Rangers Down Devils

Last night, in the first exhibition game of the season, the Rangers topped the Devils 4 to 3. Although most preseason outcomes are far from noteworthy, this one was at least somewhat interesting considering the Rangers had a lineup full of prospects and the Devils had what should amount to be their opening night lineup (sans Brodeur) on the ice. It was clear that besides a few snippets of the game, the Rangers lineup outworked their rivals all over the ice. I just hope that the disciplined play continues, because it reminded me of the team's play at the end of the season last year. The Rangers ran the following lines:

Forwards:
Avery-Anisimov-Shanahan
Straka-Dubinsky-Callahan
Hollweg-Betts-Lessard
Byers-Smith-Jessiman

Defense:
Staal-Girardi
Strudwick-Sauer
Kasparaitis-Hutchinson

Goal: Montoya, Valiquette

Montoya played the first half of the game and looked very solid. He only gave up one goal on a deflection by this own teammate. Valiquette played the second half of the game, making some fantastic saves, but he also let in a couple bad goals. Just of note, Robert Esche is still out there... waiting for a team to sign him. I am sure that the team is considering him as their backup.

The Rangers announcers (and broadcast team) did a good job of taking chunks of time to go through stories about every player on the ice. They players that took up the most air time were Anisimov, Dubinsky, Jessiman, Staal, Sauer, and Strudwick (because he wore a mic). Anisimov looked phenomenal with and without the puck, but I think everyone pretty much knows that he will spend a year in Hartford to adjust to the North American game. Dubinsky was the best Ranger on the ice as he set up two of the goals by his linemates, Straka and Callahan. He also set up a few that other players couldn't finish. He mentioned in the second intermission interview that he is gunning for the third line center job. Well he certainly made a statement tonight. Jessiman also stood out, mainly because he was the player that took up so much broadcast time. To be fair to Hugh, he was on the ice for the first two goals... parked in front of the net like a big rock. The announcers and Rangers brass took a lot of that Jessiman broadcast time to make excuses for why he hasn't developed quicker (injuries). To be honest, I practically vomited in my brain when Zack Parise (taken several spots after Jessiman in the same draft) scored a ridiculously awesome goal on Valiquette late in the game. The broadcast team also talked about Stall and Sauer a lot and how they are so different in their games. My instincts say that neither make the team and that they start the year (possibly paired together) in Hartford.

Some other tidbits of note... Hutchinson looked very slick on the offensive side of the puck and Kaspar looked just plain terrible. He made only one big hit the entire night and constantly passed the puck through the middle of the ice in his own zone. Byers and Lessard are ridiculously large on the ice. Byers scored the first goal and is a monster in front of the net. Lessard, who looks like he is 90 years old, hit anything that moved on the ice. He looks to be Hartford's enforcer again. Former San Jose Shark, Mark Smith, had almost zero air time and was practically invisible on the ice. I don't think he will make the team, but there is a possibility that he makes the team and earns his money in the luxury boxes.

As for the regulars that were playing... Avery, being his usual self, gave Weekes (now a Devil) a concussion, Straka was very good and scored a goal, Callahan was the energizer bunny and scored a goal, Shanny was visible but did little in the game, Betts did well and scored a goal on some hard work, Hollweg hit like crazy but as usual generated zero offense, and Girardi looked like his usual calm and defensively responsible self.

I am looking forward to tonight's game against the revamped Flyers. Even if you hate them, you have to admit they did a pretty awesome job of restocking their team. More importantly though, Gomez, Drury, and Jagr will play tonight. The rest of the players that are still with the team will also get a shot tonight, but a few players from tonight should play (not enough players in camp to fill two lineups). I'll update when I know the definite lines and pairings.