The Rangers played a complete game, defeating the Devils 6-2. Sammy Blais had an impressive goal and the fourth line was solid, especially in the offensive end, less so in their own end. Ryan Reaves suffered a left-leg injury and I will leave it to you to determine if the play by P.K. Subban was dirty
Lines:
Rangers' lines tonight vs. NJ #NYR pic.twitter.com/pHjbVk98bG
— Rick Carpiniello (@RickCarpiniello) October 6, 2021
The lines were pretty darn close to what might be Opening Night. As we have discussed, the third line winger, Julien Gauthier or Vitali Kravtsov, remain to be determined. Similar to the sixth d-man, Nils Lundkvist or Zac Jones. Saturday's game against the Isles will be the final test with a determination coming thereafter.
In the win, it was a fairly team complete effort. Mika Zibanejad had two goals, each coming on sublime Adam Fox passes. Blais had a highlight reel goal, see below. Igor Shesterkin made 32 saves in picking up the victory.
Reaves injury:
Ryan Reaves injured in preseason after getting tangled with PK Subban pic.twitter.com/YLvhgrUmqY
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) October 6, 2021
On the play, Subban checked Reaves with their skates connecting. Hard to tell if it was a slew foot or not, but Reaves' skate got caught, resulting in his left knee bending awkwardly. Reaves was not surprisingly ruled out for the rest of the game. Gerard Gallant in his post-game comments didn't think it was a slew foot, but if not, it sure looked very awkward.
Gallant post-game:
Do you have an update on Reaves, “day to day, pretty much.… Is it something that could be long term, “no I don’t think so. Not from the indications that I’ve heard so far but, again, you’ll know more tomorrow, the next day.… Are you concerned Reaves could miss the opener, “It’s day to day, from what I’ve heard, I just heard from the trainer a little while ago, he said that it’s day to day. The opener, I have no idea.…Gallant didn't take issue with Subban's role in the injury. "I don't think it was a vicious hit or a slew foot," he said. "I don't think there was any intent at all. It should have been probably a two-minute penalty, at best. But I don't think PK meant to cause the injury."
In the Tom Wilson game last year, the main criticism was on a lack of a timely response. That was not the case yesterday, as several went after Subban. The leader was Kreider, who went right over to Subban after the incident and then tried to engage with him to start the second, see below, and also in the third. We talk about leadership and what captain material is. We have discussed several times how many of the younger players look to and seek counsel from Kreider. His action yesterday were further evidence that he might be the right choice.
Kreider goes after Subban at the start of the 2nd. #NYR pic.twitter.com/c1Eu1DfxzH
— David (@DaveyUpper) October 7, 2021
Sammy Blais goal: Showed hands, vision, creativity and the ability to finish. When the trade occurred, several, including jimbo, noted that Blais might be able to produce more offense than expected. Plays like this reflect the skill level he has and supports that notion.
Sammy Blais #NYR pic.twitter.com/soRh6KjwVh
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) October 7, 2021
Gallant on Blais, “there’s a lot of skill there, he shoots the puck real well. I think you get comfortable with his teammates and he’s got better every day and that is exactly what we want from him. I really liked this game tonight and the last game he played was a good game also.…
Blueline battle: No change really. I personally didn't think Lundkvist was great, but Gallant had a differing view. Jarred Tinordi also went after Subban and was decent. If Reaves can't dress, will Tinordi get in to go after Wilson? Hopefully the concern is just winning the game but I would not be shocked if he is in the lineup. Zac Jones gets his chance Saturday and Tinordi is pretty much a lock for the seventh spot.
On Nils Lundkvist, “solid, moves the puck real good. I think he’s feeling real comfortable and tonight I thought he played really good.…What did you think of Tinordi, “Big bodied guy that has his job and there’s nothing going to be fancy about Tinordi, but obviously when Reavo went out, they know Tinordi is a presence out there. I thought he was fine. Tinner’s game is keep it simple and that is what he does, he’s a good veteran. I had him years ago when I was in Montreal as assistant coach and great kid, character kid and he’s a good teammate for sure. But he did play solid, moved the puck good.…
Will you pick spots to get Tinordi in, “We gotta find out the top six and see where he’s at. Tinner’s a veteran game, Nemeth is a veteran guy so hopefully Lundkvist and the other kid look for that spot can play really well and make sure they can defend. I thought Lundkvist played very well tonight. We will see where it goes once the team is picked and we will have at least seven guys here for sure.…
I leave this on Jack Eichel here for you to make your own determination. Sure sounds like some progress might be being made. Agent Pat Brisson is certainly aiding the situation, reducing the rancor that exists a litte.
Some @NHL teams like @NYRangers who are in on Eichel are passed medical issues. It appears #NYR will support Jack for artificial disc replacement surgery providing they can come to terms on a hockey trade with @BuffaloSabres. No indication they’re close on a deal. @FAN590
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) October 6, 2021