NHL Division Rankings and Playoffs

Posted on October 14, 2021 by Derek

With two nights in the books for a full NHL season, it’s time to take a closer look at how we see each division stacking up. Of course, this won’t be accurate because it’s nearly impossible to get everything right. So, I’ll just do it by ranking and then try my best to setup the playoffs.

One thing to remember. This doesn’t take the injury factor into account. Nor the COVID cases with it already costing Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon a game which his team still won.

Don’t forget that the four divisions are back along with the unconventional top three seeds plus two wildcards in each Conference. It’s never easy to predict. There are usually a few surprises that sneak up on us. Here goes nothing.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division

+1. Florida Panthers

*2. Tampa Bay Lightning

*3. Toronto Maple Leafs

#4. Boston Bruins

5. Montreal Canadiens

6. Detroit Red Wings

7. Ottawa Senators

8. Buffalo Sabres

Metropolitan Division

+1. Carolina Hurricanes

*2. New York Islanders

*3. Philadelphia Flyers

#4. New York Rangers

5. Washington Capitals

6. Pittsburgh Penguins

7. New Jersey Devils

8. Columbus Blue Jackets

+Division Winner

*Playoffs

#Wildcard

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Central Division

+1. Colorado Avalanche

*2. Dallas Stars

*3. Minnesota Wild

#4. St. Louis Blues

#5. Winnipeg Jets

6. Chicago Blackhawks

7. Nashville Predators

8. Arizona Coyotes

Northwest Division

+1. Vegas Golden Knights

*2. Edmonton Oilers

*3. Vancouver Canucks

4. Calgary Flames

5. Los Angeles Kings

6. Anaheim Ducks

7. Seattle Kraken

8. San Jose Sharks

+Division Winner

*Playoffs

#Wildcard

NHL PLAYOFFS

EAST

Division Semifinals

(M1) Hurricanes over (W2) Rangers

(M2) Islanders over (M3) Flyers

(A1) Panthers over (W1) Bruins

(A2) Lightning over (A3) Maple Leafs

Division Finals

Hurricanes over Islanders

Panthers over Lightning

Conference Finals

Hurricanes over Panthers

WEST

Division Semifinals

(C1) Avalanche over (W1) Blues

(C2) Stars over (C3) Wild

(N1) Golden Knights over (W2) Jets

(N3) Canucks over (N2) Oilers

Division Finals

Avalanche over Stars

Golden Knights over Canucks

Conference Finals

Golden Knights over Avalanche

Stanley Cup Finals

Hurricanes over Golden Knights

Conn Smythe Sebastian Aho

Art Ross Connor McDavid

Rocket Richard Auston Matthews

Hart Nathan MacKinnon

Norris Cale Makar

Vezina Darcy Kuemper

Selke Aleksander Barkov

Calder Trevor Zegras

Comeback Player Brian Boyle

Breakout Player Nick Suzuki

Best Signing Dougie Hamilton

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NHL ’21-22 Season Preview: Storylines to Follow

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Derek

A day into a new season following a good return to hockey for ESPN featuring one of the most iconic themes and the cool story behind it told by Justin Bieber, we get the introduction to the NHL On TNT tonight. It features a highly anticipated game between bitter rivals, pitting the Rangers against the Capitals in DC. Will there be fireworks 🎆🎇 between Ryan Reaves and Tom Wilson or is Jarred Tinordi going to have a rematch after avenging former Boston teammate Brandon Carlo last season? Hopefully, there will be good hockey too for Wayne Gretzky to analyze.

The bigger storyline is the Lightning. They already lost last night to the Crosby and Malkin less Penguins, who spoiled the fun of a nice Stanley Cup banner ceremony by winning 6-2. It still was memorable for the fans, who patiently waited two years to witness the first back-to-back champion since the Pens (’16 & ’17). Before that, you have to go all the way back to the Red Wings (’97 & ’98). Now, the Bolts aim for the first three peat since the Islanders dynasty. They won four straight from 1980 to 1983. Speaking of which, the current Islanders have unfinished business after coming so close to dethroning the Lightning last Spring. They’ll have captain Anders Lee back and the game’s oldest player in Zdeno Chara.

If the Lightning can win three in a row, they’ll have to accomplish it without the superb third line of Yanni Gourde, Barclay Goodrow and Blake Coleman. Some new faces will be asked to step up including former Hab veteran Corey Perry. The stars remain with a core that features Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Ondrej Palat, Ryan McDonagh, Anthony Cirelli and Alex Killorn. Most teams would kill to have half that nucleus. They’ll be in contention again with serious challenges coming from the Islanders, Panthers, Hurricanes, Maple Leafs and possibly the Bruins and Canadiens if they can succeed without Carey Price and Shea Weber. Big if.

There are up and coming teams such as the Rangers, who feel with key additions Goodrow, Sammy Blais and Reaves, can help make them a more complete team that’s ready to compete. It’ll still depend on the improvement from kids Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil, Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller with Igor Shesterkin a huge key. If you’re looking for potential surprises, maybe the Red Wings will be more competitive thanks to adding Nick Leddy and Alex Nedeljkovic. Keep an eye on Lucas Raymond. I’m not suggesting they’ll make the postseason, but they could be a bit improved. So should the Devils thanks to landing big fish Dougie Hamilton along with Ryan Graves to help their blue line. Is Dawson Mercer ready for prime time? Jack Hughes will need to have a breakout year while Nico Hischier stays healthy. We’ll see what happens with Mackenzie Blackwood, who still isn’t vaccinated. Jonathan Bernier was brought in for goalie help.

Out West, it looks like a two horse race between the Golden Knights and Avalanche, who still must prove they can overcome their second round woes. Colorado has a new starting goalie in Darcy Kuemper with Philipp Grubauer leaving for the brand new expansion Seattle Kraken. They gave Vegas a game last night even coming back to tie the game before losing 4-3 on an unlucky bounce. That’s hockey. It was a nice introduction with the Golden Knights putting on the fantastic show that makes it Vegas prior to opening puck drop.

Already, Nathan MacKinnon has COVID and won’t play in the Avalanche’s first game later. Even though the league is almost 100 percent fully vaxxed with only four players remaining to get the shot, there’ll still be positive cases throughout a full 82-game schedule. We know vaccinated can get it. Especially when they’re around so many people. In this case, teammates and opponents along with coaches and trainers. What at least is known is how to handle these cases so there isn’t a repeat of what happened between the Devils and Sabres. Asymptomatic cases shouldn’t be as bad as long as there isn’t a spread.

What can Cale Makar do over a full season? Ditto for Adam Fox, who won the Norris over 56 games last season. How excited are we to see what Oilers superstar tandem Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can do? Will one or both get 50 goals and how many points can McDavid reach? Is 150 possible? Edmonton will be exciting and should be a playoff lock in a weak division with only Vegas ahead of them. Who else makes it?

The Avalanche play in a better division featuring contenders Dallas, Winnipeg, Minnesota, St. Louis and Chicago, who should be improved with the additions of Marc-Andre Fleury and Seth Jones. Don’t forget captain Jonathan Toews is back. Add that to Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat and they have an exciting roster. Colorado is the class of the Central featuring MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen, Makar and wildcard Nazem Kadri. Will he again do something boneheaded to hurt his team? This is a very competitive division with only the lowly Coyotes looking like they’ll be very bad despite a few good players. Have you seen the goalies? Expect a good year from Eeli Tolvanen of Nashville, who are hoping Juuse Saros can carry the load in net.

Which of these teams can take third and fourth in the Northwest?Calgary with Jacob Markstrom looking for a bounce back season while the future for Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk look cloudy? The Canucks, who wisely got both Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes signed. It’ll depend largely on netminder Thatcher Demko, who has a better backup with Jaro Halak supplanting Braden Holtby. Bo Horvat remains an underrated center, who can do a bit of everything. They need Brock Boeser healthy. He isn’t to start the season. If he ever was 35 to 40 goals is possible. What about the promising Kings, who signed Phillip Danault and boast Arthur Kaliyev and Alex Turcotte to go with Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown and Jonathan Quick, who could be at the end. LA will be interesting. So should Anaheim despite looking not ready to return to the postseason. Trevor Zegras will turn heads and compete for the Calder Trophy along with the Habs’ Cole Caufield, Panthers goalie Spencer Knight and perhaps Vasili Podkolzin of Vancouver.

The Kraken have an experienced group led by Mark Giordano and Jaden Schwartz with a good goalie duo in Grubauer and Chris Driedger. The question will be scoring. They’ll rely on Jared McCann and a few others to surprise like Vegas had in ’17-18. The Sharks aren’t expected to do much. Not that they’ll be bad. They have proven performers like Logan Couture, Brent Burns, Erik Karlsson, Tomas Hertl, Timo Meier. But Evander Kane is under NHL investigation for a host of issues off the ice. He’s a good power forward. Right now, he’s not on the roster. They’re prepared to move forward without him. Can Adin Hill and veteran James Reimer keep enough pucks out of the net? Don’t bank on it. This could be a team that sells at the trade deadline with Hertl an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Is anyone worse than the Sabres? They did compete hard towards the conclusion of last year without former injured captain Jack Eichel. Eichel remains a headache for Buffalo fans with the star center wanting to be traded anywhere at this point. It’s a touchy issue with Eichel due to his neck injury. He wants to get a different surgery while the Sabres team doctors don’t. Whoever acquires him better hope he gets what he wants and can be ready to go by the second half. My bet is on either Vegas or Los Angeles. I honestly don’t expect him to play. This could be another Eric Lindros situation. Their starting goalie is Craig Anderson. It’s gonna be a long year in Western New York.

So, who will make the playoffs which unfortunately go back to the silly top three in each division and the two wildcards without reseeding. They need to change it back or adjust it. We’ll have rankings and playoff picks and more coming up later.

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Rangers Season Preview: Playoffs or Bust for more balanced roster

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Derek

Tonight is the beginning of the next chapter of Rangers hockey. Under new leadership with proven coach Gerard Gallant behind the bench and Team President and GM Chris Drury presiding over a more balanced roster, it’s playoffs or bust for the 2021-22 Blueshirts.

The talk is over. Now, it’s time for this 23-man roster they’re going with for now to back up their words. Actions speak louder than words. Gallant emphasizes an aggressive forechecking system that will include finishing checks and standing up for one another. With key additions to help toughen up the roster, these Rangers won’t back down. It’s what makes the super hyped season opener against Tom Wilson and the Caps on TNT so intriguing. What will happen? Will it distract from getting the all important result? It’s two points that’s most important.

For the most part, training camp and preseason went smoothly. Both Ryan Reaves and Ryan Strome avoided serious injuries. Unfortunately, the news that came down surrounding former first round pick Vitali Kravtsov is an unnecessary distraction for now. We’ll see how the organization handles an uncomfortable situation. One both sides are at fault for. The quicker they move forward, the better off everyone will be. It can’t turn into a long soap opera. What’s done is done. Kravtsov will likely be moving on. A disappointing result that could weaken the roster. However, it is more balanced. Let’s take a look at why.

FORWARDS

With Mika Zibanejad signed, that’s one less headache to worry about. Now, the top center can go about his business by helping lead the team on the ice. He said the playoffs are the focus. It’s a place they haven’t truly been since 2017. Both Zibanejad and Chris Kreider are the lone holdovers from that excruciating second round series loss to the Senators. They make up two-thirds of the first line which includes second-year left wing Alexis Lafreniere. With a year under his belt, the 2020 top pick is a key player to watch. Can he make an impact with Kreider shifting to the right side for now? He just turned 20. Lafreniere is a mature kid who has tremendous skill. We’ll see if he can continue to build off the final month of last season.

Kaapo Kakko is the key to the second line, or line one A. Looking leaner and faster, he had a good preseason. In his third year, the ’19 second pick is poised for a breakout year. Playing with Strome and superstar Artemi Panarin, who won’t have the preposterous false accusation he faced last year, Kakko has a chance to have a big season. He will get power play time and penalty kill under Gallant, who isn’t afraid to trust some of his young players. Speaking of young players, Filip Chytil is another important player for this team to succeed. Entering his fourth year, he is fresh off a hat trick in a warmup against the Islanders. It’s all about consistency for the third line pivot, who for now will be joined by proven winner Barclay Goodrow and Julien Gauthier. They’ll hope the bursts Gauthier shows will start to have results. Especially without Kravtsov.

Adding Sammy Blais, who also won a Cup in St. Louis, looks like a wise move. It was tough to subtract Pavel Buchnevich. But Drury was thinking long-term about the cost of extending Zibanejad and Adam Fox. The latter who will get a big contract soon. If Blais continues to bring the well rounded physical game like he did with the Blues, he’ll be a fan favorite. Don’t forget they also got a second round pick back. The active Blais hits hard. He could see power play time due to his willingness to drive the net. He’ll start with Kevin Rooney and popular former Golden Knight Ryan Reaves on the fourth line. This is a significant improvement from last year. It’s the kind of edgy line that will forecheck, bang and bring the energy that was often missing. Opponents notice Reaves when he’s out there. Dryden Hunt is the extra forward. He will get the nod on the third line for the Caps. He looks like a solid depth player who plays an honest game. Was keeping him and Libor Hajek worth the Kravtsov headache? Time will tell.

DEFENSEMEN

Adam Fox is the headliner of a blue line that will have a different look to it. Gone are Tony DeAngelo, Brendan Smith and pretty soon Hajek, who for some odd reason was kept on the roster because he’s waiver exempt. Whatever the case maybe, the top four remains intact. That means Ryan Lindgren teaming up with the rating Norris winner Fox, who looks to have an even better year. What can he do for an encore over a full 82? Gallant will try to manage his minutes more by leaning on K’Andre Miller and Jacob Trouba. Miller looked better in camp while Trouba had some issues. Hopefully, they get ironed out as he’s a key player at even strength and on the penalty kill. By adding Patrik Nemeth, who isn’t going to do anything crazy, he’ll be the guide for rookie Nils Lundkvist to lean on. The first round pick has the skating and offensive instincts to contribute. He’ll get second power play duty. The only question is how he’ll handle the workload in his end. He’s not a big guy. For now, the Rangers will carry eight defensemen with Jarred Tinordi the key extra who gets the call tonight over Lundkvist with Wilson in his sights. Keep an eye on Zac Jones, who begins in Hartford. The question is for how long.

GOALIES

The goalie portion is all about Igor Shesterkin. He’s the man. Interestingly, Henrik Lundqvist will get to take in some of his games. The former Ranger who’ll have his number retired, was hired by MSG Network as an intermission guest analyst for 20 games. That should be interesting to watch. With Shesterkin under a new contract that pays him well, he must be consistent and avoid the injury bug that’s plagued the early part of his career. Shesterkin is capable of having a good season. The Rangers are depending on him. Alex Georgiev is the backup. He wasn’t pleased with last season. Between the scuffle with DeAngelo following a miscommunication that cost the team a point, and some inconsistent play, he knows he must be better. The good thing is he and Shesterkin are the same age and can push each other. In today’s NHL, you need both goalies to be successful. This position must perform up to expectations to make the playoffs in a tough division.

COACHING

Gerard Gallant is a good hire. I won’t use the word great because I don’t want to do that. He’s a much more experienced bench boss than David Quinn, who at times treated the Rangers like a college team. That doesn’t work. Players are happy with Gallant so far. He’s very honest and has a dry sense of humor that will keep things loose. Having had amazing success in Vegas where his pupil Reaves was an integral part of the Golden Knights reaching a Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural year, Gallant won’t be afraid to push buttons. He also doesn’t seem shy about giving some young guys different roles. I like using Kakko on the penalty kill. Ditto for Blais, who is very active and good at takeaways. He also won’t be as up front with the media about some of his decisions for games. I like that. Too often, the people who cover the team try to interject themselves and play fantasy coach or GM. The buck stops with Turk.

PREDICTION

In a competitive Metropolitan Division that returns the contending Rangers South, the Hurricanes along with the Islanders, Capitals, Penguins and what should be the improved Flyers and Devils, the Rangers must take care of business in the key rivalry games. That means doing better versus the Islanders and breaking even against the Canes. There aren’t as many divisional games as there should be. But the four point and three point games matter. Especially over a full season. They must take advantage of the weaker competition and bank two points. In my mind, they can finish anywhere from third to sixth. It’ll depend on how well they handle the schedule. To be on the safe side, I have them fourth sneaking in as a wildcard.

New York Rangers 4th, Metro 94 Points

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Rangers and Kravtsov both to blame for avoidable situation

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Derek

Shortly after I posted my initial reaction to the startling news surrounding the Rangers and former ’18 first round pick Vitali Kravtsov, we learned something new about what feels like an untenable situation.

Of course, the organization went into full spin mode by leaking information to close ally and veteran Hall Of Fame hockey writer Larry Brooks of the New York Post. He broke the original story yesterday that Kravtsov refused to report to Hartford which meant the team decided to suspend him. That’s not all. Brooks got a tip from MSG that the 21-year old right wing who showed some promise in 20 games last season, that he thought he would be traded following an edgy exit interview.

Brooks obviously fed the nugget to Mollie Walker, who posted her story later on Tuesday that Kravtsov wanted to play in the top six last Spring. If true and there’s no reason not to believe it given Kravtsov’s track record, it doesn’t reflect well on the young player. Perhaps he got bad advice. In any event, he fired his agent and hired a new one. I guess it didn’t help. This is a player who hated being sent down to Hartford two years ago. Eventually, the organization reassigned him to his KHL team Traktor Chelyabinsk back home in Russia.

Kravtsov returned and after playing well in the KHL in ’20-21, the Rangers brought him back. He finally was called up and made his NHL debut. In the 20 games, while the two goals and two assists aren’t mind-blowing, the kid showed good instincts and the elite skating I recall him displaying at the Under 20 World Junior Championships. He was a good player for Russia. They even tried him at center with some success. My impression from watching him finally play for the Blueshirts was that he belonged. Despite former coach David Quinn using him on the fourth line at times, Kravtsov stood out due to his work habits and awareness. There were times Quinn moved him up for shifts.

The notion that he ‘floats’ during shifts sounds ridiculous. It reeks if something Glen Sather would make up to smear a young player on the outs with the team that drafted him under ex-GM Jeff Gorton. There’s also been banter about his off-season commitment. That also seems a bit much for a player they were happy to take ninth three years ago over Oliver Wahlstrom. Strange stuff. Is it due to how MSG operates under CEO James Dolan? Yes. They even did it to former captain Ryan Callahan before he was traded for Martin St. Louis. A very popular Ranger who was well respected by teammates and fans. Predictably, some fans turned in him because God forbid he wanted security with the NMC they hand out like candy. It was a typical Dolan operation after they sold many Captain Cally merchandise to those same fans. At least it worked out for both sides.

The same thing happened to former first round pick Lias Andersson, who thought he did enough to make the team a couple of years ago. Then, he got sent down and had a mental breakdown that resulted in Andersson going back home to Sweden. Of course, he was eventually traded to the Kings for a second round pick that turned into promising American Will Cuylle. At the very least, they look to have chosen well after mishandling another former first round pick who went number seven in ’17.

Asset management isn’t a strong suit for the Rangers. They seem to wind up in these uncomfortable situations all the time. Unless it’s a hyped prospect they are head over heels with to borrow a Tears For Fears hit song (they’re back!), this organization doesn’t handle every young player well. We saw what happened with Tony DeAngelo, who was railroaded due to a fracas with Alex Georgiev following a disappointing overtime loss to the Pens. I don’t feel like rehashing the whole thing because it had nothing to do with hockey. Now, we’re left wondering what the heck they’ll get back for a devalued player who they decided to out through Brooks and the damn Post. It makes me sick.

Good job. They not only screwed up with Kravtsov. But if they really knew he was so entitled about being guaranteed a good spot on the roster, then why didn’t Team President and GM Chris Drury shop him last summer? We didn’t hear a peep. At least Kravtsov had more value before this chaos. Now, who knows. He’s better than Andersson. If he matures and realizes nothing is handed to him, he can become a good player. The tools are there.

I hope he doesn’t turn into another Petr Nedved. Nedved did go into a solid NHL career, but it could’ve been so much better. He forced his way out of Vancouver following a contract holdout and was dealt to St.Louis. Nedved would eventually have two stints as a Ranger where he had some success. However, he never quite amounted to what they thought. His best season coming with the Mario Lemieux/Jaromir Jagr Pens when he went off for 45 goals and 99 points (career bests) in ’95-96. Following another productive year, they were happy to trade him to the Rangers for Alexei Kovalev. We know how that turned out. Revisionist history sure makes you think about some of the asinine decisions this team has made. Sergei Zubov and Nedved to Pittsburgh for Ulf Samuelsson and Luc Robitaille. Zubov, who went onto win another Cup with Dallas after the Pens gaffed by trading him for Kevin Hatcher. Yikes.

I can go on about the awfulness of the mid-90’s Rangers that lead directly to the franchise’s demise. It wasn’t only due to Neil Smith. But Colin Campbell, who I still hate. Unfortunately, Mark Messier falls into that category too. He’ll always be a hero for ’94. Without his leadership, the Rangers never win that Cup. Mike Keenan was a lunatic. However, Messier definitely had his imprints on some of the trades that didn’t pan out. At least he got to reteam with Wayne Gretzky for two years with a surprising run to the Conference Finals. Then, he left in bitter fashion for the Canucks in a move that was all about ego. That’s part of Messier.

Will Kravtsov actually rethink his decision and report to Hartford, or will he and his new agent find a team that wants him for a fair return? By that, the Rangers better not give him away. It’s still baffling that it reached this point. Kravtsov hasn’t responded to the news yet. It’s like he’s been cast out. What of the ridiculous decision to keep Libor Hajek for no good reason and hang onto Dryden Hunt over Kravtsov, who sure fills a void on the right side of Filip Chytil? Mystifying. This whole thing stinks like horse manure, or the garbage Manhattan has morphed into under the shortsighted leadership. Same difference. It is what it is.

I wish cooler heads had prevailed. Instead, they’re about to lose a talented player with potential. Whatever happens happens. I won’t change my view on this. I think Kravtsov obviously could’ve handled it better. But I understand his frustration. When you’re told one thing and then they rip out the rug from under you, it isn’t reassuring. It makes you wonder what the heck they’re doing.

They didn’t do that to the Golden Boy. Nils Lundkvist has been here 10 minutes and basically was handed a spot over Zac Jones, who I believe will be a better defenseman. I guess if you’re part of a lousy trade and come over, you don’t have to play a single game for the Wolf Pack. At least Jones has the right approach. He’s going to go down there and work hard. Maybe Kravtsov needs an attitude adjustment. The bottom line is both sides are at fault for this situation. One that could’ve and should’ve been avoided.

Common sense isn’t so common. Someone might want to relay that message to the circus at Penn Plaza. Send in the clowns.

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Rangers’ shortsighted thinking on roster could cost them the promising Kravtsov

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Derek

What a difference 24 hours makes. A day ago, I was very excited to post my half glass full expectations for an improved New York Rangers who begin play at old Patrick Division rival Washington on Tuesday night. While that should still be a box office draw for TNT, who debut their NHL coverage in just over 24 hours, the news that came down several hours ago was extremely disappointing.

Of course, I’m referring to the shortsighted decision by the Rangers organization to send down Vitali Kravtsov. When it was initially revealed by the beat reporters two nights ago, I didn’t have a good feeling. It felt wrong. That’s because the former 2018 first round pick belongs on the 23-man roster. A gifted player who is still only 21, the ninth pick of that NHL Draft showed some flashes of why Rangers brass like him towards the end of last season. Although he only was credited with two goals and two assists (really three if you recall the Devil game) in his first 20 NHL games, the right wing looked the part.

Maybe that’s why it’s so mind numbing that the organization foolishly kept ninth defenseman Libor Hajek and bit forward Dryden Hunt over him. Cutting Kravtsov, who only two years ago hated going to Hartford so much that he wound up back in Russia playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL, was not the wisest decision. Especially after what Team President and GM Chris Drury told Kravtsov a month ago before training camp. According to USA Today’s Vince Mercogliano, he felt the talented Russian would be on the roster. So, they didn’t include him as part of the brief Rookie Prospects games against the Flyers.

Fast forward to today’s news that Kravtsov not surprisingly didn’t report to Hartford. TSN insider Elliotte Friedman broke the story that the Rangers informed Kravtsov and his agent they have permission to seek a trade with other clubs. It really feels like a very stubborn idea that reeks of Glen Sather, whose dark shadowy ghost won’t go away from Madison Square Garden. So, they really want to throw away a good prospect who is said to have interested suitors, for a depth forward and a young defenseman, who’s blocked? If this seems logical, I’d like to hear why.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1447946815123435528?t=ZAlVTuBeTS5RZ01ydE_p9g&s=19

It’s disturbing how shortsighted this organization is. They’re so afraid of their shadow that they’d rather not lose Hajek or Hunt to waivers than keep Kravtsov, who scored a goal in his preseason return. Even Julien Gauthier, who I feel can have a role due to the flashes he shows, didn’t score in any tuneup. Explain to me what the heck is going on at Penn Plaza. Combine this puzzling news with the possibility that the Rangers will go with six alternates if you believe Gerard Gallant after he promised to name a captain, and you can’t help but wonder why this team operates the way it does.

Whatever optimism there is about the ’21-22 season is still there. But these two subjects aren’t going away if they don’t sit down with Kravtsov and do the right thing and keep him. This isn’t Lias Andersson. They’re not even in the same stratosphere. Oh btw Andersson had a good preseason with the Kings and made the roster. How’s Brett Howden doing these days in Vegas? He’ll start on the fourth line when they likely blow the doors off the Kraken on ESPN later tonight.

The second part would be surprising the press and fans on Thursday by introducing the new team captain at The Garden before they host the Stars. I felt that what Gallant told the media might be a smokescreen. But after this unnecessary chaos with Kravtsov, I’m not so sure anymore. They have to keep everyone in the dark second-guessing. That’s typical Sather. This doesn’t feel right. Nobody knows what’s happening. I thought those days had passed. Apparently not from an Original Six franchise that had no sense of humor if you follow their social media accounts.

The other thing that’s gripping is the way they could’ve handled it. Why the heck did they trade Pavel Buchnevich if they were going to give Kravtsov the shaft? They freed up spots for Kaapo Kakko, who’s looked primed for a breakout season, and Kravtsov, who should be on the third line with Filip Chytil and Barclay Goodrow. Instead, they look like they would prefer to weaken themselves over some silly waivers nonsense for a disappointment in Hajek, who is never going to play. No disrespect intended to Hajek,who probably is an NHL player. But he failed to live up to expectations like Howden after that Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller trade. Only Nils Lundkvist is left once Hajek goes. Karl Henriksson is a longshot down the line.

The roster for now looks like this:

CENTERS

Mika Zibanejad

Ryan Strome

Filip Chytil

Kevin Rooney

LEFT WINGS

Alexis Lafreniere

Artemi Panarin

Barclay Goodrow

Sammy Blais

RIGHT WINGS

Chris Kreider

Kaapo Kakko

Julien Gauthier

Ryan Reaves

Dryden Hunt

DEFENSEMEN

Adam Fox

Ryan Lindgren

Jacob Trouba

K’Andre Miller

Patrik Nemeth

Nils Lundkvist

Jarred Tinordi

Libor Hajek

GOALIES

Igor Shesterkin

Alex Georgiev

In regards to the current 23-man roster, I don’t feel it’s set in stone. Drury was actively looking to move Hajek. Or maybe I should rephrase it to desperately. I never understood qualifying and re-signing him. What were they expecting his role to be? Once they signed both Nemeth and Tinordi, who ironically will play over Lundkvist in the highly anticipated game at the Capitals, there’s no place for him. How incredulous.

It really dampens the mood. It feels like they’re putting too much emphasis on tomorrow’s game. Will there be more retribution for resident bad boy Tom Wilson? Maybe. Whether it’s Reaves or Tinordi, who knows how dirty the power forward can be, figure something will happen. I’d also include Garnet Hathaway, who’s a tough customer. T.J. Oshie can also get physically involved. A very respected player. Goodrow won’t back down either.

The thing is if it really is supposed to be temporary, then why not put Kravtsov on the roster so he can play Thursday? The whole thing is a mess. Let’s hope Kravtsov doesn’t go anywhere. That cooler heads will prevail.

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Devils 2021-22 season preview

Posted on October 12, 2021 by hasan4978
https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1447693261276069889?s=20

Tonight marks the beginning of another NHL season, sure doesn’t feel that way as a Devils fan though – given that we have to wait another three whole days for our opener. At least three days gives us a little more time for our walking wounded to heal. It’s telling the Devils had to put on their own roster sheet a notation of all the injured players eligible to be activated by Friday. So our ‘final’ 23-man roster is more like an initial 23-man roster with a few surprises that hopefully aren’t long for this world, if they are it means something’s terribly wrong or guys are hurt more seriously than the Devils will let on.

It doesn’t sound like Ty Smith will be ready for the opener Friday, which means one of Christian Jaros (who?), Colton White (meh) or Ranger castoff Mason Geertsen (yikes) could be our sixth D. Hopefully at least Damon Severson, who’s been in and out of camp due to injury will be ready to play, otherwise two of those guys will be in the lineup against the Blackhawks in three days. Having three goalies on the initial roster just serves to underscore the potential mess that Mackenzie Blackwood’s status may well cause down the road although our more immediate concern is Johnathan Bernier missing the last few days due to a lower body injury. Allegedly he’ll be back for the opener, not that he’s going to play that game unless something goes wrong with Blackwood in the interim though.

Goaltender – With that as a lead-in, might as well start with the goalies for this preview. I’ve said my piece on Blackwood and his vaccination status in a prior blog, thank goodness his test scare turned out to be just that and he ‘only’ missed a preseason game that didn’t get played anyway. Hopefully that provides an impetus to get this issue resolved sooner rather than later because there’s already inherent enough risk of him missing games as it is due to an infection, travel restrictions or another ‘inconclusive test’ a la last week. If healthy and available, Blackwood and Bernier should provide our best tandem since Martin Brodeur and Johan Hedberg in 2011-12. I would say Marty and Cory Schneider in 2014 but without picking at old scabs, that just didn’t work for anyone involved. Given Blackwood’s never started more than 43 games in a season, Bernier provides a complementary guy we haven’t had yet in Blackwood’s career. For all of the consistency issues with Blackwood – particularly last year – you could still see the difference between the Devils when Blackwood played and when other goalies played. On paper, this should finally be an 82-game strength but if Blackwood is unavailable for whatever reason then it becomes a giant question mark again.

Defensemen – A lot of the offseason buzz over the Devils improving their D with the signing of Dougie Hamilton and the trade for Ryan Graves has been tempered with the recent injury news around Smith and Severson. Still, when healthy this D should be much improved over every version the Devils have iced since (again) 2011-12, which not-so-coincidentally was also the Devils’ last extended playoff run. Hamilton gives the Devils a true #1 they haven’t really had at any point in the post-Lou Lamoriello era while Graves also adds skill and some size to a unit sorely lacking both. Smith had a fairly solid rookie campaign and when he returns, more will be expected of him in year number two while perhaps Severson’s consistency improves now that he will be more of a second-pairing D as opposed to the erstatz top-pairing D he’s been forced to be at different points the last few years. Wither PK Subban? Clearly we haven’t gotten the player we hoped we would be from Nashville two years ago as he hasn’t even approached his former Norris-winning form. In a contract year and on a lower pairing maybe, just maybe his production can spike some? 2021 deadline acquisition Jonas Siegenthaler should start with an everyday role in the top six and hopefully does enough to earn a permanent lineup spot.

Forwards – Nine of the thirteen initial roster forwards were expected to be there before camp, albeit with various question marks surrounding them. Can Nico Hischier stay healthy this time around and finally have a spike in his offensive production? Will Jack Hughes have a breakout year of his own offensively? Every other question among our forward lineup pales in comparison to those two – quite simply the Devils need their franchise centers to be impact players if they’re going to improve as a team and if as an offense they are going to make a jump out of the bottom third of the league to somewhere higher with a lot more goals to celebrate in-person this year. Really we have few sure things in our lineup though, which is somewhat to be expected with what’s going to be the youngest roster in the league on Opening Night. Nico and Jack having increased production would also help with some of our other question marks.

To wit: can Pavel Zacha thrive as a center or will the Devils finally be forced to admit he should be a wing? His production the last two years as a center and as a wing suggests that he should play wide but the Devils clearly want some size down the middle and are willing to try to pound a square peg into a round hole one more time. Maybe Zacha doesn’t even get as much of a shot at center as was rumored at the beginning of camp because of the emergence of teen sensation Dawson Mercer though.

If he’s here to stay that would be a big boost for a team needing a third center (especially if it keeps Zacha on the wing). It would also be a big boost if Yegor Sharangovich’s rookie breakthrough wasn’t a fluke and he can pump in another 25-30 goals this year, and if Jesper Bratt’s improved production last year (30 points in 46 games after a camp holdout) portended a full season where it all comes together for the former sixth-round pick. Janne Kuokkanen, like Sharangovich needs to avoid falling victim to the sophomore jinx while former first-round pick Mike McLeod seems to be settling into his fourth-line role quite nicely. Will Miles Wood get healthy soon, or are we going to have to give the likes of Marian Studenic and Freddy Gauthier some run early in the season?

It’s not just the kids that have question marks surrounding them though – can Tomas Tatar rebound from the embarrassment of being a healthy scratch in the playoffs for Montreal to add some scoring punch up front? Will Jimmy Vesey contribute anything after winning a spot on the roster off a camp PTO? Can Andreas Johnsson rebound from a disastrous first year in New Jersey to add something, anything to the lineup in year two? It’s already gotten old detailing all of the question marks but really that’s the story of the team right now. A lot of young players looking to improve and/or maintain consistency.

Management – Perhaps our one sure thing (so to speak) is going into a second season with Lindy Ruff as coach, but putting together most of his staff during a pandemic then getting next to zero practice time last year wasn’t exactly ideal going into a first season with a team. Combined with the Devils’ COVID breakout derailing a solid start and it was little wonder that Ruff suffered only the second sub-.500 season in a two-decade long NHL career. After having dreadful PP and PK production last year, the Devils retained their whole staff hoping personnel changes and more practice time would fix what ailed our special teams last year.

You wouldn’t think it sometimes but Tom Fitzgerald is just as inexperienced as most of his team is, going into just his second full season as GM of the Devils (almost all of it during an unprecedented pandemic). By all accounts he’s done a solid job both in terms of the rebuilding last year and re-augmenting this offseason after the additions of Hamilton, Graves, Bernier and Tatar. He pretty much checked off every item on the shopping list other than #3C, which may well be filled from within now. Does that mean the team will improve appreciably from the last few years? It better be improved now, but to what end depends on both our younger players and the competition from within a normally tough division. I could probably make an argument for the Devils finishing anywhere from 4th (almost a sure wild card) to last in their division, though anything below borderline playoff team would be another step back for an organization that’s been running in place the last few years.

Cautious optimism is probably what best describes my feeling at the moment. If the Devils are ever going to improve, you would think a fast start is required, given we have a lot of home games (and most of them eminently winnable) this month. Of course we’ve had high hopes and letdowns with this team in recent years too so even my so-called cautious optimism is tinged with a dose of worry. At least we’re almost three days away from finally starting to answer those questions.

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Mika Staying On Broadway! Blueshirts sign Zibanejad to eight-year extension

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Derek

Mika Zibanejad is staying on Broadway. The 28-year old first line center got his wish when he and the Rangers reached agreement on an eight-year extension that’ll keep him in New York City through 2030.

The reported new contract that doesn’t start until ’22-23 is worth an average cap hit of $8.5 million. Set to enter the final year of his original deal that pays him an AAV of $5.35 million until the conclusion of the ’21-22 season, it was important to Zibanejad to re-sign with the only team he wants to play for. Broken by the New York Post’s Larry Brooks yesterday, the new contract includes a full no-movement clause (NMC) until seven days before the trade deadline in the final season (’29-30).

While the term might not be great along with the usual NMC that gives Zibanejad the security he wanted, the value is very fair. To get him signed long-term for between eight and nine million over that period is excellent value. He took less to stay for more term. That’s exactly how such a contract is negotiated. Credit goes out to Rangers Team President and GM Chris Drury and Zibanejad for being able to hammer this out before the new season kicks off Tuesday in Washington DC. As usual, there’s a signing bonus as part of the contract along with a base salary for every year. Cap Friendly has the full breakdown.

In fact, 60 of the $68 million is front loaded. The signing bonus money totals $60 million while the base salary equals $8 million. Considering that the Panthers had just re-signed top center Aleksander Barkov for similar money with the younger player getting an average cap hit of $10 million that’ll take him to age 34 in the tax free state of Florida by committing $72 million in signing bonuses of the $80 million he’ll earn thru 2030, it’s routine for teams to break down the salary as easy as possible. It’s good business.

For Zibanejad, who enters his sixth season with the Rangers where he’s recorded 283 points (136 goals, 147 assists) over 323 games, the time is now for the affable Swede who was named to his country’s Olympic team, to prove he’s worth the investment. A very gifted player who the Rangers acquired from the Senators for popular former playoff hero Derick Brassard that involved an exchange of ’18 picks (second round to NYR for seventh round) on July 18, 2016, Zibanejad has become a vital core piece. A well respected player teammates love in the locker room with a recent MSG feature highlighting line mate Chris Kreider admitting he’d go to battle for him, it was obvious how much he means to the team.

It’s the right move. Of course, any time you sign a player for such a long term, there’s a risk involved. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Zibanejad can stay healthy and continue to be productive for at least the first five years of the contract. That includes his age 28 season which we sure hope includes the playoffs. He turns 29 on April 18, 2022.

That could mean meaningful hockey at The Garden for the first time since 2017. That’s the last time they were in the postseason. It included a huge goal from Zibanejad in sudden death to beat the Canadiens in a pivotal Game Five up at Bell Centre. The Rangers took the closely fought first round series in six. Unfortunately, the second round had a cruel ending with Zibanejad’s former team ousting the Blueshirts in six to effectively end a successful era of Rangers hockey. They’ve been rebuilding ever since.

The best part is Zibanejad left money on the table. He could’ve gotten more next summer. Maybe a big year like the one he had in ’19-20 would’ve pushed his market value to over $10 million. The run he had which was highlighted by the memorable five- goal game in a mesmerizing 6-5 overtime win at MSG, remains a brilliant performance. And he Capped it off in style by winning it on a backhand top shelf. Probably the last time I’ll ever go to a home game.

With Gerard Gallant holding off on naming a captain at least for now, I wouldn’t be surprised if they reveal Zibanejad as the new captain on Thursday night in the home opener versus the Stars. Would you really feed the media what they want? Especially Brooks. I think it would be a nicer touch to do it at home in front of a big crowd. It makes more sense than having six alternates. I smell a smokescreen. Let’s hope I’m right.

If they do announce a captain for the first time since Ryan McDonagh, it’s gotta be either Zibanejad or Kreider. They’ve both been around long enough to remember 2017. Kreider is the longest tenured, having been a Broadway Blueshirt since the 2012 NHL Playoffs. He’s been through the playoff grind. It makes perfect sense to give it to an experienced player who’s got the pulse of the room. Those are my top choices.

Tomorrow, I’ll get to the roster. That’ll be interesting. I have a different perspective on what they decided. More positive. Until then, peace.

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Chytil wraps up preseason in style with a hat trick in win over Islanders, Strome leaves game with hand injury

Posted on October 10, 2021 by Derek

In what was the final warmup for the Rangers before it all begins for real on Wednesday at the Caps on TNT, Filip Chytil made a statement by posting a hat trick in a wild 5-4 overtime win over the Islanders at Bridgeport. Chytil scored in the extra session by converting on a four-on-three power play to win the game.

It was a nice way to wrap up a long exhibition schedule. I’ve been vocal against having six tuneups. It’s pointless and can only put players at risk. Caps superstar Alex Ovechkin is questionable for Wednesday due to leaving a recent game against the Flyers. Now, you can add Ryan Strome to that list. A freak collision with Scott Mayfield had him favoring his wrist before the end of the second period. Hopefully, they held him out for precautionary reasons. He was having a good night by setting up two goals.

A key veteran center, Strome is in the final year of his contract and can turn unrestricted next summer. He’s been a fixture on the second line alongside Artemi Panarin, who got Saturday night off. So did Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider as the Rangers wisely rested three of their top players. However, Strome played mostly with Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere. They had a good game together before Strome exited. Kakko continued to look much better and Lafreniere had his best game by recording two assists.

The best part of the win was they defeated a full Islanders roster sans Matt Martin, who’s still recovering from off-season surgery. It was a dress rehearsal for coach Barry Trotz’ club as they played in front of fans in their AHL affiliate home at Bridgeport, Connecticut. A nice thing to do. I kind of wish the Rangers did that for Hartford. They have been without NHL hockey for nearly a quarter of a century. I am still preferential to the old Whalers. It’s too bad they never got another chance while horrible sports towns like Atlanta went through two NHL teams. That doesn’t make sense.

Aside from defeating a full Isles’ lineup that included a healthy Anders Lee (2 goals) and the ever dangerous Mat Barzal (game-tying goal with under a minute left), the Blueshirts got a solid game from possible seventh defenseman Jarred Tinordi. Even though I felt the signing was overreaction to Tom Wilson, the big veteran has settles in to have a good camp. With Zac Jones not surprisingly assigned to Hartford where he’ll get more pro experience with Braden Schneider, it looks like the organization made up their minds from the start. Libor Hajek looks to have no place. That too bad. I hope he winds up on another NHL roster.

As for Jones, he easily could’ve made the roster. But with veteran Patrik Nemeth brought in to help ease fellow Swedish countryman Nils Lundkvist along, the top six is set. It always was. Even if I believe Jones could be a more complete player than the offensive minded Lundkvist. My hope is it’ll all work out. Besides, I don’t want to see Jacob Trouba manning the point on the second power play. Yikes. He was their least impressive defenseman in these games. But remember. It doesn’t count. Ryan Lindgren also struggled. I’m sure they’ll both be ready to go by Game 1 of 82.

I also came away pleased with K’Andre Miller. He got his shot through to set up a goal. He also took the body more when the Islanders were mucking it up. I also am beginning to dislike Kyle Palmieri. He took a cheap run at Lafreniere near the bench. Dryden Hunt had a strong response. They don’t call it a rivalry for nothing. Speaking of Hunt, he also made a nice cross-ice pass for a Chytil one-timer past Ilya Sorokin. He definitely helped himself.

My favorite of the three Chytil goals was the beautiful wrist shot he scored on. He simply whipped a perfect snapshot from the right circle far bar and in. That was a goal scorer’s goal. Seeing him also use the one-timer twice on the power play including the winner was refreshing. Chytil has always shown flashes of brilliance. But most of the goals came in transition. This was better. Especially after Strome’s injury.

Alex Georgiev went the whole way. He was very good in a hectic third when the Islanders upped their intensity following a lackluster second period. Although he let in the Barzal tying goal, he made several strong saves. He dealt with a lot of traffic and also denied Anthony Beauvilier on a breakaway earlier.

I also didn’t care for Ross Johnston running around and roughing up Kevin Rooney. Without Ryan Reaves, who actually could be ready for the opener miraculously, you had this goon picking on a much smaller Rooney and bloodying him. Of course they gave both matching roughing penalties. Typical NHL. Nothing ever changes.

The other positive development was that Vitali Kravtsov returned and scored a goal to even it in the first. He needed one. Although he missed time with an injury, it was nice to see him contribute. I really think he can be a key contributor on the third line. The question is will that be with Chytil and Barclay Goodrow. That could depend on the status of Strome.

If there’s one difference I like, it’s the amount of solid depth this team has. With interchangeable forwards like Goodrow, Sammy Blais and Hunt, they seem better equipped if there’s an injury to a key player. You could add Morgan Barron to that along with Julien Gauthier. Both could start on the roster.

There isn’t much else to add. I’m glad preseason is finally over. Let’s hope for the best with Strome. Who knows. Maybe we’ll even get our wish and see Reaves for the season opener on national TV.

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Blackout and Blackwood’s status (plus injuries) mars the end of preseason

Posted on October 8, 2021 by hasan4978

By most accounts the Devils’ 4-1 preseason was a successful one, certainly in terms of younger players making an impact, guys like Dawson Mercer and Alexander Holtz cemented their status as top prospects and perhaps earned spots on the opening night roster. To quickly answer Derek’s question from a previous blog, I’m probably more sure about Mercer being ready than Holtz, but think due to management’s recent emphasis on not rushing guys that they won’t rush either player and give them too much too soon (though I do think both make the roster and Mercer perhaps for good while Holtz may be more of a look and see). Maybe I’ll have a full season preview when the actual opening night roster comes out.

Then again with all of our question marks it’s hard to imagine the Opening Night roster being our optimum lineup. Jack Hughes missed a couple of preseason games due to a minor injury but should be ready for Opening Night next Friday. Ty Smith? Maybe not so much with an undisclosed injury that kept him out of the preseason and put his Opening Night status in jeopardy. Fellow defenseman Damon Severson’s been a bit banged up throughout camp as well and Miles Wood is also questionable for Opening Night. Not exactly what you want with the opener a week away.

At least they avoided further injuries last night with that disgrace of a blackout which canceled our final preseason game against the Islanders. Makes you wonder what corners former owner Jeff Vanderbeek cut to get the Prudential Center built since this is now the second time the entire building has blacked out during a Devils game, causing a cancellation or postponement (the other team being the infamous January 2010 half-game against the Lightning). Imagine if last night was the actual home opener as opposed to the final preseason game? It would have been nice if the Devils were more forthcoming about their cancellation last night – me sitting at home knew about the game being cancelled faster than some people sitting in the stands. I suppose everyone has access to Twitter or knows someone that does these days, but still it’s a bad look when you clear out the bench and decide on a cancellation ten-fifteen minutes before formally telling the fans in attendance. At least those who had tickets will get to exchange them for a regular season game in the same price bracket, hah.

I’d already used a buyback for my last two preseason games so I didn’t have to worry about wasting my time and parking money for that fiasco. Hopefully whatever issue they had yesterday gets resolved by next Friday as far as the building is concerned. Dealing with the Mackenzie Blackwood issue is another story, however. I said I didn’t want to comment about the then-unnamed player’s refusal to get the vaccine shot last week until it actually wound up hurting the team on the ice, but we may well be getting to that point sooner rather than later, and much sooner than I hoped we’d be getting to it. Blackwood was supposed to play last night’s game – when we were actually supposed to have a game – but was pulled due to what’s now being termed an inconclusive COVID test. Translation: He’s in quarantine until the results of the PCR test come back by Sunday.

God forbid this guy actually tests positive and gets the virus again, missing Opening Night and beyond as a result, then all hell will really break loose. I’ve been fearing boos given how strongly people on all sides feel about the vaccination issue, now I could care less if he gets booed to the sky and if this test is positive and he misses Opening Night, I’ll likely be among the booers. Let’s leave aside putting his own health in peril unnecessarily for a moment, after a bout with COVID last year that was as hard as anyone on the team’s was. And let’s even leave out the fact he was patient zero for said COVID outbreak on the team. Given the increased safety protocols his vaccinated teammates have to deal with in the locker room and on the road due to having an unvaccinated player around them, not to mention the on-ice impact of whatever games he misses, and I’m sure not all of his vaccinated teammates are exactly thrilled about Blackwood’s foot-dragging (which included initially relenting to get the vaccine, then getting out of the chair just before he was about to get the shot per GM Tom Fitzgerald on a podcast – starts about sixteen or so minutes in)

I’m sure that not every player who got the vaccine was really gung-ho about it and some were hesitant. Pavel Zacha – to his credit – admitted as much in one of Corey Masiak’s articles. But they all eventually did it, whether it was just about not wanting the increased protocols or making the wiser health decision in the end IMO, and even if some of his teammates are sympathetic to Blackwood’s feelings, I’m sure it’s not universal judging by the debates around this issue online and in society at large. Besides the additional protocols his teammates have to deal with off the ice, the internal debates this is inevitably causing are one more unnecessary distraction.

I don’t want to hear that it shouldn’t be a rule or a mandate (which it really isn’t, just strongly incentivized) or that the NHL and his team shouldn’t guilt him into this – the NHL, other businesses and entities have the right to have whatever protocols they feel necessary for a worldwide pandemic and all players knew the rules of engagement heading into camp. I’ve heard it dismissed as PR eyewash but most players – including all of the league’s best made one decision, he and a few other stragglers made another. And let’s just bring his own health back into the equation – my goodness, of all the people to be vaccine hesitant I wasn’t expecting it to be the goalie who admitted he didn’t start breathing normally until months after his bout with the virus in February. Heck I wasn’t expecting anyone on this team to be vaccine hesitant after our 2021 season got destroyed by a vast outbreak.

So now we’re in limbo till Sunday at least, and not likely for the last time this season. Imagine if this inconclusive test had occured next Friday or on the day of another regular season game? Given that he’ll be tested every day as an unvaccinated player it’s always going to be a possibility from now until when and if he does get the vaccine. If we have the worst-case scenario by Sunday, not only will he miss whatever games he’d be in recovery for, but even if he changed his mind to get the vaccine after a ‘second’ bout with COVID he’d likely have to wait a certain amount of time after his infection before getting it. So he may well wind up missing games one way or another regardless, given the inability of unvaccinated players to travel into Canada for NHL games (the NBA has an exception that the NHL decided not to pursue).

Not exactly a situation you want to have to deal with, given all of this team’s other potential issues and question marks.

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Subban injures Reaves, Kreider responds like a leader in heated preseason win over Devils

Posted on October 7, 2021 by Derek

When Ryan Reaves got tangled up with P.K. Subban during the first period, the meaningless exhibition between Hudson rivals became something more. With the Rangers ahead on an early Mika Zibanejad goal, Subban collided with Reaves during a scrum in the corner of the Devils end. It was Reaves who got the worst of it by falling awkwardly on his left leg. In obvious pain, he couldn’t put any weight on the leg as he was helped off the ice.

It looked ugly for the veteran enforcer, who went down in discomfort. For Subban, who came across Reaves’ right foot with his left skate tripping up the defenseless Ranger from behind, the question is was it intentional. Replays showed that the play could be classified a slew foot. A no no in hockey. Especially in a tune-up. Accusations flew Subban’s way from aggravated Rangers including Chris Kreider leading the charge. The veteran forward had words with Subban during a stoppage. He wasn’t done. Not by a longshot.

I’ve seen enough replays. I don’t feel there was any intent. However, it was bad with Subban’s left foot coming across the back of Reaves’ right foot. Looks can be deceiving. Subban isn’t that kind of player. He called immediately for the whistle after it happened. He also denied that he would deliberately injure a player.

After several Blueshirts made sure to finish their checks on Subban with even Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome double teaming him, then came the opening face-off to start the second period. Coach Gerard Gallant had his projected top line out for the draw. Once the puck was dropped, an irate Kreider made a beeline for Subban, who ducked his challenge for a fight. As usual, the refs gave Kreider a misconduct to go with roughing. Coincidentally, Subban wound up with an unsportsmanlike conduct even though he kept his gloves on. Kreider continued to yell at Subban as they went to the penalty box.

One thing Gallant made clear is he plans to name a captain before the start of the season next week in Washington. Judging from Kreider’s strong reaction which finally included a scrap with Subban in the third period, it looks like he wants that honor of being captain. The lone holdover from the ’13-14 team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals, Kreider has sometimes been criticized for not always standing up for teammates. However, that’s never been his main job. He’s an important player who can finish around the net and screen goalies. Even though he’s never been a consistent player, Kreider is usually good for between 25 and 30 goals. His combination of strength and speed make him a valuable commodity. That’s why the Rangers decided to keep him.

As for the hockey portion, the Blueshirts won that 6-2 against a mix of Devils, who are still figuring out their roster with more exhibitions left. The score wasn’t a surprise. However, the rag tag bunch that included former forward/defenseman Mason Geertsen, outplayed the Rangers in the first period. They had the better of the shots and dominated a good chunk at even strength following the Subban controversy. But Igor Shesterkin was sharp keeping the Devils at bay. He went the entire way making 34 of 36 saves. It was a good tune-up for the Rangers starter.

After Fox setup Zibanejad for the only goal in the first, Kaapo Kakko gave the fans a reason for excitement. He took away a loose puck and broke away from Subban and made a power move to beat Devils goalie Jonathan Bernier for a beautiful unassisted goal. The new and improved Kakko has looked good in the preseason. Leaner and faster, he looks like he could be poised for a breakout year. He’s playing with Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome on the new second line.

After another Fox hookup with Zibanejad for a five-on-three power play goal made it 3-0, the Devils got one back courtesy of Andreas Johnsson from Jesper Bratt and Pavel Zacha. But before they could grab any momentum, Sammy Blais absolutely undressed the Devils defense by stealing a puck and scoring on a gorgeous move to make it 4-1. Barclay Goodrow followed up with his first of the preseason just 20 seconds later.

The third was all about Kreider avenging Reaves. This time, Subban took the challenge and the two squared off eight seconds in. The fun wasn’t done with Subban and Goodrow earning the rest of the night off with less than 10 minutes left. That’s who the Rangers now are. They will not duck anyone in the upcoming season. Even if that means no Reaves for the foreseeable future, they’ll be ready to go back at opponents. When even Panarin gets physically involved with Fox also putting a good clean hit on Subban, that tells you the mindset.

After the game, Gallant told reporters when asked if the Reaves injury was serious, he didn’t believe so. Right now, it’s being termed “day-to-day.” If that’s indeed the case, that’s encouraging news because it looked very bad. Especially the way Reaves landed. One thing I doubt we’ll see is Reaves lining up against Tom Wilson next week.

What could happen instead is if Vitali Kravtsov is ready after taking the morning skate, he could play on the third line with Filip Chytil and Goodrow. The fourth line could be Kevin Rooney with Blais and Julien Gauthier. Gallant might decide to mix and match due to how good Blais has looked. As I predicted, fans are taking notice of what the former Blues two-way forward can do.

The third period goals were from Marian Studenic of the Devils and Panarin for the Rangers. That’s how it wound up 6-2. They played an NHL roster with Jarred Tinordi dressing for Patrik Nemeth. Zac Jones and Libor Hajek sat out. So did Dryden Hunt and Morgan Barron. Everyone who played could make the final roster. That’ll depend on what the organization thinks is best. No doubt you’ll see Jones and Hajek along with Barron and Hunt in the final tune-up in Bridgeport versus the Islanders on Saturday.

Regulars for the Devils included Bratt, Ryan Graves, Mike McLeod, Subban, Johnsson, Zacha and Bernier in net. Both Nolan Foote and Christian Jaros could make the roster. So could Kevin Bahl. Jonas Siegenthaler is also in competition for a spot on the defense. Vets Mark Jankowski and Frederik Gauthier also played. Jack Hughes missed the game due to an injury suffered in the last exhibition. He left that one after the first period. Also missing were Nico Hischier, Miles Wood, Tomas Tatar, Yegor Sharangovich, Dougie Hamilton, Ty Smith, Damon Severson and Janne Kuokkanen. First round picks Alex Holtz and Dawson Mercer didn’t play. Neither did Mackenzie Blackwood.

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