. The 2018 first round pick seems to be a fun player on and off the ice. Something he displayed prior to the first game. At the end of the interview, when asked whose English is better, his or Kaapo, Kravtsov gave a funny answer.

Karl Henriksson was the first Ranger to get on the board to tie the score in the first period. It was a nice reply to Stars prospect Jason Robertson with Henriksson tipping in a Fox shot for his goal. He centered the first line of Kravtsov and Harvard grad Lewis Zerter-Gossage.

Russian defenseman Yegor Rykov also tallied his first of the tournament. It was a good wrist shot from the circle with Henriksson screening in front. That looks like the type of player Henriksson is. A hard working Swede who outworks opponents to get into the right spot.

The Rangers at one point had a 3-1 lead, but Dallas responded quickly with a pair to knot it up. Consecutive goals from Matthew Robertson and Fox restored a two goal lead. They earned the victory by putting it away in the third.

Sunday is an off day which is convenient for every big football fan. The real NFL season officially kicks off with the area locals both in action. The best part is both play in the afternoon. What a damn concept. The Jets host the Bills at 1 and the Giants visit the Cowboys later. Do they ever not play them in Week One?

I will also have a close eye on the men’s final at the US Open between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev. So, there’s plenty to watch.

As for Igor Shesterkin, he’s still adjusting. He didn’t have a good showing in the opening game. Adam Huska got the start in the second game.

Here’s Adam Fox discussing the victory after going 2-3-5.

Updating the Devils, they lost on Friday to the Sabres 6-4. Number one pick Jack Hughes scored though. Here’s how it looked.

https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1170134450610606080?s=19

Hughes also discussed the game afterwards. He is gonna be a delight for the Jersey side of the Rivalry.

https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1170161594887749632?s=19

In the Prospects Challenge yesterday, the Devils lost to the Penguins 2-1. Graeme Clarke got the lone tally. Hughes sat out.

https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1170426994305241089?s=19

That’s all for the prospects until Monday. I’ll have other NHL stuff later.