Battle Of Hudson covers the Rangers and Devils, who's intense rivalry heated up in the 90's. With fresh faces added, they battle for supremacy in NYC and NJ..
After a long wait, there will be hockey today. It can be seen on MSG Network at 5 EST. If you aren’t in the local area, you can watch the Rangers and Bruins on NHL Network.
This marks the first of six exhibition games for the Rangers. They visit the Bruins in Boston later. It coincides with Week Three of the NFL. Fortunately, the Jets play early against the Patriots. That’s a must win for them. I’m sure our resident Gang Green fan who covers the Devils is on edge.
Later this evening, Yom Kippur begins. For the Jewish followers, I wish you a Happy Yom Kippur. I will try my best to fast. It won’t be easy. Since losing weight, I eat more. It’ll be a challenge. We’ll see how it goes.
As far as the lineup goes for today’s first preseason tilt, Alexis Lafreniere will be in. He will get his first look at the right wing. That’ll be worth keeping an eye on. Zac Jones also will play on the defense. He’s battling Erik Gustafsson for the sixth defenseman role.
Gustafsson played under Peter Laviolette with the Capitals. He had success last year. In 61 games, he put up 38 points, including 27 at even strength. His best output in a few years since he started with the Blackhawks. The other eleven points were power play assists. An area he can aid the Blueshirts at. When he plays, look for him to see time on the second unit.
For Jones, there’s nothing left to prove at the AHL level. The former 2019 third round pick is entering his third pro season. He’s excelled with the Wolf Pack totaling 66 points in 106 games. He posted two goals and four assists in nine games during the Calder Cup Playoffs. He’ll turn 23 next month.
With the first five spots set on the blue line, this is another opportunity for Jones to break through. He isn’t the biggest player, but he is a good skater with skill. So far, Jones has eight points (1-7-8) in 38 NHL games over parts of three seasons. He didn’t get much leeway last year under former coach Gerard Gallant. We’ll see how things shake out under Laviolette.
If you’re looking for a couple of younger prospects to watch, both Adam Sykora and Brett Berard are expected to play. Sykora is number 38. Berard will wear number 65. Sykora is the more recent draft pick. We’ll see how he does.
Ben Harpur is also in for tonight. The veteran was a pleasant surprise after being recalled from Hartford last season. He brought some size and an edge to the defense. He’s likely the eighth defenseman unless the organization decides to trade Jones. He’s fighting for a spot.
Matthew Robertson remains the forgotten D prospect. Selected in the second round in 2019, the Edmonton, Alberta native is entering his third pro season. A bigger defenseman listed at 6-3, 211 pounds, Robertson spent the past two years with Hartford. After totaling 11 points in his first season, he improved with 23 points last season. Robertson will wear number 44.
Will Cuylle is also playing. A gritty forward who debuted in 2022-23, the former 2020 second round pick had a good rookie season with Hartford, finishing with 25 goals and 20 assists for 45 points in 69 games. He got into four games with the Rangers. Cuylle is only entering his second pro season. With vets Nick Bonino, Tyler Pitlick, and Riley Nash brought in, it’s likely that Cuylle will start 2023-24 with the Wolf Pack.
Both Nash and Jonny Brodzinski are in the lineup. Making his Rangers debut in the net is former King Jonathan Quick. The new backup goalie will look to establish himself during camp. Louis Domingue is the backup who’ll likely play the third period.
On Thursday, NHL training camps opened up. The Rangers were back getting work in at their practice facility in Greenburgh.
With the first preseason game on Sunday against the Bruins, it won’t take long to get a feel for what to expect from new coach Peter Laviolette. A very honest man, when it comes to assessing the important details of his system, the veteran coach gave some good answers to the press about what’s made his past teams successful.
Laviolette brings a fresh perspective to a team that concluded 2022-23 in disappointing fashion. More of an x and o’s guy, he understands what winning hockey should look like. There’s a reason he guided three different NHL teams to the Stanley Cup Finals. The biggest highlight came when he took the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup 17 years ago. He also got the Flyers and Predators to that stage. No small feat.
“There’s a lot of talent and there’s a lot of skill on this team, and I understand that,” he told Arthur Staple of The Athletic. “I also can talk about teams that I’ve coached that had some success. There’s a certain identity to the way they play. I could also talk about teams that make it deep into the playoffs — to the final four, the final two, the Stanley Cup champions. There’s a certain attitude that they play with, as well. There’s a work ethic that goes behind that.
“I’ve never wanted to be only a skilled team, and I’ve never wanted to be just a hardworking team. When you can combine the two and you can get them on the same page, which is the purpose of training camp, it’s to establish your identity. It’s to work on it. It’s to make the mistakes, to fix the mistakes, to gain confidence with what you’re doing on the ice. I feel like when that happens, then the team starts to get confidence in the way that they’re playing. I don’t know if it’s just the skill that you’re looking for or just the work ethic. For me, it’s a good combination of both.”
Laviolette also had a nice sit down with captain Jacob Trouba at dinner, where they talked about the team. He was impressed with the hard-nosed defenseman who plays the game the way it’s supposed to be.
“My conversations with him have been excellent,” Laviolette said. “He’s a really good leader. I believe that he has a good voice in the locker room. I believe that his daily habits are excellent. The conversations that I’ve had with him — he cares deeply about his teammates, about this team, about striving for success for this team — and those are the qualities that you want in a captain. Somebody who cares about their teammates, somebody who leads by example, somebody who is willing to face adverse situations and be the guy that says something or does something or can right the ship. He certainly has those qualities.”
There’s a lot to like just from listening to the tone of Laviolette during press conferences. He had a sarcastic joke for veteran New York Post writer Larry Brooks about his first lines during today’s practice. Then, he explained more about the system that will be installed by the weekend.
Peter Laviolette is asked to describe his system and what made it so difficult on the Rangers last year:
"Do most coaches come to New York and put their system in the New York Post?" 😂 pic.twitter.com/4bOkcH5Ckt
From the sound of it, it looks like the Rangers will have a different approach to this camp. As far as the initial lines that include Alexis Lafreniere on the right wing with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. Blake Wheeler is getting a look with Filip Chytil and Artemi Panarin. Kaapo Kakko was with Vincent Trocheck and Barclay Goodrow. Jimmy Vesey and Tyler Pitlick were with Nick Bonino, which could very well be how they line up on Opening Night.
Laviolette’s made it clear that he will move players around in search of different combos. Chris Drury said Laviolete would have free reign to try different things. That includes K’Andre Miller with Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren with Trouba.
There’s nothing wrong with finding out what works. I’m on record as being open to seeing Miller and Fox together. If they are, that could be a good tandem that can create offense off puck possession. Lindgren with Trouba could be the physical shutdown pair if they prove they can work together. At the moment, veteran Erik Gustafsson has a leg up on Zac Jones for the sixth defenseman. He was paired with Braden Schneider. Jones was with Ben Harpur.
Whatever happens, it’ll be interesting. There’s a lot to look forward to.
Rookie Focus: Before the start of training camp and preseason, the rookies were on display during Rookie Camp.
Last weekend, the Rangers defeated the Flyers twice in a rookie prospect tournament. Bobby Trivigno scored twice last Sunday. A diminutive forward who is generously listed at 5-8, the former University of Massachusetts product had 26 points (7-19-26) in his first full season for Hartford last year. The undrafted 24-year-old is a long shot to crack the Rangers. But he could be one of those classic overachievers.
For the Rangers, Rookie Camp meant seeing some of the younger players who are still looking to make a name for themselves. Although the organization doesn’t do much to promote their youth, they at least had some interviews with a few players whom we could see in the future.
Brennan Othmann tops the list. The former 2021 first round pick enters his first pro season. A long shot to make the big club due to the numbers game that includes veterans Chris Drury added over the summer, the 20-year-old forward is eager to get going. He understands that his best chance could come by playing the right wing instead of his natural left wing position.
Having gained ten pounds of muscle, Othmann came in at 187 pounds. A skilled player who likes to play in front of the net, he discussed why he’s pleased with his current weight and what it means for his game.
“I think that’s a good weight for me just for strength wise and the way I play. I don’t want to be too heavy because then I slow down. I’m a fast player who likes to throw my weight around.”
Expected to get a look on the right wing during camp, Othmann is open to the challenge. A mature player who understands the logjam at the left wing, he seems amenable to showing what he can do on his off wing.
“I can play both. I can play the right side, too. I played a little bit last year at Peterborough. Left and right. I know it says I’m a left winger, but I think that I can play the right wing as well.
It’s kind of the same thing. Picking up the puck on the wall is harder. But you’re really only playing your position on draws.”
That last point is a good one. For all the discussion over whether Lafreniere can slide over to the right side in his fourth season under new coach Peter Laviolette. During extended shifts, players are all over the ice playing different sides. That all leads into Laviolette’s emphasis on having an effective forecheck. If they establish that identity, the Rangers will be harder to play against.
Brett Berard is another young prospect entering his first professional season. A former 2020 fifth round pick, the recently turned 21-year-old spent three years at Providence College. Part of the gold medal winning American team that beat Canada at the 2021 U20 World Junior Championships, Berard is a hard-working player who likes to use his speed on the forecheck. Another player that’s not the biggest in stature, he’ll look to outwork opponents.
“It’s still the same game I’ve played my whole life. So, I’m going with the same mindset. … Just keep that mindset going into it and not try to do too much. Play my game. And everything will fall into place.”
Dylan Garand enters his second pro season. After an up and down regular season in 2022-23, he had a strong showing during the Calder Cup Playoffs with the Wolf Pack.
“It definitely prepared us going into next week… It was just nice to get back into a more competitive environment and more like in season practices like that. Get in a rhythm and kinda get those mental reminders that you face in season. It was good,” Garand said about rookie camp.
And finally. There’s this from Filip Chytil, who showed some good humor after being asked an interesting question.
I don’t know about you. But I could go for a cookie.
With baseball season long since over for both local teams, and football season in early peril after a pyrrhic win for the Jets and embarrassing no-show by the Giants on national TV, hockey fans are more than ready for that sport to come out of hibernation – especially with anticipation high for the local teams. Of course, I’m not here to talk about the Rangers (who are more than adequately covered by Derek) or the Islanders – who narrowly missed the playoffs made the playoffs, going out in the first round last year but as we all know Lou Lamoriello will never stop pushing the envelope in trying to win-now. For the first time since at least the early 2010’s, the Devils are the team in town with the most expectations.
In many ways, how the Devils handle the new role of being the hunted is probably one of the biggest question marks surrounding this year’s team, after another seemingly immaculate offseason by GM Tom Fitzgerald in assembling this team not only for next year but seasons to come. To recap, he inked both key forwards Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier to eight-year extensions this offseason as well as re-signing UFA Erik Haula to a three-year deal. For good measure he also added goal-scoring winger Tyler Toffoli in trade just before the draft. Our only losses of any note up front were Tomas Tatar (just recently signed a one-year deal in Colorado) and Miles Wood, who signed even longer-term in Colorado – six years! – but both should be more than adequately replaced by the addition of Toffoli and UFA signing Tomas Nosek on a one-year deal.
After an offseason of rumors swirling around possible trades for the Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck and others, the Devils still seem content with rolling into camp with the tandem of Vitek Vanecek and young Akira Schmid, who still may well be technically eligible for Calder consideration having only played 24 NHL games over his first two seasons. Coach Lindy Ruff is also set to return although there’s been no official confirmation on the terms of his anticipated extension this offseason, you would think something would have broken by now if there was a problem on coming to terms. At least we know Devils social media has lost none of their sense of humor this offseason, light-heartedly trolling the coach (an avowed Buffalo Bills fan) after the Jets’ surprising Monday Night Football win.
On defense, there will necessarily be a couple of significant changes after UFA defensemen Damon Severson (eight years with the Blue Jackets) and Ryan Graves (six years with the Penguins) both signed long-term deals with other organizations. Short-term the Devils traded for Colin Miller this offseason to add depth, but long-term Luke Hughes and 2022 #2 overall pick Simon Nemec will be expected to step in to the lineup sooner rather than later. Especially in the case of Luke, who already showed his chops by playing big minutes in the Devils’ playoff series with Carolina over the spring. Nemec probably isn’t too far off from cracking the lineup himself after a successful first pro season in Utica last year, but he’ll likely have to impress even more to win a starting job straight out of camp this year.
You can catch Nemec and other Devils prospects in the prospects challenge at Buffalo on live streams, with the first one against the Senators’ prospect team at noon today.
Here’s your lineup for #NJDevils agains the Ottawa Senators for the first Prospects Challenge game!
Even with an off day I might not watch until later, but it is the first taste of live hockey since May 11 (a little more than four months ago) when the Devils lost Game 5 to Carolina in the playoffs. Still, it’s a marker of how much things have changed just one offseason after talking about whether another Devils team that finished below 70 points the year before could somehow get to 90 and be in the playoff hunt. There’s definitely a different mindset when you’re trying to prove yourself and after you’re now expected to win. However, Fitz has done all he could to buffer the transition by bringing in vets over the last few offseasons to complement the young core, and keeping an experienced coach – even after some of us thought Lindy’s time was about to be up early last season coming off of two straight seventh-place finishes.
Our proper season opener is still a month away (at home against Detroit on October 12), and with so few questions in the lineup – the biggest of which might be whether the light finally clicks on for recent first-rounder Alexander Holtz or not in a pivotal camp for the former first-rounder – admittedly preseason probably will be even less watchable than normal. That won’t dull the anticipation any when it finally arrives though. In the span of one calendar year, we’ve gone from a fanbase with little hope to one now looking forward to hopefully being in contention for the next several years and I honestly can’t remember the last time I was anticipating a season this much.
After our Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 2012, we lost captain Zach Parise in free agency then had to wait through another lockout. After our unexpected playoff appearance in 2018, we did little in the offseason and reality hit hard quickly after a 4-0 start. To be fair I do think there was a certain amount of anticipation in 2019 after an offseason where they traded for P.K. Subban and acquired a few other players, but with Taylor Hall’s contract situation looming there was always that black cloud there that things could unravel quickly if we got off to a slow start, and they did. Fortunately, the return from the Hall trade shortly before then-GM Ray Shero was dismissed became one of the factors in Fitz being able to turn things around as well as he has. With the foundation in place, now’s the time to take the next step this year.
Players are back for informal sessions at the Rangers practice facility in Greenburgh. With training camp a week away, preparations have begun for the 2023-24 season.
It’ll be a new year under Peter Laviolette’s coaching staff, which includes Phil Housley, Dan Muse, and Michael Peca. Unlike predecessor Gerard Gallant, Laviolette will be looking to instill a more disciplined approach to handling players. Once his system is installed, the Rangers will have a different look.
There were too many instances where they looked disoriented last season. The lack of attention to detail reared its ugly head in the first round disappointment to the archival Devils last spring. Had they not looked ready for the first two games of the series, the Devils would’ve easily won. Their team speed, aggressive forecheck, and transition game were too much for the Rangers.
It’s time to turn the page. The past is the past. Laviolette will bring a fresh look to a roster that needs it. He wants to see his team win battles and dictate the pace. That requires a consistent forecheck. An area that they must improve to be taken seriously. The work ethic will be emphasized by the coaching staff.
In regards to the roster, it will be challenging for any young prospects to force their way on. That includes former 2021 first round pick Brennan Othmann. A standout player who helped lead the Peterborough Petes to the Memorial Cup, the 20-year-old forward has the unique combination of skating, skill, and grit to make a difference.
For Othmann to make it out of camp, he’ll have to play extremely well. There aren’t many openings due to the veterans Chris Drury added. That includes proven vet Blake Wheeler, who will play in the top nine. The former Jets captain brings plenty of experience. On a one-year deal, it should work out.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Drury emphasized the grit of some older players, including newcomers Nick Bonino and Tyler Pitlick. He also discussed Othmann at length. He expects him to get an opportunity on the right side. The Rangers lack right wing depth. Both Othmann and Alexis Lafreniere should get looks playing the off wing.
I think we do have a lot pieces that can play like that and will push our skill guys to play like that as well." (2/2)
For Lafreniere, who had trouble sticking in the top six due to established left wings Chris Kreider and Artemi Panarin, it makes sense to see what he can do playing the right side. Gallant tried him there early last season with Panarin and Vincent Trocheck. Despite initial success and positive possession statistics, the line got caught on for some goals against. That led to their breakup.
Maybe under a different coach, Lafreniere will be shown more patience. He can’t be successful playing the opposite side if it’s only for a handful of games. Too often, he was moved around in 2022-23. Finding line consistency is the key. Having a more defined role should help him and Kaapo Kakko, who’s expected to begin camp on the right side with Kreider and Mika Zibanejad.
“Obviously, the lineup card is Lavy’s, but I know that Laff and Othmann have publicly said that they are comfortable on the right,”Drury told Larry Brooks of the New York Post. “So I’m anticipating that they’ll get every chance to play on the right and show what they can do.
“That certainly makes for some exciting games and practices to watch in camp.”
Ultimately, it’ll come down to how the players perform in the preseason. While Othmann could likely start his pro career in Hartford, it’s do or die for Lafreniere who enters his fourth year. The former top pick must prove he’s capable of becoming a reliable scorer. They need him and Kakko to be more than occasional contributors.
Of the veterans Drury added, both Nick Bonino and Pitlick should be fixtures on the fourth line. There’s also established vets Barclay Goodrow and Jimmy Vesey, who’ll play checking roles. The question is whether Goodrow will start on the third or fourth line. That depends on what happens with the kids.
Between Trocheck and Filip Chytil, who will begin the season centering the second line? That’s a better question for Laviolette. Chytil is more offensive-minded, while Trocheck is a better overall center that wins face-offs and is stronger.
These are some of the storylines to follow when it officially starts up.
Key Subtractions: Mike Hoffman (traded to Sharks), Jonathan Drouin (signed with Avalanche), Joel Edmundson (traded to Capitals), Rem Pitlick (traded to Penguins), Alex Belzile (signed with Rangers), Denis Gurianov (signed with Predators)
Key Additions: Alex Newhook, Casey DeSmith, Gustav Lindstrom
Overview: It was a very tough season for the Canadiens. With it evident that franchise goalie Carey Price played his final game due to injuries, the net was turned over to Jake Allen. But it was the surprising play of Sam Montembeault that boosted hopes. He won a career high 16 games in 39 starts.
Allen and Montembeault shared the goalie duties under coach Martin St. Louis. At least it was more stable than the previous season. If only they had stronger support. With mostly a young defense, the Habs struggled with consistency.
They at least got a good performance out of Mike Matheson. He produced a career best 34 points after coming over from Pittsburgh. He will need to play more than 48 games in 2023-24. He’s a key to the offense from the back end. Matheson will play even strength and power play.
Ex Blue Jacket David Savard was alright in his first year as a Canadien. He’s a no frills type who can chip in occasionally while blocking shots.
Montreal is hoping Kaiden Guhle can continue his progression. The former first round pick provided some offense in his first season. He had four goals and 14 assists totaling 18 points over 44 games. He definitely has some skills. The Habs should use him quite a bit on the man-advantage.
Arber Xhekaj was a welcome surprise. The 22-year-old defenseman plays the game with high intensity. He uses his size to deliver thumping hits and is a willing combatant when the opportunity arises. It isn’t surprising that Xhekaj became a fan favorite. He might have some untapped potential. We’ll see if he can do better than 5-8-13 he had in 2022-23.
Johnathan Kovacevic became a trusted player on the blue line. He played in 77 games as mostly a third pair guy. He and Jordan Harris are holdovers from last year. Justin Barron is a former Avalanche first round pick that got into 39 games.
The Canadiens acquired Gustav Lindstrom from the Red Wings in exchange for Jeff Petry. The Habs re-acquired him as part of the three-team trade that invoiced Erik Karlsson going to the Penguins. Mike Hoffman was sent to the Sharks. Montreal also added Casey DeSmith from the Pens to help solidify them in goal.
Lindstrom never really developed in Detroit. The 24-year-old Swede is a former second round pick who’s at a crossroads.
Offensively, the Canadiens relied heavily on the top line of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Kirby Dach. Caufield was on a tear with 26 goals in 46 games before shoulder surgery ended his season. He probably would’ve hit 40 in Year Two.
The Canadiens wasted no time getting Caufield signed to a new eight-year contract that’s worth $62.8 million. The average cap hit is $7.85 million for the 22-year-old Wisconsin product. He should fill it up both at five-on-five and on the power play. The diminutive Caufield is an exciting player who has flourished under Martin St. Louis.
Suzuki is the captain. A good all-around player, the number one pivot registered career highs in goals (26), points (66), and shorthanded goals (3). He also had 42 takeaways compared to 52 giveaways. It won’t be long before he puts it altogether.
When they acquired Dach from Chicago, it was a smart move. He started to prove them right before his season was cut short due to injuries. St. Louis shifted him to the wing, which allowed Dach to move up to the top line. He achieved career highs in goals (14), assists (24), points (38), and power play points (6-10-16). He can play in every situation, including on the penalty kill.
In order for them to compete in a deep Atlantic Division, the Canadiens need more production from the supporting cast. Adding former Avalanche first round pick Alex Newhook should help. On a new team, he’ll have a more defined role. Perhaps a scenery change will work like it did for Dach.
Josh Anderson is a good top six forward who can score 20 goals and play a rugged style. They’ll need more from Christian Dvorak and veteran Brendan Gallagher. Unfortunately, Gallagher has seen better days. His tenacious style might’ve caught up.
The Habs are banking on 2022 top pick Juraj Slafkovsky to have a better season. In 39 games, he had four goals and six helpers. Only 19, hopefully Slafkovsky can come back a better player. He must prove why they took him number one overall.
Vets Sean Monahan and Joel Armia are solid secondary scorers who provide energy. Monahan was good before another setback ended his season. In a contract year, he’ll look to produce and stay healthy. Armia is your classic gritty player with good speed who can play anywhere. But he’s making $3.36 million on the cap through 2025. If they fall out of it, maybe the Habs find a taker for him.
Rafael Harvey-Pinard surprised many by scoring 14 goals in 34 games. He was a pleasant addition. If he can continue that form, then Montreal fans will have a love affair with the overachiever.
Jake Evans and Jesse Ylonen are depth players who can play on a supporting line.
Joshua Roy had a good showing at last year’s World Junior Championships helping Canada repeat with five goals and six assists. A former fifth round pick in 2021, maybe he can be a young player who develops into a good option. He enters his first pro season.
When the Habs took defenseman Logan Mailloux at the end of the first round in 2021, there was plenty of criticism due to his off-ice issues. He served a suspension in the OHL due to an incident involving a young woman he engaged in sexual acts with in Sweden during 2020-21.
Mailloux didn’t want to get drafted, opting to focus on improving himself. But the Canadiens picked him anyway. That led to a public outcry. Montreal owner Geoff Molson called him a “good kid who made a big mistake.”
Last season, he posted 25 goals and 28 assists in 59 games for the London Knights. Named an OHL Second Team All-Star, he added 24 points (8-16-24) for a new team record by a defenseman. Mailloux remains an interesting prospect. He enters his first pro season with Laval. We’ll see how it all shakes out.
Analysis: If the top line stays healthy, they’ll be one to watch on the highlight reel. They have superb chemistry and complement each other well. It really hinges on the secondary players to perform.
The defense remains a question mark due to no real top guy. They must be better in the system to take some pressure off the goalies. They can’t be asked to do it alone.
Prediction: It’s awfully hard to see this roster doing better than 35 wins. A lot of it has to do with the division they play in. There aren’t any pushovers. This isn’t to say the Habs won’t play hard. They will because they believe in what MSL is selling. He makes the game fun for players. That will help. Anything between 75 to 80 points would be a step in the right direction.
Later this month, training camps begin for the area locals. With the Mets playing out the string in a disappointing season, they gave some hockey fans a little treat during their 7-4 home win over the Diamondbacks at Citi Field.
Finally, playing top prospect Ronny Mauricio, the Mets are getting a glimpse of the future. The second baseman has hit well since debuting. In the home fourth inning tonight, Mauricio hit his first career major league home run off Arizona starter Ryne Nelson.
It was a moon shot that landed into the second deck. The lefthanded hitting Mauricio drove the pitch 440 feet into the back row of the Coca-Cola corner. Personally, I preferred the Pepsi porch. But that’s what you get these days with corporate sponsors.
As Mauricio was rounding the bases in celebration of his first big league home run, the Mets decided to go with a familiar hockey theme song to commemorate the moment.
The Mets played the Rangers goal song after Ronny Mauricio crushed his first career home run @BRWalkoff
None other than the Rangers goal song played over the speakers for Mauricio’s majestic blast. It definitely was classic. I guess somebody likes hockey in the production department. It’s a pretty cool thing if you ask me.
UPDATED: Rangers’ friend Jan Levine informed me that it was part of a promotion. The Mets had Hockey Jersey Night at the ballpark.
Prior to the game, Jimmy Vesey exchanged jerseys with Mets’ first base slugger Pete Alonso. Vesey was there with Erik Haula and Cal Clutterbuck. They all threw out the first pitches.
Jimmy Vesey is at Citi Field today and does a jersey exchange with Pete Alonso pic.twitter.com/WHuJiB9KrC
With the way football started for both the Giants and Jets, who lost Aaron Rodgers for the season four snaps into a come from behind overtime win over the Bills on Monday Night Football, hockey seems like the logical choice for sports fans.
The good news is they’re about a month away from the beginning of the 2023-24 season. That’s why I’ve been previewing some teams in the Eastern Conference. Catch my Red Wings piece from Tuesday afternoon.
With no October baseball looming for both the Mets and Yankees, I can’t wait for hockey. It should deliver better storylines than what happened this summer.
Key Subtractions: Dominik Kubalik (traded to Senators), Gustav Lindstrom (traded to Canadiens), Filip Zadina (signed with Sharks), Alex Nedeljkovic (signed with Penguins), Pius Suter (signed with Canucks)
Key Additions: Alex DeBrincat, Jeff Petry, J.T. Compher, James Reimer, Shayne Gostisbehere, Justin Holl, Alex Lyon, Daniel Sprong, Klim Kostin, Christian Fischer
Overview: Playing in a competitive division, the rebuilding Red Wings were inconsistent under new coach Derek Lalonde in his first year. The former Lightning assistant coach learned what it was like to be in charge of a team that hasn’t made the postseason since Red Wing greats Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg starred.
Although they picked it up following the All-Star break, they weren’t good enough to break a playoff drought that’s now up to seven years. Due to falling out of the race, gone are Tyler Bertuzzi and Filip Hronek. Each was moved by Steve Yzerman at the last trade deadline. He did well in adding a 2024 first round pick from Boston for Bertuzzi. Yzerman got both a first and second from the Canucks for Hronek.
After a disappointing first season back home, Andrew Copp needs to bounce back. Yzerman didn’t pay him handsomely to score single digits in goals and struggle with consistency. He needs to better support captain Dylan Larkin, who established new career highs in assists (47), points (79), and power play goals (16). Larkin continues to blossom into a complete player who will lead the way.
At least David Perron produced as expected. The veteran continues to be an asset who’s capable at even strength and on the power play. His top heavy shot remains a weapon on the man-advantage.
For the Red Wings to reach the playoffs, they’ll need both newcomers, Alex DeBrincat and J.T. Compher to supply the offense. They were both brought in to provide more scoring. DeBrincat got his wish when Ottawa dealt him to Detroit in the summer. Dominik Kubalik was part of the package that went the other way for the two-time 40-goal man. He got paid an average cap hit of $7.875 million through 2027. He better fill the net.
Compher was a key piece of the Avalanche when they won the Stanley Cup. A year after committing dollars and years to Copp, Yzerman went similar on the 28-year-old forward who managed a career best 52 points (17-35-52). That better not be an outlier. A solid secondary player, Compher will make an AAV of $5.1 million thru 2028. They’re counting on him to perform.
The Wings are hoping Robby Fabbri can return healthy. He should be a top nine forward, along with former Kraken Daniel Sprong, who might prove to be a good signing. He’s signed for a year and will make $2 million.
Lucas Raymond had a bit of a sophomore jinx. He got off to a bad start, struggling mightily. After posting 23-24-57 in his rookie year, he went 17-28-45 in Year Two. A good skater who can dangle, the 21-year-old remains a key player for the Wings. If he can put it altogether in a contract year, 30 goals is possible. We’ll see if he’s up to the challenge.
The depth should be supplied by Michael Rasmussen, Jonathan Berggren, and energizer Klim Kostin. Kostin was a solid contributor with Edmonton. He plays a gritty game. Signed for two years at two million per season, he should provide a spark to a roster that needs it. Kostin can score double digits and mix it up.
Much depends on the defense and goaltending. Mo Seider is the anchor of the blue line. Following a tough start, the former Calder winner had a strong second half. A physical force who also possesses the skills, Seider is the staple for the Winged Wheel.
They’re hoping that adding veterans Jeff Petry and Justin Holl, it’ll stabilize a blue line that wasn’t very good. Petry is more proven than Holl, who received a three-year deal at an AAV of $3.4 million with a moderated no-trade clause.
Ben Chiarot and Olli Maatta remain key cogs. Shayne Gostisbehere was brought in to provide offense. He’s always been able to score and set up goals. Defense has never been a strong suit. At least he’s only signed for 2023-24. He has a moderated NTC. So, they can always flip him next deadline.
There’s also Jake Walman and former first round pick Simon Edvinsson. Walman will have a role while Edvinsson is allowed to develop in the AHL.
If it seems like the Red Wings are overly reliant on vets, it’s because they are. We’ll see how it goes.
Ville Husso is the number one goalie. At one point last season, he was brilliant. However, the former Blue fell victim to the inconsistencies of the Red Wings. He also made a career high 56 starts in his third season. Husso finished 26-22-7 with a 3.11 GAA, .896 save percentage, and four shutouts.
Out is Alex Nedeljkovic. In are James Reimer and Alex Lyon. They should help provide Lalonde with better options to spell Husso.
Analysis: It’s tough to figure out if this overhauled roster will be good enough to qualify for the postseason. The scoring should improve.
The defense will be more essential to whether or not the Red Wings can climb the ladder in the Atlantic Division. There’s pressure to perform. Yzerman invested a lot of money in good players who aren’t stars. He also paid DeBrincat top dollar to score like one.
Is this a good enough roster to end the playoff drought?
Prediction: There’s no doubt that the Bruins and Lightning are more vulnerable. However, they’re well established. With the Panthers likely pushing the Maple Leafs, that leaves the Red Wings, Senators, and Sabres to challenge for a wildcard.
The divisional match-ups should matter. But there’s still not enough games due to the unbalanced schedule. You’ll still have some meaningful three – and four-point games.
Forty wins and between 85 to 90 points feels realistic. That won’t be enough to make the playoffs.
Key Subtractions: Alex DeBrincat (traded to Red Wings), Derick Brassard (unsigned), Cam Talbot (signed with Kings), Nick Holden (unsigned)
Key Additions: Vladimir Tarasenko, Joonas Korpisalo, Dominik Kubalik, Zach MacEwen
Overview: It’s been a while since the Senators had a team capable of reaching the playoffs. However, all signs indicate that they’re headed in the right direction. Last season, a slow start hurt. However, they made strides during the second half to finish within striking distance of the postseason.
Given the young talent they possess, there’s a lot to like about the Senators. Boasting rising star Tim Stutzle, no-nonsense captain Brady Tkachuk, veteran Claude Giroux, Drake Batherson, Thomas Chabot, and newly minted Jake Sanderson, who signed an eight-year extension worth an average cap hit of 8.05 million through 2032, they have plenty of reasons to get excited about.
If Josh Norris can come back at full strength, that’s a center capable of scoring 30 goals or more. In 2021-22, he notched 35 in his second season. Shoulder surgery limited him to eight games last season. Norris is a key piece to the puzzle.
After Alex DeBrincat got his wish and was sent home to play for the division rival Red Wings for a package that included veteran Dominik Kubalik, the Sens signed veteran Vladimir Tarasenko to a one-year deal worth $5 million. A former Stanley Cup winner with the Blues, Tarasenko, should be a good replacement for DeBrincat. He’s betting on himself, which should make him highly motivated.
Ottawa also went out and added gritty forward Zach MacEwen. No stranger to mixing it up. He’ll add some toughness to the roster. That’s never a bad thing. Especially when you have a young team still looking to jump back into the playoffs.
Mark Kastelic plays a similar style. The Senators shouldn’t be pushed around. Mathieu Joseph had a tough year after coming over from Tampa. He only scored three times. A bounce back seems likely.
If they can get key restricted free agent Shane Pinto re-signed, that would be huge. He scored 20 goals in his rookie year. A good shooter, Pinto needs a contract due to playing parts of the previous two seasons. His entry-level contract expired. Problematic is that Ottawa has less than a million dollars left on the cap. Unless someone winds up on the long-term injured reserve, they’ll have to get creative.
Hopefully, Pinto won’t become a cap casualty like Alex Formenton did a year ago. He missed the entire 2022-23 season. He spent part of the year playing for Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss League.
In order for the Senators to make it, they’ll need more stability in the net. After an up and down year from veteran Cam Talbot, Ottawa decided to go into the market. They signed former Columbus goalie Joonas Korpisalo to a five-year deal worth $20 million. It’s definitely a high-risk move for a netminder who hasn’t proven he can carry a team.
They’re banking on Korpisalo to deliver. Anton Forsberg is a solid backup who is more than capable of handling 25 to 30 games. It’ll be an interesting tandem to follow.
The blue line is anchored by minutes logger Chabot. A defenseman who is trusted in every situation, he plays power play and penalty kill. They also boast former Coyote Jakob Chychrun. He’s still only 25 and should have plenty to give.
Sanderson has a big ceiling. The former 2020 first round pick started to make things happen in his rookie season. He finished with 32 points (4-28-32) in 77 games. Seventeen came on the power play.
When you have a healthy trio of lefties like they do, that’s a strong asset. Ottawa is counting on Artem Zub and Erik Brannstrom to handle the tough assignments in the top four. Travis Hamonic adds experience. Tyler Kleven is a former second round pick with eight games of experience.
Analysis: The Senators shouldn’t have any trouble scoring goals. They have the uber talented Stutzle and strong power forward Brady Tkachuk. With superb center depth, especially if Norris returns to form, this is gonna be a fun team to watch.
We’ll see if they can keep Pinto, who projects to be a 30-goal scorer. One wonders if they’d look to dangle him for more defensive help. Look at the roster. There’s established players in Giroux and Tarasenko. You have the overlooked Batherson, who continues to improve.
It’ll come down to the defense and goaltending.
Prediction: Playing in a deep division that’s on the upswing due to the improvements of Buffalo and Detroit, it’ll he an uphill climb for the Senators to go from 86 points to 95-96, which is the likely cut-off.
Can they do it under coach D.J. Smith? It’s hard to say. They haven’t exactly done as well as they can under Smith. The pressure is on. If they get out slowly, he could be on the chopping block. There are a few proven options if Ottawa has to go that route.
It’s hard to project this team. They can win 40-plus games. But are they good enough to make the playoffs for the first time since Erik Karlsson carried them within an eyelash of the Stanley Cup Finals in 2017? That remains to be seen.
At one time, Michael Del Zotto was lighting it up on Broadway as a rookie for the Rangers at MSG. That was in 2009-10, when the former 2008 first round pick scored nine goals and finished with 37 points as a 19-year-old.
A favorite of ours both on the ice and in the community – wishing you nothing but the best, DZ!
Fourteen years later, Del Zotto announced his retirement on Instagram yesterday. Now 33, the Canadian from Stouffville, Ontario, is ready for the next chapter in his life. He put up a good post touching on the ups and downs of his 14-year career.
That included some life lessons. He learned a great deal about himself when the early stages of his career were at a crossroads. The nightlife in the Big Apple took a toll on him. Fortunately, he rebounded to save his hockey career.
Del Zotto also learned what was important. The off ice charity work he did became a big part of him maturing as a person. Although he might not have had the career many envisioned, he played in 736 NHL games with eight different teams.
Most of his success came early with the Rangers. They took him with the 20th pick in the 2008 NHL Draft. Making the team aa a teenager, he got off to a great start in New York City. Del Zotto flashed the superb skating and skill that made believers of the organization.
Some of his goals and rushes thrilled fans. At times, he was brilliant. But he struggled mightily in his second season. A year that saw him get sent down to Hartford. A clear message from coach John Tortorella helped Del Zotto learn a valuable lesson. He came back a better player in his third year.
It was in 2011-12 that he had his best season as a 21-year-old. In what was a very good season for the Blueshirts, Del Zotto paced them from the blue line with 10 goals, 31 assists, and 41 points in 77 games. He finished with a plus-20 rating.
In the playoffs, he had two goals and eight assists. The biggest goal he scored came in Game Seven of a second round win over the Capitals at The Garden. That proved to be the series clincher. The Rangers advanced to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 1997.
The script didn’t have a Hollywood ending. The Rangers lost to the Devils in the Conference Finals. Del Zotto struggled during the series. Unfortunately, those struggles continued the following two seasons. He wasn’t the same player.
By 2013-14 under Alain Vigneault, Del Zotto was traded to the Predators for Kevin Klein. While he struggled to find consistency in Nashville, Klein fit in seamlessly in New York. He helped solidify a strong defense. Along with the memorable acquisition of Marty St. Louis, the Rangers made a great run to the Stanley Cup Finals. They lost to the Kings.
As for Del Zotto, he wound up signing with the Flyers as a free agent after the Predators didn’t qualify him. They were willing to give him a shot. He repaid them with a good season in 2014-15. In 64 contests, Del Zotto finished with 10 goals and 22 assists for a total of 32 points.
Despite that success, he couldn’t duplicate it. He lasted two more years in Philadelphia. By then, he changed his game. No longer was he as focused on offense. Instead, Del Zotto played a bit better overall by blocking shots and finishing checks.
He would move onto Vancouver, where he spent over a year there before getting dealt to Anaheim. After playing just a dozen games, he was traded to the Blues in 2018-19. At the time, they had some guys out on the back end. So. They acquired Del Zotto for depth. He had three assists in seven games.
Once they were healthy, Del Zotto became a Black Ace. The Blues went on a special run to win their first Stanley Cup during the 2019 NHL Playoffs. Even though he never suited up, Del Zotto became a Stanley Cup champion. That definitely had to be special for him. Especially after his struggles.
He’d spend parts of three more seasons in the league as a journeyman. That included a return to Anaheim for 2019-20. He then moved to Columbus for a year. His final season came with Ottawa. He only played in 26 games but totaled 13 points. Despite that, he spent last season in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers and San Diego Gulls. He played well for the Gulls, finishing with 31 points in 40 games.
Del Zotto concluded his NHL career with 63 goals, 199 assists, and 262 points. Nearly half that total came in NYC. As a Ranger, he played in 292 games and had 121 points (26-95-121). Fifty-six of those points came on the power play. An area where he excelled in the early phase of his career.
Now, he can spend more time with his family. Congrats to Del Zotto on a good career.
Key Subtractions: Anthony Duclair (traded to Sharks), Radko Gudas (signed with Ducks), Marc Staal (signed with Flyers), Alex Lyon (signed with Red Wings), Givani Smith (signed with Sharks), Patric Hornqvist (retirement), Eric Staal (unsigned), Colin White (unsigned), Chris Tierney (signed with Devils)
Key Additions: Evan Rodrigues, Niko Mikkola, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Mike Reilly, Anthony Stolarz, Steven Lorentz, Kevin Stenlund, Rasmus Asplund (two-way deal)
Overview: After struggling to find consistency for most of last season, the Panthers hit their stride down the stretch. Led by Matthew Tkachuk, they got hot at the right time. Able to squeak into the playoffs, they rallied from a three games to one deficit to stun the record-breaking Bruins in a huge first round upset.
Tkachuk’s fingerprints were all over that comeback series win. So, too, was Carter Verhaeghe, who scored the winner in sudden death to send the Cats to the second round. They got outstanding performances from a core that features Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, Brandon Montour, Aaron Ekblad, and Sergei Bobrovsky, who reclaimed his status as a top goalie.
The irony is that they wouldn’t have even made it without the heroics of Alex Lyon. He was the goalie who carried them into the final wildcard to edge out the Penguins and Sabres. Lyon was replaced at the right time by coach Paul Maurice. Bobrovsky turned back the clock to take the Panthers on a great run.
With key contributions from Anton Lundell, Gustav Forsling, Nick Cousins, and now departed Anthony Duclair, Radko Gudas, Marc Staal, and Eric Staal, the Panthers played like a team to reach their second Stanley Cup Final in franchise history. It was the commitment to playing stronger defensively under Maurice that allowed them to eliminate the Maple Leafs and sweep the Hurricanes to play for the Cup. They went through the three best teams to get there.
Unfortunately, the Panthers ran out of gas against the Golden Knights. Tkachuk and a few other players were banged up. It still was a memorable run. For once, the talent and depth showed for one of the league’s promising teams. What can they do for an encore?
Gone are Duclair, Gudas, Lyon, the Staal Brothers, and popular team leader Patric Hornqvist, who hung up the skates. GM Bill Zito brought in Evan Rodrigues to help offset the loss of Duclair, who became a cap casualty. They’ll miss Duclair’s speed and skill. But Rodrigues is a good skater with a strong shot. He can play power play and penalty kill. He should be a good fit in a secondary role.
Florida will have a different look on the back end. In are Niko Mikkola and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Mikkola is a solid skating defensive defenseman who did a nice job for the Rangers. He can play second or third pair and penalty kill. Ekman-Larsson is there to play some power play. He isn’t what he once was. But on a low risk one-year deal, maybe they’ll catch lightning in a bottle. It’ll be interesting to see if he can cut it under the demanding Maurice.
The good news is that Montour headlines the defense. He’s blossomed into one of the game’s best offensive weapons from the blue line. His breakout season included some memorable nights last postseason. As explosive as he is, Aaron Ekblad remains the key to their success. He played through an oblique tear and broken foot during a strong playoff. He isn’t expected back until November. Montour also might not be ready for the start of the season.
Gustav Forsling will play important minutes for Maurice. He remains underappreciated. A smooth puck moving defenseman who can contribute offensively, Forsling is a good player who gets it done. He will be leaned on heavily early in 2023-24.
Josh Mahura quietly had a good season. Zito was wise enough to add some depth in Mike Reilly and Dmitry Kulikov. That’ll help until the big boys are fully healthy.
If Bobrovsky is the starter, then Spencer Knight should be the understudy. How will he recover from the off-ice issues that forced him to enter the league player assistance program last February? Hopefully, things are headed in the right direction. Former Duck Anthony Stolarz was signed to replace Lyon. He’s good insurance.
The supporting cast includes pest Ryan Lomberg, the underrated Eetu Luostarinen, and Cousins. Steven Lorentz, Kevin Stenlund, and Rasmus Asplund were brought in.
Analysis: It’s impossible not to love a core that features Tkachuk, Barkov, Verhaeghe, Reinhart, Bennett, Lundell, Montour, and Ekblad. Lundell should continue to improve as a versatile checking pivot. Bennett remains a glue guy who provides the nuts and bolts.
The Panthers are strong at center, boast scoring wings, and depth. The defense will be a question. How well will Mikkola and Ekman-Larsson fit in the Maurice system?
Bobrovsky must perform more consistently during the regular season. If Knight is all the way back, that should help lighten the load.
Maurice is a proven coach who seems to do best when the pressure is off. There will be higher expectations this time.
Prediction: As has been noted, the Panthers won’t sneak up on anyone. Opponents know what they’re capable of. They proved it last spring.
They’ll have a target on their backs. As long as Montour and Ekblad round into form, they should be formidable. Especially with Tkachuk proving he was worth it. He will continue to terrorize opponents with his tenacious style.
It’s hard not to like the Panthers competing with the Leafs for the Atlantic Division. They look like the best two teams. Of course, the Bruins and Lightning will have something to say about that. The Sabres are expected to challenge as well.
Pencil in the Panthers for between 45 to 50 wins and over 100 points. They should be a lock this time. From there, they have a chance to go far. It’ll be a tug of war once the divisional playoffs roll around.
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