The Rangers defeated the Flyers 2-1 in a shootout Thursday, for their second win in a row. Lias Andersson scored New York’s only goal during 65 minutes of regulation and overtime play. Mika Zibanejad scores the only goal in the shootout. Henrik Lundqvist stopped 32 of 33 shots to notch the win in his final appearance of the pre-season. New York closes out their exhibition season Saturday in Bridgeport against the Islanders.
Lineup yesterday:
74 Kravtsov -- 93 Zibanejad -- 72 Chytil 20 Kreider -- 16 Strome -- 45 Kakko 48 Lemieux -- 50 Andersson -- 90 Namestnikov 14 McKegg -- 15 Nieves -- 95 Lettieri
43 Hajek -- 8 Trouba 18 Staal -- 77 DeAngelo 76 Skjei -- 42 Smith
30 Lundqvist 31 Shesterkin
David Quinn pre-game:
With Preseason Game 5 vs. the Flyers on the docket, Coach Quinn covers the penalty kill, Kravtsov’s journey, Shesterkin, Fox and much more in his pregame update: pic.twitter.com/RgRqkjZ0zD
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 26, 2019
A few thoughts: 1) Andersson continued his strong preseason with a goal, scoring from in close. Not just because of the tally, but his whole game looks eons beyond where he was in the past. Strong on and off the puck, more physical, confident; the weight loss and added strength has made a major difference in his play.
On the marker, Andersson created a turnover in the Flyers' zone, which eventually led to a shot from Tony DeAngelo, who also had a good game. Andersson was in position to knock in the rebound, giving the Rangers a 1-0 lead late in the first period.
Clean ðŸ‘it ðŸ‘up 👠pic.twitter.com/JFsFcCAfmH
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 27, 2019
David Quinn on Lias Andersson:
Here's DQ on Lias Andersson's night:
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) September 27, 2019
"I thought it was his best game of the preseason. I liked his game in a lot of ways. He’s been going in that direction. We’ve all talked about how he’s changed his body and his commitment. We’re all very proud of him."#NYR
2) Vitali Kravtsov and Filip Chytil - Kravtsov and Filip Chytil were given a chance to play alongside Zib while Kaapo Kakko was on the second line. The post game comments from Zib highlighted the fact that the kids might have been a bit nervous as cut down day approaches. Kakko has a few moments but Kravtsov was better, as seen by Quinn’s comments below. We have debated if Kravtsov would make the team. Based on his play of late and Quinn’s comments, Kravtsov’s chances are much improved.
Quinn on Kravtsov: “I’ve liked his progression,… Quinn said. “He’s gotten better and better since (the prospects tournament in) Traverse City and better throughout the preseason. He’s played a lot of hockey. I thought (Thursday) was just OK for him. But there’s a lot to like about him, not only what you see from a skills standpoint, but he certainly seems willing and able to do all the things that he’s probably never had to do. I get the feeling when he doesn’t get it deep, it bothers him, or when he misses a defensive zone responsibility, it bothers him, where a lot of guys his age don’t really think of those things. And I like the fact that those seem to be a priority for him right now, and you add that to the skill and you have a chance to have a very good player.…
On the flip side, Chytil, given a chance to win the second line center role, was moved to the wing. Chytil has yet to grab a stronghold on a role. Brett Howden is likely to make the team as the fourth line center, though Howden too has had a few rough moneys but overall, been relatively okay. I touched on Anderson above and he is all but a lock and been the teams best forward this preseason.
The primary question we have asked, knowing that it’s a marathon not a sprint and the team is still in rebuilding mode to a certain extent, so long term goals has to supersede short term: Would it be better for their development to play prominent roles at AHL Hartford, at least to begin the season?
“It’s a question we ask ourselves when we’re evaluating these young players to determine what’s the best spot for them in order to become the best player they can be,… Quinn said. “First of all, can they help us? Two, being here and playing limited minutes — and maybe sometimes a healthy scratch — are they able to handle that? It’s such a case-by-case situation, it’s a tough question to answer.…
New York has too many players for too few spots with much of the top six decided as Pavel Buchnevich is the first line winger. The third line yesterday is likely the opening night third line. The fourth line is up in the air, but it makes more sense for Boo Nieves and/or Greg McKegg to fill a spot there alongside Jesper Fast and probably Howden rather than Chytil. Meaning that Chytil very well could open the year in the minors.
3) Zib continues to be a leader on and off the ice. It’s why if a captain is named, he could wear the C this year. The game winner in the shootout is below.
Mika, how do you feel about preseason shootouts?
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 27, 2019
"I don't mind them if I score." 😠pic.twitter.com/kB4lbq6vWi
4) Henrik Lundqvist – Carp: Lundqvist was solid again, stopping 32 of 33 shots on goal and all three shootout attempts. From the first period of his first start in New Jersey until the Flyers’ goal in the second period, Lundqvist stopped 41 consecutive shots, and finished his preseason stopping 55 of the last 56 shots he faced. Thursday’s game marked his last appearance until opening night. He was brilliant in the second period especially, stopping several prime chances, especially with his glove, which has been a concern the last two seasons. The only goal came after the pick caromed off a pair of skates in front. He looks locked in for the regular season.