The New York Rangers blew their second straight third period lead, falling 5-4 to the Islanders. Versus the Bruins, a 4-1 lead was frittered. Yesterday, a 4-2 advantage, though, of the three goals allowed, Dylan Garand can be faulted for at least two of the tallies. On the plays, the defense in front of Garand was less than stellar, so blame can be spread around.
In the defeat, the kids made an impact for the Rangers. Brennan Othmann, who played even strength with Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafrenière, notched a power play marker. Noah Laba had a gorgeous assist, giving him a team-leading four this pre-season, converted by Brett Berard for a goal. Gabe Perreault was noticeable throughout the contest skating on a trio with J.T. Miller and Mika Zibanejad. Scott Morrow has had his moments, especially offensively. Yet, despite these performances by all five players, each one of them could be on the outside looking in on Opening Night.
Rangers Friday Practice Lines
What’s noticeable was who was on the first unit in practice and who wasn’t. In addition, on which lines each skated. For purposes of the below, the kids are being ignored.
Cuylle – Miller – Zibanejad
Panarin – Trocheck – Lafrenière
Sheary – Pärssinen – Raddysh
Berard – Laba – Brodzinski
Edström – Carrick – Rempe
– Will Cuylle is on the Rangers first line with Miller and Zib, as expected.
– The second line is as usual with Artemi Panarin, who had been out of practice for six days due to a lower-body injury, returning to action.
– Conor Sheary, in camp on a PTO and who had two assists last night, seems to be almost a lock to make the team. In addition, Taylor Raddysh, who signed a two-year deal this offseason, looks likely to open the season on the third line. Continuing the veteran theme, or at least non-rookie one, Jusso Parsinnen is the probable third line center.
– The fourth line is lining up to be Adam Edström – Sam Carrick – Matt Rempe, as it should be. Rempe has been very noticeable this camp with the 12 extra pounds added and improved skating standing out. In addition, he has been working with Adam Oates on his offensive game.
Gavrikov – Fox
Soucy – Borgen
Vaakanainen – Schneider
Robertson – Morrow
– The first pair, Vladislav Gavirkov and Adam Fox, is in line with projections
– Carson Soucy played with Adam Fox yesterday and was solid enough. Will Borgen was brutal with Matthew Robertson. I am not in love with this pairing, as the duo were unable to recapture past “glory” last season and I am less than optimistic of that happening this season
– The third pairing is fine, though Braden Schneider is being vastly underused. I expect a change at some point.
The Kids
– Berard – Laba – Jonny Brodzinski as a unit in the first group indicates a final decision on that trio has yet to be reached. Yesterday, that unit produced a team-best 64.99 percent expected goals-for rate, according to Natural Stat Trick. Currently, Sheary and Raddysh have the edge over Berard while Parssinen is ahead of Laba.
– Laba, a fourth-round pick, 111 overall in 2022, has been extremely impressive this camp. Veteran status and committed salaries, in this case $2.5 million over two years to Parsinnen, could be a driver in the decision, at least in the short-term.
– The second group had a line of Othmann-Dylan Roobroeck-Perreault, which certainly may mean that Othmann and Perreault are on the outside looking in.
– Morrow skating with Robertson is not a positive for his opening night chances. See prior comment above on salaries and veteran status.
The blown leads is a slight concern. Good that it’s preseason and can be addressed before the season starts.
When Sully was hired we knew he wasnt a fan of playing youngsters and with the Rangers wanting to get back into the playoffs, I knew there was a slim chance of them making it. Things change, we will soon see.
I am not sure what else, the youngsters have to do to show thye belong on the team.