2019-20 Devils season preview

Posted on September 28, 2019 by hasan4978

With the Devils’ preseason now concluded and final roster decisions just days away, it’s time to look forward to the upcoming campaign, which for the Devils will start on Friday in Newark against the Winnipeg Jets.  Even though the team’s 5-2 preseason record is now irrelevant, there were still a lot of positive signs from the team’s seven-game preseason, starting with the return to the ice for franchise bellcow Taylor Hall.  Hall had not played a game since last December but in typical Hallsy fashion, made an instant impact with two goals and two assists in those two games.

Hall will have to be the engine that the rest of the team’s forwards can feed off of, starting with young centers Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes – all former #1 overall picks.  Hischier is going into his third NHL season and is looking to improve on an already strong all-around game, stating that working on his faceoffs was a goal of this offseason.  Improvement there would only add to the threat the 20-year old poses, and he was certainly a factor in the preseason with five points in five games.  Hughes obviously has much to prove having not played in a game that counts, but early returns are promising after a preseason where Hughes got the first star in his first two home games while scoring three goals total in four games played, including a game-winner against the Bruins in his first game (see above).  Although vet Travis Zajac’s always available to fill in during a pinch and will still have a pivotal role as the team’s top faceoff man and checking center, it’ll be the two youngsters counted on to center the Devils’ much improved top lines.

Along with a healthy Hall and crack goal scorer Kyle Palmieri, KHL import Nikita Gusev should fill a role in the top six, and early returns on the talented winger were also promising as Gusev scored four points (two goals) in five games, already inspiring GOOOSE! chants at the Rock.  The team’s last top six slot is a bit open-ended but will likely start with either third-year pro Jesper Bratt at 2RW, or FA signing Wayne Simmonds.  They couldn’t be more different as players but the team will need both the talented Bratt and gritty Simmonds’ skillsets throughout the year, and a proportedly healthy Simmonds should give the team needed physicality and play a big role on the team’s power play.  Bratt on the other hand is looking to take the next step forward this year after steady improvement throughout his first two seasons.  Only a fluke jaw injury early last year prevented Bratt from at least a 40-45 point season, as he talled just 33 in 51 games.

With the team’s top six improved, the back six up front should also be better starting with Simmonds or Bratt on the wing.  Zajac and 22-goal grinder Blake Coleman should provide solid PK work while Pavel Zacha will look to build on the improvement long-in-coming he showed late last year, and with a new long-term contract (and a new visa!) to boot.  Speedy Miles Wood took a step back last year after a camp holdout but still should add both skill and bang to the team’s back six.  If Wood doesn’t take a step forward this year he could be pushed for playing time by offseason import John Hayden, who was singled out for praise by coach John Hynes during camp.  And what of Jesper Boqvist?  A former second-round pick in 2017, Boqvist won’t turn 21 till the end of October and seemingly has won a job with a strong camp.  Assuming he’s on the roster, Boqvist could very well push for top six time as well as some power play usage.  Although he didn’t make the team, malinged 2016 first-round pick Mike McLeod defied my expectations and had a strong camp, putting the staff on notice and himself toward the front of the callup line.

On the blueline the picture is still a bit unsettled.  If the Devils had a dissapointment during camp, it was defenseman Ty Smith (as much of a dissapointment as a 19-year old can be, to be fair) having some rocky games and being squarely on the bubble to be returned to juniors.  Many – including me – figured on Smith to make the club after a strong camp and outstanding season in juniors last year but fortunately the team at least has roster flexibility and seven defensemen already under contract, plus career depth guy and camp wonder Matt Tennyson hanging around.  I’d still be surprised if Tennyson made the club but they could very well carry eight defensemen and extend the competition for the final spot into the regular season.  Still, the battle between Smith, Tennyson, Connor Carrick and Mirco Mueller for the #6 spot shouldn’t make or break the d-core.

What will determine how good the d-core is, will be how healthy and effective the top five of P.K. Subban, Damon Severson, Sami Vatanen, Andy Greene and Will Butcher can be.  Subban was GM Ray Shero’s key acquisition this offseason, a #1D at even strength who can add some punch to a previously suspect power play.  After an off year due to injury last season, Subban should thrive in Newark.  Severson showed improvement last year and should be just fine on the second pairing.  Butcher didn’t look as good offensively as I hoped last year following his sensational rookie campaign but he did improve defensively in the second half as well.  In many ways the biggest question marks are the vets…can Vatanen return to 2017-18 form?  Especially if he’s playing on his off (left) side given the addition of RD Subban to Severson on the right side of the top four.  And will Andy Greene be able to maintain a viable presence in the top four and being the top PK defenseman while staying healthy at 36 going on 37?  Both are free agents providing another level of intrigue to the d-core.

Of course in many cases the d-core is only as good as the goaltending, which was horrible early last season but did a 180 in the second half with the return of Cory Schneider to the form of a couple years ago, and the spectacular debut of 22-year old Mackenzie Blackwood in trying circumstances.  There’s some question as to who is going to play how much, the chalk would have Cory getting the first opportunity to regain his starting job and despite my personal skepticism of him he did everything he needed to do to give himself a chance to take back the starting job.

Cory concluded his preseason in style with a 30-save shutout of the Blue Jackets last night, silencing the infamous cannon in Ohio.  It’s not as if Blackwood was any slouch in the preseason either with a 2.28 GAA and .912 save in three games.  Either taking the job and running with it, or both playing well and providing a tag-team would dramatically improve the team from last year when bad goaltending sank the team in the first half before Hall’s injury kept them submerged in the second half.

With the improved talent and expectations surrounding the team you would think perhaps coach Hynes would be feeling pressure for the first time in his tenure here, but Shero has shown a lot of patience with the coach in the past.  To his credit, what Hynes lacks in x’s and o’s, he so far has more than made up for with locker room leadership and showing he’ll give younger players chances while getting on vets – at least sometimes.  Will that remain enough to stay off the hot seat with a slow start?  Or will the team get off to the dynamic start they did two seasons ago and play from in front?  That would certainly be more ideal than the former scenario.

I can’t even fathom making a prediction though…I do feel this team will be improved but I also think a lot of teams we’re competing with in the East are also improved.  And certainly if just a couple of our question marks go south, things could head off the track in a hurry.  All you can really ask from the preseason is good health and signs of improvement, and so far so good on both those fronts.

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Zibanejad and Lundqvist highlight Rangers shootout win over Flyers in preseason

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Derek

Mika Zibanejad celebrates with Lias Andersson. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NHL.com.

On a night some kids were still looking to make last impressions, it was the Swedish veterans who got it done. Henrik Lundqvist and Mika Zibanejad led them to a nice 2-1 preseason win over the Flyers in the shootout.

Going all the way, Lundqvist was sharp throughout stopping 32 of 33 shots including all three Flyer shooters. He definitely looks ready to go, earning the game’s first star, and leaving the ice with a grin.

Mika Zibanejad got the only goal in the shootout. Following a strong pad stop from Lundqvist on impressive Flyers rookie Joel Farabee, out came number 93. He flew in on Carter Hart and went to a nice deke, backhand top shelf inside the crossbar in the bottom of the third.

It wasn’t a Picasso or Renoir. The play was very choppy in the first two periods. There were a lot of icings and offsides. The third was better with the Rangers controlling much of the action. They created some good opportunities, but Hart had himself a good night as well.

The only goals in regulation came from Lias Andersson and Travis Konecny. Andersson continued his strong preseason with his hustle leading to him batting a puck in on a play set up from Tony DeAngelo, who had a very good game. He missed the first four due to signing late. He was superb throughout while teaming with Marc Staal, who had a solid night. They will likely be paired again to start the season, leaving Libor Hajek and Adam Fox as the third pair.

Brady Skjei had a good game. He played with Brendan Smith, who was surprisingly good even getting a couple of scoring chances. They both skated well with Skjei in particular making good defensive plays and creating offense.

Jacob Trouba was with Hajek, who struggled on one particular shift. He is a key to the revamped blueline. If he has issues, Ryan Lindgren can always come up and play. Trouba was physical and made some nice reads. He is going to do well.

In terms of two young forwards to watch, Vitali Kravtsov had a better game than Filip Chytil. They got to play with Zibanejad and were fairly quiet the first half. Playing back on the right wing, Chytil didn’t distinguish himself, even taking a lazy offensive zone minor penalty.

Meanwhile, Kravtsov got better in the third and was rewarded with an overtime shift. He got to play with Chris Kreider and Skjei. The combination nearly ended it. Kravtsov was in on Hart, but fanned on the shot. He also nearly had Kreider for the winner on a quick pass and one-timer.

I know he’s only 19. But I like what I’ve seen from Kravtsov. Chytil just hasn’t had a good camp. He looks off. Maybe they should send him down to Hartford and keep Kravtsov up. He can start on a third line with likely candidates Brett Howden and Vladislav Namestnikov. I wonder if the organization would rather get Kravtsov time in Hartford and hope Chytil finds his game. He has a season under his belt.

Andersson has definitely earned a spot by being more physical and active on the forecheck and responsible defensively. He lost some weight. It shows as he is faster to the puck and winning battles. You could make a case for him centering the third line. But I like the chemistry he has with Brendan Lemieux and believe Jesper Fast is a good fit on a checking line.

The coaching staff can always interchange depending how both Howden and Andersson are doing.

Kaapo Kakko played with Ryan Strome and Kreider mostly on the second line. The trio improved over the night. Their best shift was a good cycle where Strome held the puck and made a couple of good centering feeds for open teammates. For a guy who doesn’t play center a lot, he sure makes smart reads.

The Flyers goal came off a very good pass from Kevin Hayes. He was able to send the puck across with it banking off Konecny’s skate and then Staal. I’m not sure how Hayes got the puck over there. But he was a pain in the ass all night and his team’s best player. If preseason is an early indication, Hayes could become a Ranger killer. I already refer to him as Kevin BLEEPING Hayes.

Both goalies were superb throughout. While there weren’t a lot of highlight reel saves, Lundqvist got across on one and denied a Michael Raffl bid with a quick glove preventing a goal. He definitely looked like the old Henrik we’ve become accustomed to. Encouraging.

There were a couple of early scraps including Lemieux and Sean Couturier going at it until Brendan’s helmet came off. Vinni Lettieri was challenged by Scott Laughton due to him accidentally interfering with Hart. That was nothing much.

You also had Raffl take a cheap shot on Lettieri by taking out his legs before a face-off. DeAngelo had words for him. It was stupid. That’s the Flyers for you.

The best part of the shootout was when Kakko came out for the second shot. The crowd made tons of noise in hopes he would score. He made a great move and had Hart beat, but sent his backhand off the side of the net. Maybe next week when it starts up for real.

Farabee, who Lundqvist stoned, hit two posts during play. He’s the same age (19) as Kravtsov. He looks good. I think you’ll be seeing more of him even if it’s not right away.

Sam and Joe couldn’t wait for this one to end. It went long and it’s preseason. Can you blame them? Micheletti even quipped they should pull both goalies with eight minutes left in regulation.

Greg McKegg had another nice showing even creating a shorthanded bid for Boo Nieves, who couldn’t quite finish. I think McKegg makes it as the 13th forward. He knows how to play and is a good guy to have on a young roster.

The final preseason game is at Bridgeport on Saturday versus the Islanders. By then, we should have a good idea what the roster will look like.

My guess for Opening Night:

Panarin-Zibanejad-Buchnevich

Kreider-Strome-Kakko

Namestnikov-Howden-Chytil

Lemieux-Andersson-Fast

Extra: McKegg

Skjei-Trouba

Staal-DeAngelo

Hajek-Fox

Lundqvist

Georgiev

That would be 21 players. So, they can keep up to 23. Maybe it’s Ryan Lindgren as number 22 if they go with 7 D. If not, then it’s Nieves which means 14 F. Unless they decide to keep Kravtsov. You know how I feel. He deserves to make it.

Igor Shesterkin will be reassigned to Hartford on Saturday. Georgiev is expected to get the whole game at the Isles.

That’s all for now. I got a Fantasy Hockey Draft tomorrow night. That should be fun.

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Chytil to get a look on top line versus Flyers

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Derek

Tonight, the Rangers host the Flyers at 33rd and Seventh Avenue. It’s the fifth installment of six exhibition games.

Henrik Lundqvist is expected to get the start and go the whole way. A welcome change. He can use the extra work as preseason winds down. The roster is currently at 31 including promising KHL import Igor Shesterkin, who’ll have backup duty later.

Filip Chytil has been shifted back to the right wing. It’s where he had most of his success last season. He isn’t ready to become a full-time center. However, he’s only 20 and can still excel on the right side where there are less defensive responsibilities.

Coach David Quinn will get a closer look by having Chytil play on the first line with impressive rookie Vitali Kravtsov, who notched his first goal in the 3-1 victory the other night. Mika Zibanejad will center the two young forwards.

Based on the lines posted by the Rangers on Twitter, fans will also get to see the new second line. Ryan Strome will be between Chris Kreider and Kaapo Kakko. While some fans don’t want to see Strome as the second center, it’ll likely be this way for now until someone grabs that spot. Kravtsov has played center before, doing so for Russia at last year’s WJC. He did a nice job, but that was against players his age.

Here are the projected lines, which include a mind numbing third pair of Brady Skjei and secret weapon Brendan Smith. Relax. It’s preseason. I know it MATTAHS! Tony DeAngelo gets his first action pairing up with Marc Staal.

Lias Andersson will center a interesting third line with Brendan Lemieux and Vladislav Namestnikov. In the likely candidates who’ll get sent down, Boo Nieves anchors Greg McKegg and Vinni Lettieri. Nieves and McKegg are still in the mix for the extra forward. I would lean more towards the veteran McKegg if they decide Kravtsov is better off getting more ice time in Hartford. He is a solid energizer, who’ll had a similar role with the Hurricanes.

Well, the game starts in an hour. Follow me on Twitter @BattleOfHudson. I’ll tweet some stuff. Maybe not overboard because you know. Preseason!

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Quinn moves struggling Chytil back to wing

Posted on September 25, 2019 by Derek

For now at least, it looks like the Filip Chytil center experiment is over. The young forward, who’s entering his second full year, hasn’t distinguished himself in camp or preseason.

In today’s practice, he was listed back on the right wing with Brett Howden centering a third line with Vladislav Namestnikov on the other side. Whether or not that is how it’ll look on Opening Night remains to be seen. However, Chytil understands that there are more defensive responsibilities at center. An area he must work on.

Let’s not lose sight of the fact the 21st pick in 2017 just turned 20 earlier this month. He’s a young player, who was featured more on the right wing than at center in ’18-19. It allowed him to create more and score some highlight reel goals. He only wound up with 11 to go with 12 assists for a total of 23 points in 75 games.

It was when coach David Quinn shifted Chytil back to his natural position of center that the Czech’s production suffered. He probably hit a rookie wall. He had never played that many games before in a season. Plus the move to center brought on more defensive responsibilities. An area he must improve on if he’s to eventually become a dependable center.

I never liked the idea of force feeding Chytil to center the second line because I felt it was too soon. There’s no reason to rush him if he isn’t ready. Both Howden and Lias Andersson have had better showings so far. They look more comfortable at the center position and stronger. So, it looks like you can pencil them in for the third and fourth line.

As far as the second line, the practice had veteran Ryan Strome between Chris Kreider and Kaapo Kakko. The older Strome is always an option to shift to center if it’s necessary. Though I’d prefer him on the right wing, there’s no viable option to center the second unit entering the season. Unless you think either Howden or Andersson can. I would say Howden based on how he played last night with Kakko and Vitali Kravtsov. But I doubt Quinn will do that.

If Quinn really wants all three of Andersson, Chytil and Howden on the roster, that leaves Kravtsov as the odd man out. Even though he deserves to make it based on his play, even scoring a nice goal versus the Islanders, he won’t have a spot in the top six. He’s not a bottom six player. They may as well start the 2018 first round pick in Hartford and let him get top minutes.

Unless they were able to move Strome, which is more likely later this season, expect Kravtsov to be with the Wolf Pack. He’ll have close Russian pal Igor Shesterkin with him once he’s reassigned. For now, Shesty is still here.

The Rangers reassigned four players including Adam Huska earlier. Second round pick Matthew Robertson was sent to his Junior team, the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL). The other cuts were Phillip Di Giuseppe and Tarmo Reunanen. Danny O’Regan was placed on waivers.

Nothing earth shattering. Thirty-one players remain in camp. They are as follows:

Goalies: Lundqvist, Georgiev, Shesterkin

Defensemen: Skjei, Trouba, Staal, Fox, Hajek, DeAngelo, Lindgren, Smith, Rykov, Morrow (PTO)

Forwards: Zibanejad, Panarin, Buchnevich, Strome, Kreider, Kakko, Howden, Namestnikov, Chytil, Andersson, Lemieux, Fast, Kravtsov, Nieves, McKegg, Haley, Fogarty, Lettieri

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Derek talks Rangers preseason and excitement for a New Era

Posted on September 25, 2019 by Derek

https://www.pscp.tv/NewYorkPuck/follow

What I covered in my return to Periscope is how excited I feel about the Rangers headed into a promising season along with a bright future.

Talked some about the 3-1 preseason win over the Islanders.

Highlights:

Vitali Kravtsov scored and looks like he belongs.

The Russian Connection of Panarin and Buchnevich clicked with Zibanejad.

My takeaway on how strong Kaapo Kakko is around the net with the puck.

Adam Fox continues to impress with smart puck decisions.

Lundqvist looked sharp as did Georgiev. Important stuff.

A look at what I think the Opening Night roster could be for now.

Plus the excitement of a new chapter in the Hudson Rivalry.

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Rangers get first preseason win over Islanders 3-1

Posted on September 24, 2019 by Derek

Vitali Kravtsov celebrates his goal at the Ranger bench. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Newsday and Steve Ryan.

In a game that ended over an hour ago at The Garden, the Rangers got their first preseason victory by defeating the Islanders 3-1.

As I noted in the previous post from MSG on the cool WordPress app, they played much better in the fourth exhibition game. Fittingly, it came against their crosstown rivals.

Given that both teams dressed enough regulars along with young players trying to make rosters, the game itself was good. It moved fast and each period seemed to fly by. A nice thing given that it is preseason.

Since I was able to do a second period update, this will be an abbreviated write up.

The highlights included two wonderful goals from Vitali Kravtsov and Artemi Panarin. That’s Кравтсов у Панарин in Russian. A fun new feature I added since the Blueshirts have a nice Russian quotient. Especially when you include Павел бучнеьйч. Pavel Buchnevich, who had a great dish across for a Panarin one-timer goal past Isles starter Thomas Greiss.

Alexandar Georgiev relieved Lundqvist midway through. Lundqvist looked like his old self making some superb stops from in tight on an Islanders flurry. He made 14 saves before departing. Georgiev was just as good in denying a couple of dangerous Isles chances. He was unable to stop Jordan Eberle, who buried a quick one-timer high bar for his fourth of the preseason. He and Mat Barzal have excellent chemistry.

That’s as close as the Isles got. Panarin sealed it with an empty netter for his second of the night. He was superb throughout on the top line with Buchnevich and Mika Zibanejad, who played a complete three zone game.

I highlighted the second line of Kravtsov, Brett Howden and exciting rookie Kaapo Kakko, who sure is fun to watch when he gets a cycle going. The forecheck and puck possession is going to be a lot better thanks to the key additions of Panarin and Kakko.

Throw in smart rookie right defenseman Adam Fox and there’s plenty to look forward to for Blueshirt fans. Jacob Trouba also adds that physical element to the defense while being a shooting threat offensively. Hopefully, he and Brady Skjei can continue to jell.

There’s a lot more to like based off tonight. As you know, PRESEASON MATTAHS!

I also loved seeing Lias Andersson get in the face of an Islander for the snow shower they gave Georgiev. Andersson was having none of it. That’s exactly what you want to see.

Lots of positives in this one. Now, there are only two exhibitions left. Then, finally it gets real with October 3 not far away against Winnipeg.

I would love to see Kravtsov make the roster. He’s certainly making it tough. The goal was a nice reward for a player, who doesn’t look out of place.

Remember when I along with others were complaining over Oliver Wahlstrom. Not anymore. Number 74 could become a popular item among Ranger fans.

That’s all for now. Until next time.

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Game Update: Kravtsov and Panarin tally in second

Posted on September 24, 2019 by Derek

We are here live up in Section 419. The second period of preseason game number 4 is winding down.

The Rangers are up 2-0 on the Islanders. So far, so good. Interesting that the Isles decided to go mostly with regulars. Oliver Wahlstrom is playing. He is wearing number 54.

Following a strong first by Henrik Lundqvist, who made three dazzlers during one sequence, it’s been nice back and forth action. A good crowd too.

Goals have come from Vitali Kravtsov and Artemi Panarin. Both off great passing plays. Brett Howden set up Kravtsov and Pavel Buchnevich got the primary helper on Bread Man’s second of exhibition.

I must say Kravtsov has been impressive again. He just knows where to go and deserves to make the roster. He has some serious offensive instincts and also took the body defensively to help his second line and top pair Brady Skjei and Jacob Trouba get out of trouble.

Kaapo Kakko looks good with Howden and Kravtsov. He really uses his body well around the net and can carry defenders. Very strong on the forecheck. His biggest fan Statboy Steven is in the building. I actually met him by accident on the escalator when I noticed his awesome men’s league Kakko Jersey. That was cool. Kudos to you Steven. It was a pleasure. Have a safe trip home to Austria on Thursday!

Skjei has had a good night so far with a pair of helpers. Trouba also has an assist.

Lundqvist went the first half without allowing a goal. He got some good penalty killing from a unit that had struggled. They’re 3-for-3 due to good body position and smart defense.

Here are a couple of photos and a brief video of the goal song I snapped.

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Rangers head into final slate of preseason

Posted on September 24, 2019 by Derek

Vitali Kravtsov looks to secure a spot on a crowded roster. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Newsday.

With camp less than a week from concluding, the Rangers enter the final slate of preseason. They host the Islanders tonight at the Garden. It’ll likely be a skeleton squad for the bitter rival due to playing mainly regulars on Sunday in an overtime win over Detroit.

On the other hand, the Rangers will have Artemi Panarin back from a mild groin strain. He’ll reunite with Mika Zibanejad and Pavel Buchnevich to form the projected top line we’ll see next week on Opening Night versus Winnipeg. It’s a chance to see the shiny new toy along with second pick Kakko in Manhattan.

Kaapo will be on a intriguing second line with Brett Howden and 2018 first round pick Vitali Kravtsov, who’ll shift to the left side. He’s versatile enough to move around like he did for Russia at the World Junior Championship where he centered the top line last winter. They want to see if Kravtsov can crack the roster. He has good offensive instincts.

With coach David Quinn emphasizing more of a starting lineup he wants to see step it up the final three exhibitions, the third line comprises Ryan Strome sliding in to center Jesper Fast and Brendan Lemieux, who makes his debut after re-signing last week. His feisty element will be vital.

The fourth line will have Lias Andersson between AHL bound vets Micheal Haley and Danny O’Regan. What the staff is doing is taking a look at Andersson in different roles. He’s likely going to be moving up and down between the third and fourth line depending how the center situation goes with him, Howden and expected second pivot Filip Chytil.

Tonight’s defense will feature potential new second pair Marc Staal and promising 21-year old rookie Adam Fox. They’ll draw the top assignment for a night while expected top pair Brady Skjei and Jacob Trouba work together as the second pair against Bridgeport. Brendan Smith gets a look on the third pair with Joe Morrow, who’s on a PTO.

Is this the night Henrik Lundqvist goes all the way? He can use the extra work. Alexandar Georgiev backs up.

Staal knows what’s expected moving forward. Something well known former NYR Blog star Kevin DeLury highlighted.

More is expected of this group. As young as they are, it’s experienced leaders such as Staal they can lean on. There are enough leftovers from the last playoff team in 2017 to learn from. Even if former Ranger Kevin Hayes acted like someone stole his school lunch with his bizarre commentary about the direction the Blueshirts took after he was moved.

You still have the Four Horsemen in Staal, Lundqvist, Fast and Chris Kreider. All who were key parts of the last big run in 2015. Plus potential new captain Mika Zibanejad, who’s improved leaps and bounds in every aspect. Skjei also has taken on more of a leadership role. He was on that ’16-17 roster too and performed well. He needs to become more consistent. Maybe playing with Trouba will help.

As far as what the final roster could look like, it’s coming down to the nitty gritty. I’d imagine more cuts will be made following tonight.

Boo Nieves and Greg McKegg are still in competition for the fourth line or as an extra forward. Smith is hoping to still be an option at both defense and part-time forward. But he’s likely ticketed for Hartford.

The organization must decide what’s best for Kravtsov. To start with the big club, or get more ice time with the Wolf Pack. He’s a top six forward. But won’t start as that if he stays due to the projected top two lines. The third line could be Andersson or Howden between Vladislav Namestnikov and Strome. If that happens, Kravtsov should go to Hartford.

The fourth line is one of Andersson/Howden with likely Lemieux and Fast. That would leave an extra for possibly Nieves or McKegg. Both solid options, who bring a strong work ethic.

Defense seems set if you believe Tony DeAngelo will start on the third pair with Libor Hajek. Ryan Lindgren would be the extra, who could see action. He certainly seems ready playing the hard nosed, physical game most of the D lacks aside from Trouba and Staal, who always battles guys.

Much depends on the salary cap. There’s little wiggle room. Eventually, a trade should be made to free up space. Especially once Kravtsov is ready to become a regular.

The depth up front is much better than previous years. It would be nice to see Yegor Rykov recover from an injury to show what he can do on the back end. After Lindgren, there’s not much defensive depth.

Goalie is deep with starter Lundqvist followed by Georgiev with Igor Shesterkin lurking. Adam Huska is fourth on the depth chart.

There’s a lot to like about the direction this team is taking. It probably will take time to jell. But once they adjust, you can expect a gradual progression.

Given the competitive state of the Metro Division, they might not make the playoffs right away. Especially when you look at what the Flyers, Devils and even the more battle tested Islanders have. However, they should be competitive.

It promises to be an exciting year on Broadway.

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Young Blueshirts no match for experienced Flyers

Posted on September 21, 2019 by Derek

The third game of the preseason was a doozy. With the Flyers going with mostly starters, the young Blueshirts were no match. They easily could’ve lost by eight or nine goals if not for a strong showing from Igor Shesterkin. He was tested often throughout in a 4-1 road defeat in Philly.

There wasn’t much good out of this one. At least there were no casualties. After a brief get together between Micheal Haley and Chris Stewart, who are both on pro tryouts, things settled down. It didn’t start out that badly for the Rangers, but by the end of the second period, Shesterkin was under siege. The Russian stopped 19 of 20 shots in a messy middle stanza that included several odd man rushes. His best save came on a three on none when he slid across to shut the door on a excellent Flyers chance.

Overall, the Flyers outshot the Blueshirts 40-19. Shesterkin finished with 36 saves in his first full start. It was baptism by fire for the top goalie prospect. He definitely passed with flying colors. The first couple of Flyer goals were deflections from James van Riemsdyk (off Jacob Trouba’s skate) and old friend Kevin Hayes. He also hit a goalpost and was dangerous shorthanded like we saw on Broadway.

Philadelphia seemed to be on a power play the whole second half. The Rangers couldn’t stay out of the penalty box. Considering the large disparity in rosters, that was expected. Especially how much the Flyers dominated territorially. It was a shooting gallery on poor Igor. To his credit, he gave it his all and did well. Blueshirt fans should be excited about the future in net.

There really wasn’t much to say. Outside of a few select players, it wasn’t much to write home about. On that list is Adam Fox, who again distinguished himself with smooth skating and smart puck management. He definitely looks as advertised.

Ryan Lindgren played for a second straight night. He again brought that physical edge that the revamped defense will need. He definitely can play his position well. He reads and reacts to the play. He will finish checks, mix it up post scrum and block shots for the good of the team. If he doesn’t start in the top six, you’re likely looking at the seventh defenseman, who should be given a fair chance by the coaching staff along with favorite Libor Hajek. Hajek has more skating ability. Neither have looked out of place.

Vitali Kravtsov was around the puck in the offensive zone. The KHL import had a strong shift behind the Flyers net to work the puck to Filip Chytil, who eventually got it back to the point for a hard low Trouba shot that Carter Hart stopped. I liked Kravtsov’s simplicity. On one rare offensive sequence, he wisely threw a tricky shot on goal through traffic that caromed out to Chytil, who was denied in tight by Hart. Kravtsov seems to put himself in the right spot. He might not make the Opening Night roster, but it shouldn’t be long before he’s a Blueshirt for good.

The top line centered by Chytil with Chris Kreider and Kravtsov didn’t generate enough. Particularly Chytil, who for a second game in a row, didn’t look as effective as Brett Howden was in preseason game one when he centered Russian combo Pavel Buchnevich and Vladislav Namestnikov. All three didn’t play. Neither did Mika Zibanejad, Kaapo Kakko or Artemi Panarin, who they’re hoping to get back into a couple of preseason games if he recovers from a mild groin strain.

Matthew Robertson made his first appearance on the back end. Wearing number 97, the 18-year old left skating defenseman that the Rangers grabbed in the second round, showed off why. Sure. There were a couple of hiccups with the kid falling on his first shift, and later getting caught in the neutral zone on the third Flyers goal put in by Carsen Twarynski. But he was put in a tough spot without any support.

Jakub Voracek scored another Flyers power play goal in the third off a nice set up. That followed a good block by a diving Lindgren. The Ranger penalty killers were unable to recover the puck.

Philadelphia created so many glorious chances that they hit a few goalposts. That’s when Shesterkin wasn’t stoning them with some very athletic saves.

Claude Giroux, Travis Konecny, Hayes, Voracek, van Riemsdyk, Oskar Lindblom, Michael Raffl, Scott Laughton, Ivan Provorov, Travis Sanheim, Matt Niskanen and Robert Hagg all played for new Flyers coach Alain Vigneault, who looked comfortable taking in the action from above. Hart split duty with J.F. Berube.

Compared to the Rangers lineup that also were without Jesper Fast, Brendan Lemieux, Marc Staal and Tony DeAngelo, it wasn’t a contest. I don’t think Henrik Lundqvist or Alexandar Georgiev could’ve done any better than Shesterkin. Adam Huska backed up after only allowing one goal in relief of Henrik on Friday night.

Lias Andersson stood out due to being active during shifts both defensively and on the forecheck when it presented itself. He’s definitely more of a two-way center than Chytil, who still needs work there after getting outmuscled by Hayes on the Flyers second goal. I’ll be curious to see how coach David Quinn uses Andersson and Howden due to both having stronger camps.

Trouba and Brady Skjei paired up for the second time. They were better than the first game. Trouba showed some edge by going at it with a Flyer post whistle due to a penalty against a teammate. He has that in his game. It’ll be needed.

The Rangers now get two days off before hosting the Islanders on Tuesday. I’ll be there with the family. That should be interesting.

That’s all folks. Until next time.

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Hughes and Hall led Devils too much for Rangers

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Derek

Adam Huska did a nice job in net relieving Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers in a 4-2 defeat at the Devils. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers Twitter.

It maybe only preseason. Now, we see what all the hype was all about. Making his first appearance against the big Hudson rival, number one pick Jack Hughes delighted the home crowd in Newark with a magnificent game in a Devils win over the Rangers.

The American center played with former league MVP Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri. Let’s just say the deadly combo of Hughes and Hall put on a show. Each had a goal and assist in a 4-2 win over the B Team of the Blueshirts.

If not for some outstanding goaltending from Rangers backup Adam Huska in relief of Henrik Lundqvist, it could’ve been more. Hall you may recall missed the remainder of last season from before Christmas on. He hasn’t missed a beat. Playing in a contract year, the ’17-18 Hart winner could’ve had a hat trick. But he settled for a power play goal and assist.

On the game’s opening shift, a Brett Howden pass attempt went awry to cause a clean breakaway for the Devils’ first overall pick. What Hughes did next took an awful lot of skill and patience. He faked out Lundqvist before going five-hole to electrify the Devil fans at The Rock 36 seconds in. Hall was credited with the only assist.

Hall would add a power play goal from who else but a coasting Hughes, who made a breathtaking backhand pass tape to tape for Hall to release a lethal shot high and far side on Lundqvist for a 2-0 lead.

The way he skates, it looks effortless. Hughes can go from Point A to Point B similar to the game’s best player, Connor McDavid. I’m not about to compare the 18-year old kid to the Oilers wunderkind. Hughes is smaller, but has the same game breaking speed that can drive opponents nuts. He also had other superb chances to score. On one, Lundqvist stayed with him from a sharp angle on a tough low wrist shot. On another, he made a great move on Huska, but he did a great job to close it up.

In between all the excitement for both Hughes and Hall, Blake Coleman scored for a 3-0 lead. That came off a big hit causing a turnover behind the Ranger net. He had a strong game. Coleman reminds me a bit of former Devil Cup hero John Madden. A smart checking type center who makes smart plays both defensively and offensively.

There also was a bit of edge to the rivalry with Ryan Lindgren standing up to newest Devil and former Flyer Wayne Simmonds. Simmonds and Lindgren battled all night. It added a nice element that hopefully will continue on October 17 when the Hudson rivals meet for real. Too bad it’s only four regular season meetings and not six. That’s the NHL for you.

The Rangers got one back thanks to some nice work from the trio of Brett Howden, Pavel Buchnevich and Vladislav Namestnikov. Howden was able to beat Hughes on an offensive draw. The puck came to Buchnevich for a quick shot that rebounded off Mackenzie Blackwood right to Namestnikov, who deposited it for a 3-1 deficit.

Howden had a strong game also redirecting home a Joe Morrow shot for a goal that made it a 4-2 margin late in the third period. He had excellent chemistry with Russians Buchnevich and Namestnikov. They were easily the best line for the Blueshirts, creating numerous chances that Blackwood stopped. He had a good night in net going all the way for New Jersey.

Even though they didn’t play Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin (should be ready for opening night), Chris Kreider, Kaapo Kakko, Jacob Trouba, Brady Skjei, Adam Fox, the Blueshirts responded better the rest of the way. The only mishap was Morrow getting absolutely owned by former Devils first round pick Mike McLeod on their fourth goal. He carried the puck and went outside, inside to beat Huska for the only goal he allowed.

https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1175208575486058497?s=19

Other impressions:

Filip Chytil was awfully quiet in his first appearance. He mostly centered Ryan Strome and Jesper Fast. I noticed the other two hard working vets more than the second-year center, who coach David Quinn is hoping can center a second line. Having Kreider and Kakko should help.

Lindgren was solid all game, playing the same hard-nosed physical style we saw when he came up last season. He definitely plays with that necessary edge most of the roster lacks. He should make the team and alternate with higher thought skating D Libor Hajek on the third pair.

Pluggers Micheal Haley, Steven Fogarty, Vinni Lettieri and Gabriel Fontaine all worked hard throughout. Fontaine being the only young player of the four who will be closely watched with the Wolf Pack in his second pro year. Lettieri hustled back to negate a Devils scoring chance. He’s an AHL caliber player who just doesn’t have the scoring touch to make it.

Huska was the story once he took over for Lundqvist, who settled in following a tough start. Huska is the overlooked young goalie, who’ll likely split time with highly rated Russian import Igor Shesterkin at Hartford. He definitely helped himself out with a strong showing.

Marc Staal also made his first appearance of the preseason. He was fine. I wonder once his contract expires if he completes the final two years if he’ll also retire like buddy Dan Girardi. Staal has always battled hard and continues to be a unquestioned leader.

Joey Keane took three minor penalties. He isn’t close to ready. Figure him to be sent down.

Devils power play had a scary look that featured Hughes, Hall, Palmieri, Simmonds and P.K. Subban. Yikes. They were dangerous connecting once on plenty of opportunities. Travis Zajac also got a great pass in the slot that he sent over the net whizzing by Huska.

McLeod scored on a nice power move, beating Morrow to the net to boost his chances of making the New Jersey roster. He and John Hayden have looked good so far. Pavel Zacha didn’t do much because he didn’t play! He’s still having visa issues. Thanks to Hasan for the hot tip.

Devils have to be pleased with how both Blackwood and Cory Schneider have looked. They each have been sharp. It could be a good tandem.

That’s all for now. The Rangers have the Flyers next. I’ll have more tomorrow.

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