The Rangers won their third game of the preseason Monday by a 3-2 score due to Ryan McDonagh's overtime tally. All of New York's five games this preseason have been decided by one goal, with each of the Rangers' three wins coming in overtime. New York closes the preseason tonight in Philly and will need to get down to 23 players by Opening Night.
A few quick thoughts on the win:
The Kids continue to be alright:
As noted in the post-game notes: Vinni Lettieri continued to push his case for a spot on the roster and was rewarded with 18:12 of ice time, third-highest among Ranger forwards behind just Mika Zibanejad and Pavel Buchnevich. Lettieri has been noticeable nearly every time he has been on the ice. Very few mistakes and a presence offensively.
Of the two first round picks, Filip Chytil has stood out. Lias Andersson's play is as advertised but Chytil, who centered Rick Nash and Pavel Buchnevich for the first two periods and finished the game with four shots on goal in 17:57, clearly has the higher upside. Andersson has the stronger two-way game but Chytil offensive potential is readily apparent. He displayed that Monday but also showed that he needs work in his own end. It's possible he was trying too hard to impress as a roster spot may be his for the taking. But he was a bit uneven against Philly. Andersson, as Larry Brooks noted, might benefit from going back to Frolunda and playing in all situations rather than 10-12 minutes as a third or fourth line center. One might say the same with Chytil, as he could see action in all situations in the Czech league. But to me, as of now, Chytil has the edge on Andersson for a roster spot, but both could play nine games and then have a decision made.
Solid play by the veterans:
Henrik Lundqvist was solid in his first full 60-minute effort of the preseason, finishing with 37 saves, including 17 in the third period and overtime. Lundqvist, who stopped 60 of 63 shots he faced in his final two exhibition appearances, was beaten high to the glove side by Travis Sanheim in the first period and then on a rebound by Sanheim again, thanks to some poor d-coverage in front. But he was strong throughout and got in his final work of the preseason, as he will sit tonight.
Rick Nash got the Rangers on the board with a power play goal just 3:16 into the contest from McDonagh and Buchnevich. Nice play by Buch, who looks stronger and more confident on the ice thanks to the added strength, to get the puck on the power play and feed McDonagh at the point. Good keep in the zone by McD, whose shot was deflected by Nash, with Chytil also in front of the net.
Zibanejad tied the game midway through the third from Buchnevich and Kreider to set up McDonagh's game-winner from Zuccarello and Chytil in the five-minute period. Zib's goal was just a hard shot that trickled over the line and a nice feed from Buch into open space.
McDonagh notched two points (one goal, one assist), including the game-winning goal in overtime, and recorded three shots on goal in 23:58 of ice time. As noted above, nice keep by McDonagh on the first goal. On the game-winner, he created space in the offensive zone, taking advantage of the open ice three-on-three. His first shot was stopped, but he was able to tuck the rebound in under the goalie's glove to win the game.
Here are the rosters for tonight's' game:
Projected #NYR forwards for tomorrow night:
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 26, 2017
Miller
Hayes
Farnham
Nieves
Vesey
Carey
Grabner
Desharnais
Fontaine
Chytil
Buchnevich
Lettieri
Forwards: Miller, Hayes, Farnham, Nieves, Vesey, Carey, Grabner, Desharnais, Fontaine, Chytil Buchnevich and Lettieri
No Andersson, so a decision likely has already been made on him. Chytil and Lettieri each play for the second straight night, as they try and earn a spot. Fontaine and Farnham each get one more chance, though I expect both to open the season in Hartford. This is a big game for Nieves, who with a strong effort might solidify a spot in the first 12 for Opening Night. Carey is expected to open the season in the AHL. You would think Desh already has earned a spot in the lineup, though that may not be locked up yet.
Projected #NYR d-men and goalies for tomorrow night:
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 26, 2017
DEFENSEMEN
Smith
Pionk
Kampfer
Graves
Skjei
DeAngelo
GOALTENDERS
Pavelec
Halverson
DEFENSEMEN Smith, Pionk, Kampfer, Graves, Skjei and DeAngelo
GOALTENDERS Pavelec and Halverson
Pionk, Graves and DeAngelo all could make matters interesting with strong games tonight. Marc Staal has not impressed, neither has Nick Holden. While it's highly improbable that neither is in the Opening Day lineup, any and all of the aforementioned three could make matters really difficult for AV and GM Jeff Gorton. We thought ADA might be the seventh d-man. Like Lettieri, Pionk has been noticeable on the ice and not looked out of place. He might be the favorite to earn an unexpected spot. Graves too has made the most of his playing time, but he probably is ticketed for Hartford.
Pavelec will use this game to prep for the back up role. Halverson is ticketed for Hartford, where he might be the starting goalie. It's possible with a strong year he opens 2018-19 in New York.
For a final preseason game that should just be a playing out the string contest, several story lines loom.