The Rangers split their first two preseason games, defeating the Devils but falling to the Flyers. The results really didn't matter, as the purpose of these games is evaluating those who are attempting to earn spots on the Opening Day roster. In addition, those who make an impression now but fail to earn that spot, plant a little germ in the minds of the team's coaching staff that could pay dividends down the road.
So what did we see the first two games?
Brian Gibbons and Jayson Megna carried their Pittsburgh chemistry into the first game. While I don't expect them to make the roster, it will be nice to have solid depth at Hartford.
Oscar Lindberg has done little to hurt his chances. He has shown a bit better scoring abilities than first thought. We all know he can win draws. I think he is better in the middle than on the wing, but a numbers game at center and the need to keep him, may mean he shifts to wing. No way the Rangers try exposing him to waivers, so look for him on the Opening Day roster in some capacity.
Viktor Stalberg was very good against New Jersey. The next four games will be interesting for his chances. I doubt that he fails to make the team, but he will have to wait to Saturday for another shot.
Mat Bodie was a major offensive weapon from the blue line at Union College. He didn't have a bad year at Hartford, scoring 32 points in 75 games last season. Bodie opened some eyes Tuesday and that is likely the reason why he was not one of 19 players sent down Wednesday. He has an uphill battle, but his offensive skills, especially on the PP, will net him a long look in camp and should result in him in seeing time in ny this year. If it's not to start the year, maybe shortly thereafter.
Brady Skjei - Carp said it best: "If Skjei continues to look like he did, against Jersey, he can't get sent down. He is everything the Rangers need on their blueline: speed and a good transition game." We all know Skjei will be in NY this year, the only question is when.
Dylan McIlrath didn't play badly his first two games. While he didn't stick out, it looked like he was trying to reign in his physical play and focus on positional hockey. McIlrtah is likely to be matched up against a team's bottom-six, so if he can handle that, he should come north with the team. NY doesn't want to try and expose him to waivers, and since they can almost try him out early in the year, knowing Skjei and Bodie are waiting in the wings, as long as he doesn't fall flat over the next 10 days, he should break camp with the Rangers.
Raphael Diaz - on outside looking in. Needs to be a lot better to have a shot.
Emerson Etem - unfortunately looked like he was back in Anaheim. Seems to have all the tools, yet can't put them together. The Rangers may give him a longer leash than what he deserves, given what they gave up to get him and the hope that he figures it out. But sooner or later, he better produce or he will become someone who just bounces between the AHL and NHL.
Antti Raanta - looks to have the edge over Hellberg to be the back up goalie. Each should get at least one more shot. But for now, Raanta appears likely to break camp with the team.
The system - as written on the blog comments, Bodie looks like he could be an NHL player, sooner than later, while Graves continues to grow. Not to mention Halverson, Gropp, Buchnevich, Kovacs and Nejezchleb are in the system and could all be NHLers within the next three years. So much for a 29th or 30th ranked system. As I have said before, while there may not be elite talent, save for Buchnevich, several players will fill roles on the team, which is key based upon the current top six.
The penalty kill - yucch. Six PPG against in two games. Yes, no Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh, Marc Staal, Rick Nash and Henrik Lundqvist, but six, really? I assume it will get better, but this is where Stoll and Lindberg can make their mark and carve out roles. But the first two games didn't help their case in that regard.
Lineup for Thursday night's game against Boston:
Lundqvist, Nash, Zuccarello, Brassard and McDonagh to play. Boyle returns from his "personal" absence. Our first look at Tambellini. Lindberg and Stoll get another chance to impress as does Etem, who may need to do so to stick. Skjei tries to force management's hand to keep him while Bellemore continues his attempt at earning a contract.
Goalies:
Henrik Lundqvist, Jeff Malcolm
Forwards
Kevin Hayes, Brian Gibbons, Tanner Glass, Derick Brassard, Oscar Lindberg, Jarret Stoll, Ryan Bourque, Mats Zuccarello, Marek Hrivik, Rick Nash, Adam Tambellini, Emerson Etem
Defense:
Dan Boyle, Ryan McDonagh, Brent Bellemore, Tommy Hughes, Brady Skjei, Keith Yandle