Tag: New York Rangers

NHL Daily – A High Scoring Season Debut

NHL News and Notes from Friday, January 22nd, 2021

News

Game Recaps

  • Buffalo Sabres v. Washington Capitals – 7p ET
    • In their first game at home, the Washington Capitals would play host to the Buffalo Sabres for their third meeting of the season. In the first period Eric Staal would net his first goal as a Sabre to give them the 1-0 lead, but with 3:42 left in the period Nicklas Backstrom would bank in the rebound to tie the game at one for the Caps. Come the second period both teams would trade tallies once again as Nic Dowd and Jakub Vrana would both score to get the Capitals on the board, but the Sabres would keep storming back as Dylan Cozens (first career NHL goal) and Riley Sheahan (first goal as a Sabre) would score to keep the Sabres in the game. After both a scoreless third period and overtime frame, it would be John Carlson in the fourth round of the shootout to give the Capitals the 4-3 victory over the Sabres.

  • New York Rangers v. Pittsburgh Penguins – 7p ET
    • In Pittsburgh the New York Rangers would come to town looking to calm the Penguins, but in the first period it would be Bryan Rust with his first of the season to give the Pend the 1-0 lead. In the second period the Rangers would come flying out of the gates as they would get goals from Filip Chytil, Adam Fox, and Kaapo Kakko to take the 3-1 lead, but late in the period Jared McCann would score while on the powerplay to bring the Pens back within one. Then in the third period Teddy Blueger would tie the game at three and send the game to overtime. After five extra minutes of hockey this game would need the shootout and it would be Kris Letang with the game winner for the Pens as they take the 4-3 victory over the Rangers.

  • Edmonton Oilers v. Toronto Maple Leafs – 7p ET
    • Up north the Toronto Maple Leafs would host the Edmonton Oilers, and after a scoreless first period Leon Draisaitl would open up the scoring with a shorthanded goal for the Oilers, but Adam Brooks would score his first career NHL goal while on the powerplay 43 seconds later to tie the game at one. Then Jimmy Vesey would tally to give the Leafs the 2-1 lead.  Then in the third period Connor McDavid would score 50 seconds into the period to tie the game at two, but goals from John Tavares and Mitch Marner would give the LEafs the 4-2 victory over the Oilers.

  • Detroit Red Wings v. Chicago Blackhawks – 8p ET
    • In Chicago we would see an Original Six matchup between the Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings. In the first period Patrick Kane would strike on the powerplay to give the Hawks the 1-0 lead. In the second period Calvin de Haan would net his first goal as a Blackhawk, and in the third period Andrew Shaw would net his first of the season to give the Blackhawks the 3-0 lead, but a tally from Dylan Larkin would put the Wings on the board, but a shorthanded goal from Mattias Janmark would give the 4-1 victory.

  • San Jose Sharks v. Minnesota Wild – 8p ET
    • Up in the State of Hockey, the San Jose Sharks would come to town to face the Minnesota Wild, and in the first period Joel Eriksson Ek would open the scoring to give the Wild the 1-0 lead, but 71 seconds later Matt Nieto would tie things up for the Sharks. Then in the second period Zach Parise would net his first of the season to give the Wild the 2-1 lead, and then in the third period Kevin Fiala and Jordan Greenway would score to ice the game for the Wild as they would go to win 4-1 over the Sharks.

  • Nashville Predators v. Dallas Stars – 830p ET
    • In the season opener for the Dallas Stars, eight days after the original start due to COVID-19 outbreaks among the club, they take on the Nashville Predators.  The scoring starts in this contest in the second period when Joe Pavelski scores the first goal of the Stars season at 2:45, a power play goal.  At 4:11, Alexander Radulov also scores his first goal of the season, another power play goal, to give the Stars the 2-0.  Dallas takes the 3-0 lead when Denis Gurinaov nets a goal at 10:18, another power play goal.  Radulov scores his second goal of the season at 14:40 to give Dallas a commanding 4-0 lead.  Dallas takes the 5-0 lead when Esa Lindell nets a goal at 16:41, a shorthanded goal.  As the contest shifts to the third period, Dallas takes the 6-0 lead when Pavleski scores his second goal at 4:35.  Dallas makes it a 7-0 game and win as Joel Kiviranta scores another power play goal at 14:52.  IN the contest, all but two goals come on the Stars power play as they went 5 for 8 on the extra man advantage.
  • Vegas Golden Knights v. Arizona Coyotes – 9p ET
    • In the third match-up of the season between these two squads, the third game shifts to Glendale.  In the first period, Arizona opens up the scoring when Christian Dvorak scores his first goal of the season, a power play goal at 3:22.  In the second period, Vegas ties the game at 1-1 when Shea Theodore scores his third goal on the season at 1:19.  Arizona takes the lead back when Derick Brassard nets his first goal of the season at 7:55.  Arizona takes the 3-1 lead when Nick Schmaltz nets his third goal on the season at 12:00.  As this game moves to the third period, Arizona takes the three goal lead when Conor Garland scores his second goal of the season at the 1:25 mark.  Vegas cuts Arizona’s lead to 4-2 when Cody Glass scores his first goal of the season, a power play goal, at 11:04.  Arizona’s Jordan Oesterle scores his first goal of the season at 19:01, a power play goal, as the Coyotes down the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2.
  • Colorado Avalanche v. Anaheim Ducks – 10p ET
    • In the first match-up on the season between these two squads, they each look to take win in the eight game season series.  In the first period, Colorado’s Joonas Donskoi scores his second goal of the season at 2:56, a power play goal, to give the Avalanche the early 1-0 lead.  Anaheim strikes early in the second period to make it a 1-1 game when Hampus Lindholm nets his first goal of the season 47 seconds into the period.  As the contest shifts to the third period, Mikko Rantanen nets his fourth goal of the season at 6:20 to give Colorado the 2-1 lead.  Adam Henrique ties the game at 2-2 when Henrique nets his first goal of the season at the 7:42 mark.  Gabriel Landeskog wins the game at 1:38 in overtime for Colorado 3-2.

Today’s Games

  • TB v. CLB – 2p ET
  • PHI v. BOS – 7p ET
  • MON v. VAN – 7p ET
  • LA v. STL – 8p ET
  • OTT v. WIN – 10p ET
  • FLA v. CAR – Postponed

NHL Daily – Oh, The Overtimes!

NHL News and Notes from Tuesday, January 19th, 2021

News

  • The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced a series of fines.
    • Forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel of the Philadelphia Flyers was fined $4,633.62, the max allowed under the CBA, for Roughing defenseman Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres.

    • Defenseman Greg Pateryn of the Minnesota Wild was fined $5000, max allowed under the CBA, for Cross Checking Anaheim Ducks forward Sonny Milano.

    • Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson was fined $3,987.07, max allowed under the CBA, for Slashing Calgary Flames forward Sean Monahan.

    • All Fines were for actions that took place in games on Monday, January 18th.
  • The Minnesota Wild traded defenseman Greg Pateryn to the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Ian Cole.
    • The Avalanche retain 18 percent of Cole’s salary in the trade.

Game Recaps

  • New Jersey Devils v. New York Rangers – 7p ET
    • Rekindling the rivalry the New Jersey Devils come to Madison Square Garden to face off with the New York Rangers. In the first period Travis Zajac would get the Devils on the board first with his first of the season 32 seconds into the game. Then in the second period Chris Krieder would tie the game up on the powerplay for the Rangers, but Jack Hughes would net his first two goals of the season as the Devils would take a two goal lead. However, the Rangers would not stay down as Mika Zibanejad would strike while on the powerplay to bring the Rangers back within one, but the Devils just keep on scoring as Miles Wood would score to give the Devils the 4-2 lead. Then in the third period Filip Chytil would strike to bring the Rangers back within one, but the Devils would hold on for the 4-3 victory.

  • Buffalo Sabres v. Philadelphia Flyers – 7p ET
    • In Philly the Flyers play host to the Buffalo Sabres once again, and after a scoreless 37 minutes and 51 seconds, Travis Konecny would score his fourth of the season to give the Flyers the 1-0 lead. Then in the third period Jakub Voracek would net his first of the season, and Kevin Hayes would tally to give the Flyers the 3-0 victory.

  • Dallas Stars v. Tampa Bay Lightning – 7p ET
    • Postponed
  • Chicago Blackhawks v. Florida Panthers – 7p ET
    • Out in Florida, the Chicago Blackhawks continue their Florida road trip as they face the Panthers. In the first period Carter Verhaeghe would net his first as a Panther and Patric Hornqvist would tally on the powerplay to give the Panthers the 2-0 lead, but Dominik Kubalik would score late on the powerplay to bring the Blackhawks back within one. Then in the second period Verhaeghe would net his second of the game to give the Panthers their two goal lead back, but it would be Kubalik again for the Blackhawks to score and bring them back within one again, and then Patrick Kane would score to tie the game at three. Then in the third period Philipp Kurashev would net his first career NHL goal to give the Blackhawks the lead, but Keith Yandle would score his second of the season while on the powerplay to tie the game at four. In overtime it would be Frank Vatrano striking a little past the midway point to give the Panthers the 5-4 victory.

  • Washington Capitals v. Pittsburgh Penguins – 7p ET
    • The Washington Capitals end their four game road trip with their second matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the first period Lars Eller would kick off the scoring to give the Capitals the 1-0 lead, but the Pens would respond with a goal of their own as Colton Sceviour would tie the game at one. However, Big willy himself Tom Wilson would net a pair of goals to give the Caps the 3-1 lead. In the second period the Pens would bring themselves back within one as Jake Guentzel would bang in a powerplay goal, but the Caps would respond as Evgeny Kuznetsov would net his first of the season to retake the two goal lead. However, the Pens would strike once again, but this time shorthanded two players, as Teddy Blueger would net his first of the season to cut the Caps lead to 4-3. Then late in the second period, TJ Oshie would throw a blindside hit Marcus Pettersson to give the Pens the powerplay opportunity and Evgeni Malkin would score on the powerplay to tie the game at four. Then in overtime it would be Sidney Crosby securing the victory for the Pens with his third of the season as the Penguins would go over the Capitals 5-4.

  • Kassie’s TXHT Recap – 

https://www.nhl.com/video/t-320455928/c-7282358

  • Winnipeg Jets v. Ottawa Senators – 7p ET
    • In the Canadian Capitol, The Ottawa Senators would play host to the Winnipeg Jets. In the first period Josh Norris would score his first career NHL goal and Chris Tierney would net his second of the season to give the Sens the 2-0 lead, but late in the period Adam Lowery would net his first of the season to get the Jets back within one. Then in the second period Alex Galchenyuk would score on the powerplay to  tally his first goal as a Senator to give them the 3-1 lead, however, Kyle Connor would strike on the powerplay to bring the Jets back within one. In the third period Josh Morrissey would tie the game at three, then in overtime Nikolaj Ehlers would score to give the Jets the 4-3 victory.

  • Columbus Blue Jackets v. Detroit Red Wings – 730p ET
    • In Detroit the Red Wings play host to the Columbus Blue Jackets once again, and after a scoreless first period both teams would trade goals as Boone Jenner would get the Jackets on the board first, then Anthony Mantha would strike on the powerplay to tie the game at one and Bobby Ryan would net his fourth of the season to give the Wings the 2-1 lead. Then in the third period Liam Foudy would score his first of the season to tie the game at two for the Jackets.  15 seconds into the extra frame, Tyler Bertuzzi would win the game for the Red Wings 3-2 with his first goal of the season.
  • Carolina Hurricanes v. Nashville Predators – 8p ET
    • Postponed

  • Colorado Avalanche v. Los Angeles Kings – 10p ET
    • In the first match-up between these two teams on the season, both teams will look to take the season advantage.  In the first period, Brandon Saad of the Avalanche will get on the board with his first goal of the season as Colorado takes the 1-0 lead.  In the second period, Devon Toews would score his second goal, a power play goal, as a member of the Avalanche at 14:11.  Mikko Rantanen would score his second goal of the season, also a power play goal, at 16:06 to make it a 3-0 Colorado lead.  In the third period, Andreas Athanasiou scores his third goal of the season at 7:50 and Adrian Kempe scores his first goal of the season, a power play goal, to bring the Kings within a goal.  However the comeback falls short as the Avalanche win the contest 3-2.

Today’s Games

  • EDM v. TOR – 7p ET
  • SJ v. STL – 9p ET
  • MIN v. ANA – 930p ET
  • MON v. VAN – 10p ET
  • ARI v. VGK – 10p ET

NHL Daily – A Day Full of Hockey

NHL News and Notes from Saturday, January 16th, 2021

News

  • The NHL Department of Player Safety has announced that Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jared McCann has been fined $10,000, maximum allowed per the CBA, for Elbowing defenseman Travis Sanheim of the Philadelphia Flyers on January 15th.

Game Recaps

  • Boston Bruins v. New Jersey Devils – 1p ET
    • In New Jersey for an early Saturday matinee the Devils would play host to the Boston Bruins. In the first period Miles Wood would net his second of the season to give the Devils the 1-0 lead. Then in the second period newly named captain Patrice Bergeron would tally for the B’s while shorthanded to tie the game and send the game into overtime. In the extra frame with two seconds left Yegor Sharangovich would net his first career NHL goal to give the Devils the 2-1 victory.

  • San Jose Sharks v. Arizona Coyotes – 4p ET
    • In Arizona for a western matinee, the Coyotes and San Jose Sharks do battle. In the first period Ryan Donato would open the scoring while on the powerplay with his first as a Shark to take the 1-0 lead. However, Phil Kessel (PPG) and Brett Hayton would tally for the Coyotes to take the 2-1 lead, but Timo Meier would score to tie the game at two. Then in the final forty minutes of play the Coyotes would be all over the Sharks as Kessel would score his second of the game, plus goals from Jakob Chychrun and Clayton Keller would score to give Arizona the three goal lead. Tomas Hertl would score a late powerplay goal for San Jose, but it wouldn’t be enough as they would fall to the Coyotes 5-3.

  • New York Islanders v. New York Rangers – 7p ET
    • At Madison Square Garden the New York Rangers and Islanders faceoff for the second time in as many nights, but this time the Rangers have a better showing as Pavel Buchnevich and Artemi Panarin would score in the first period for the 2-0 lead. Then in the second period Buchnevich would net his second of the game, and Kaapo Kakko would score his first of the season to grow the Rangers lead to four. Then in the third period Panarin would net his second of the game to give the Rangers the 5-0 victory over the Islanders.

  • Carolina Hurricanes v. Detroit Red Wings – 7p ET
    • In Detroit the Red Wings would play host to the Carolina Hurricanes once again, and it would take 22 minutes and 44 seconds before we would see our first goal as Bobby Ryan would net his first as a Red Wing to give Detroit the 1-0 lead. Then in the third period Vincent Trocheck would tie the game at one 28 seconds into the period while on the powerplay, but Dylan Larkin would strike 18 seconds later to retake the lead for the Wings. However, later in the period Andrei Svechnikov would score his first of the season to tie the game once again, but Robby Fabbri would net his first of the season, and Larkin would net his second of the game to give the Red Wings the 4-2 victory.

  • Toronto Maple Leafs v. Ottawa Senators – 7p ET
    • Back at it in Ottawa the Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs go back to battle, and in the first period Nick Paul would net his first of the season to give Ottawa the 1-0 lead. However, minutes later Joe Thornton would net his first goal as a Toronto Maple Leaf to tie the game at one. Then in the second period Mitch Marner would score 70 seconds into the period to give the Leafs the 2-1 lead. In the third period Auston Matthews would strike on the powerplay for his first of the season to give the Leafs the two goal lead, but Tim Stützle would score his first career NHL goal to bring the Sens back within one. However, it would not be enough as the Leafs would hold on for the 3-2 victory.

  • Montreal Canadiens v. Edmonton Oilers – 7p ET
    • In Edmonton the Oilers would continue their homestand with some Hockey Night in Canada action against the Montreal Canadiens. In the first period Jeff Petry would score the lone goal of the period while on the powerplay to give the Habs the 1-0 lead. Then int he second period the Canadiens would erupt for three unanswered goals as Tomas Tatar, Petry (second of the game), and Jake Evans (SHG) would score to give Montreal the 4-0 lead. In the third period Tomas Tatar would score his second of the game to grow Montreal’s lead to five, but Slater Koekkoek would score his first as an Oiler to end Carey Price’s shutout bid in the Canadiens 5-1 victory.

  • Columbus Blue Jackets v. Nashville Predators – 8p ET
    • In Nashville the Predators would play host to the Columbus Blue Jackets, and in the first period both teams would get on the board as Nick Foligno would open the scoring for Columbus to take the 1-0 lead. However, Rocco Grimaldi’s first of the season would tie the game at one a piece.  After a scoreless second period, Filip Forsberg gets the lead for Nashville with a goal at 1:43 in the third period.  Columbus would tie the game at 2-2 when Alexandre Texier gets his first goal of the season at the 5:47 mark.  Nashville would then have three unanswered goals by Brad Richardson at 11:00, Luke Kunin at 14:27, and Colton Sissons at 15:22 to make it a 5-2 Nashville lead and eventual victory. 
  • Minnesota Wild v. Los Angeles Kings – 9p ET
    • In Los Angeles, the Wild faced off against the Kings and Matt Dumba would open up the scoring for the Wild 21 seconds in the contest.  Gabriel Vilardi for the Kings would make it a tie game at the 16:58 mark in the period.  As the contest goes into the second period, Blake Lizotte and Andreas Athanasiou both score to make it a 3-1 Kings lead.  In the third period, Joel Eriksson Ek would score his first goal on the season at 7:38.  Ryan Suter would tie the contest with two seconds remaining in regulation and Marcus Johansson would score the game winner with 11 seconds remaining in the overtime session with the final score of 4-3.
  • Vancouver Canucks v. Calgary Flames – 10p ET
    • In the first battle between these two Canadian teams on the season, each team looks to get the advantage.  Calgary strikes first with a power play goal from Sean Monahan at 8:31 in the first period.  In the second period, Dillon Dube would score his first goal of the season at the 16:12 mark, also a power play goal.  In the third period, Matthew Tkachuk scored his second goal on the season, a power play goal, at 15:16 and the Flames shutout the Canucks 3-0.
  • Anaheim Ducks v. Vegas Golden Knights – 10p ET
    • In Vegas, the Golden Knights would don their new gold alternate jerseys.  With no score in the first period, Max Comtois would score his third goal on the season at 7:45.  In the third period William Karlsson scored his first goal of the season at 18:38 to make it a 1-1 game.  Seven seconds into the overtime frame, Max Pacioretty nets the game winner for the Golden Knights as they down the Ducks 2-1.

Today’s Games

  • WAS v. PIT – 12p ET
  • DAL v. TB – PPD
  • CHI v. FLA – 7p ET

NHL Daily – Big Nights for Top Names

NHL News and Notes from Thursday, January 14th, 2021

News

  • St. Louis Blues forward Sammy Blais has been suspended for two games for an Illegal Check to the Head on defenseman Devon Toews of the Colorado Avalanche on January 13th.
    • Blais was assessed a minor for elbowing at 4:33 of the first period.
    • Under the terms of the CBA, and based on his AAV, Blais will forfeit $25,862.06.

 

Game Recaps

  • Washington Capitals v. Buffalo Sabres – 7p ET
    • The Washington Capitals kick off their 2020-21 season with a back to back in Buffalo as they take on the offensively revamped Sabres. In the first period The Caps would strike first as Nicklas Backstrom would open the scoring, but Taylor Hall would score his first as a Sabre to tie the game back at one. However, while on the powerplay TJ Oshie would strike to give the Capitals the 2-1 lead. In the second period The Caps defense would come alive as both John Carlson and Brenden Dillon would score their firsts of the season. Tobias Rieder would net his first as a Sabre to cut the Caps lead to two. Then in the third period Jake McCabe would strike 20 seconds into the period to bring the Sabres back within one, but 26 seconds later Jakub Vrana would rip off Marc Staal and undress Carter Hutton to give the Caps their two goal lead back. Then late in regulation the Sabres would try to tie it up as they would pull goalie for the extra attacker, and while Victor Olofsson would strike to bring the Sabres within one, Garnet Hathaway would hit the empty netter to give the Capitals the 6-4 victory.

  • Boston Bruins v. New Jersey Devils – 7p ET
    • In New Jersey the Boston Bruins look to get the jump on the Devils, and late in the first period on the powerplay the B’s would strike as Brad Marchand would net his first of the season to take the 1-0 lead. After a scoreless second period Miles Wood would end the shutout bid by Boston as he would score his first of the season to tie the game at one. Boston would strike back with a Nick Ritchie tally on the powerplay top retake the lead, but 34 seconds later Ty Smith would score his first career NHL goal to tie the game at two. After going scoreless in the extra frame, the Devils and Bruins would require a shootout to settle this one, and it would be Marchand for the B’s as he would score the lone goal of the shootout to give Boston the 3-2 victory.

  • New York Islanders v. New York Rangers – 7p ET
    • At the legendary Madison Square Garden, it would be the Battle of New York as the Rangers would play host to the Islanders. In the first period the Islanders would get the puck moving in their directions as Brock Nelson (PPG), Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal would score to give the Isles the commanding 3-0 lead. Then in the second period Jordan Eberle would strike on the powerplay to grow the Isles lead to four, and then in the third period would play lights out hockey to give the Islanders the 4-0 victory.

  • Dallas Stars v. Florida Panthers – 7p ET
    • Postponed
  • Carolina Hurricanes v. Detroit Red Wings – 730p ET
    • Out in the Central Division we would see the Carolina Hurricanes travel to Detroit to take on the Red Wings. In the first period Nino Niederreiter would net his first of the season to give the Canes the 1-0 lead.  Ryan Dzingel and Andrei Svechnikov would each tally a goal in the third period and Petr Mrazek would record 14 saves to give the Hurricanes the 3-0 shutout win.
  • Columbus Blue Jackets v. Nashville Predators – 8p ET
    • In another Central Division battle, the Columbus Blue Jackets would get the jump on their hosts in Nashville as Boone Jenner would score his first of the season to give the Jackets the 1-0 lead over the Predators. Then in the second period Luke Kunin would net his first of the season to tie the game at one for the Preds.  In the third period, Filip Forsberg and Calle Jarnkrok would each score and the Nashville Predators would take down the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1.  Juuse Saros would go on to record 29 saves in this contest.
  • Calgary Flames v. Winnipeg Jets – 8p ET
    • Up in Canada in the North Division the Calgary Flames would travel to Winnipeg looking to torch the Jets, and in the first period Patrik Laine would score for the Jets, but goals from Matthew Tkachuk, Johnny Gaudreau, and Elias Lindholm would give the Flames the 3-1 lead. Then in the second period Mark Scheifele would strike to bring the Jets back within one, and then later in the period while on the powerplay Kyle Connor would strike to tie the game at three.  As the game heads into the extra frame, Patrik Laine would go on to score the game winner and the Jets take the 4-3 victory over the Calgary Flames.
  • Vancouver Canucks v. Edmonton Oilers – 9p ET
    • In the second game of their back to back to start the season, the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers would tangle once again in Edmonton. In the first period Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would strike on the powerplay to give the Oilers the 1-0 lead. then with one second left in the first, Connor McDavid would net his first of the season to give the Oilers the 2-0 lead.  As the contest enters the second period, Nate Schmidt would net his first goal as a Canuck at the 3:24 mark to give the Oilers the 2-1 lead.  Connor McDavid would net a power play goal at 8:26 to make it a 3-1 contest.  Tyler Motte would score at 10:21 to make it a one-goal contest but Connor McDavid would get the hat trick with his goal at 15:08 in the period.  In the third period, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would give the Oilers the 5-2 lead and the win with a goal at 11:42.  For Vancouver, Thatcher Demko would have a 41 save performance and Edmonton’s Mikko Koskinen would record 38 saves.
  • San Jose Sharks v. Arizona Coyotes – 9p ET
    • Out in the desert the Arizona Coyotes would play host to the San Jose Sharks, and in the first period it would be the Sharks taking a bite out of the Coyotes as Tomas Hertl would score on the powerplay to give San Jose the 1-0 lead, and then would strike again for his second of the game for the 2-0 lead.  In the second period, Conor Garland would get the Coyotes on the board at the 15:46 mark.  In the third period, Evander Kane would get on the score sheet at 11:24 to give the Sharks the 3-1 advantage.  However, the Coyotes would respond when Clayton Keller would score at 16:30 to make it a 3-2 Sharks lead.  With four seconds left in the period, Arizona would make it a 3-3 contest with a goal by Phil Kessel.  The Sharks would win the game 4-3 after the shootout.  Martin Jones would record 31 saves for San Jose and Darcy Kuemper would record 32 saves.
  • Anaheim Ducks v. Vegas Golden Knights – 10p ET
    • In the first contest between these two teams on the season, each team looks to start of the season in the win column.  In the first period, Jonathan Marchessault would open the scoring early in the period.  Tomas Nosek would get the Golden Knights 2-0 lead with a goal at the 2:13 mark.  Anaheim would get on the board with a pair of goals by Max Comtois.  Vegas new team captain would score early in the third to regain the lead at 3-2.  Max Pacioretty would score his first goal on the season at 10:59 to once again give the Golden Knights the two-goal advantage.  Alex Tuch would seal the victory for the Vegas Golden Knights at 19:46 with and empty net goal and Vegas takes the 5-2 win.  John Gibson would have 24 saves for the Ducks and Robin Lehner would have 20 saves for Vegas.
  • Minnesota Wild v. Los Angeles Kings – 10p ET
    • In this contest, both the Wild and Kings will look to start the season off on the right foot with a win.  In the first period, Minnesota will strike first with a goal by Jonas Brodin at 16:06.  With three seconds left in the period, Los Angeles will tie the game with a Jeff Carter goal.  In the second period, the Kings will take the 2-1 lead when Andreas Athanasiou will net his first goal as a King.  Adrian Kempe would score at 17:05 to give the Kings the 3-1 lead.  In the third period, Victor Rask would score at 3:15 to bring the Wild within a goal.  Minnesota’s Marcus Foligno would tie the game 3-3 with a goal at 9:42 in the period.  As the contest heads into the extra frame, Kirill Kaprizov would net his first NHL goal in overtime and the Wild would down the Kings 4-3.  Cam Talbot would record 32 saves for the Wild and Jonathan Quick would have a 23 save performance.

Today’s Games

  • WAS v. BUF – 7p ET
  • PIT v. PHI – 7p ET
  • CHI v. TB – 7p ET
  • DAL v. FLA – 7p ET
  • TOR v. OTT – 7p ET
  • STL v. COL – 9p ET

New York Rangers 2021 Season Preview

The youth movement continues for the New York Rangers as they embark on their 2021 NHL season. The Rangers are now officially the youngest team in the league, their average age is around 25 years old, and after barely making a peep in the NHL bubble during the summer, this team is chomping at the bit to get back at it. They have top end elite talent throughout their lineup but they also have a lot of question marks. Will the Rangers make the playoffs? Will their top guys be able to have amazing seasons again? How will Kaapo Kakko and Adam Fox play in year two? How will Alexis Lafreniere perform on Broadway? Will Igor Shesterkin be a rock in net? There’s a lot of questions and intrigue surrounding the New York Rangers this season. Let’s dive in.

The Top Six Forward Group

The New York Rangers have one of the best top six forward groups in the entire league and not a single player is over the age of 30. Mika Zibanejad is the Rangers number one center and after a bit of a COVID-19 scare, is back with the team and ready to resume his normal role. Zibanejad had 41 goals in 57 games during the 2019-20 season. He was the top goal-per-game scorer in the league and many argue if the season wasn’t postponed he would have been a lock for 50. 41 goals in less than 60 games is truly something to behold and Zibanejad has the fantastic shot needed to achieve numbers like that. His slapshot is one of the most deadly weapons he possesses and the Rangers love running their power-play through him so he can get that shot off.

Let’s not forget about his elite vision on the ice as well. He meshes extremely well with linemates Pavel Buchnevich on his right and Chris Kreider on his left. Those three always seem to know where the other two are and The Rangers will keep that top line together when the season begins and hope they can re-capture the magic they had last season. One of the main ingredients every Stanley Cup contender needs is an elite first-line center and the 2011 first rounder from Huddinge, Sweden is most certainly that. Expect another big season out of Zibanejad as he continues his ascension to being one of the top players in the entire league. For a player with this pedigree you wouldn’t expect there to be any questions surrounding him but there is. With Zibanejad, it’s all about “Can he do it again?” It’s the question on every Rangers fan’s mind. Zibanejad seems to have finally realized his massive potential and the hope is this is who he is as a player and that he doesn’t take a step back. Signs point to him having a fantastic season yet again after two straight 70+ point years. 

Speaking of Kreider and Buchnevich, both players had fantastic years last year and Kreider is someone who keeps being mentioned as someone to fill the Rangers vacant captaincy. Kreider, who was rewarded by the Rangers with a seven-year deal last season, is a beloved player on Broadway and he will be looked to keep guiding this young team as they find their footing in the NHL upper echelon of teams. Kreider may not be the most skilled player on his team. He isn’t the type of player that say Artemi Panarin or Zibanejad are but that’s ok. He’s  a speed demon who uses his speed to create havoc in the offensive zone and his shot ain’t too shabby either. Kreider might not have the elite hands some of his teammates do but knows how to put the puck in the net and has consistently been a 20 goal scorer throughout his career. Kreider is a heat-seeking missile out there on the ice and if he sees daylight, good luck catching up to him. Kreider’s top-six role is anything but safe now as the number one pick from the 2020 entry draft will be breathing down his neck (more on him later) but as of now, he’s still the top line left winger on this team and expect him to have another great season next to Zibanejad. 

Buchnevich has really come into his own for the Rangers and last year he had a career high 46 points in 68 games. A former third-round pick, Buchnvich has proved invaluable to a team where he was once considered their highest rated prospect. His natural chemistry with Zibanejad and Kreider will be looked to this season as he looks to build upon a budding NHL career. He’s still only 25 years old. Buchnevich differs from his linemate Kreider. Whereas the aforementioned Kreider is much more of a straight line player, Buchnevich has silkier hands and plays a more finesse game. He’s not beating anyone in a race but he uses his skills to get around defenders and find the open space to get his shot off. With almost 50 points last year, look for Buchnevich to continue getting better as his young career keeps going. The Rangers top line, affectionately known to fans as the “K-Z-B” line, will be counted on to have another good season as the Rangers rebuild moves along. Now onto the second line where a Russian superstar and a budding finnish star await. 

Artemi Panarin is the motor that drives the New York Rangers offense. With 95 points in 69 games last season, he was the key cog in the machine. He went from star status to superstar status last season and showed the league just how elite he truly is. He is the complete package and everything you want in a star player. He drives offense, his vision is second to none and possibly the best in the entire league. He seems to know where everyone is at every time on the ice. His shot is deadly and his hands are among the most silky in the entire league. There are no holes in Panarin’s game and he is everything the Rangers envisioned he would be and more when he signed a seven-year deal worth 81.5 million dollars last summer. The Rangers rely on Panarin at even strength (he had the most even strength points in the league last season) and on the powerplay where he uses his creativity and quick shot to punish opponents. The only question surrounding Panarin is if he can do it again and 90+ points probably won’t happen in this shortened year but all signs point to him having another elite season with every possibility of getting 60-70 points. Panarin’s center and his opposite winger have much more questions surrounding them. 

Ryan Strome had the best season of his career playing with Panarin last season. He had 59 points in 70 games and was New York’s second line center behind Mika Zibanejad. Strome and Panarin found chemistry early on in the year and the two were glued together at even strength and, along with the departed Jesper Fast, formed a really nice second line for the Rangers. As a coach, it’s your job to get the best out of your players and Rangers Head Coach David Quinn certainly found the right combo with Strome and Panarin. It allowed him to spread the star power out between his top-two lines. For all the good he did last season though, questions surround Strome this season on Broadway. 

The two main ones though are “was last season a fluke?” and “Will he still be here past the deadline?” Strome had the best season of his life last year and after years of not hitting even 40 points, he only had 50 once in his career before, he hit almost sixty. Were those 59 points just a product of playing with Panarin? Will Strome regress this year? Strome has a lot of nay-sayers to prove wrong and has to show the Rangers he deserves the two-year 9 million dollar deal they rewarded him with this past offseason. Is he the long-term answer at the 2C spot? The Rangers need to figure that out as there is a young czech who may push Strome this year (more on him later) and Strome will need to show he isn’t just a one hit wonder.  The other big question is if Strome will stick around past the deadline or if he will be another veteran jettisoned for futures. Personally, I believe Strome stays and the Rangers keep him around since his chemistry with Panarin is deadly but if the right offer comes along who knows.. Strome and Panarin know each other very well but with Jesper Fast gone to Carolina, their new linemate is ready to prove he can hang in the NHL. 

That linemate is Kaapo Kakko, the second overall pick of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Kakko, heralded as one of the greatest prospects to ever come out of Finland, had a very rough rookie season. Yes, he scored 10 goals and had 13 assists for 23 points in 66 games which is honestly not bad for a teenager who just stepped foot into the NHL but his underlying numbers were among the worst in the league. Kakko was a defensive nightmare last year and he looked lost at certain points out there on the ice. To that fact though, Kakko didn’t play with the best quality of linemates last season, often playing with Brett Howden and other bottom six players who obviously weren’t the most skilled which did aid in his development at all. Kakko was also thoroughly exhausted last year as he basically had played non-stop hockey for two years after going straight from Finland to the NHL. For any player, especially one as young as Kakko, fatigue can really be a huge factor in why you don’t perform well. There are some encouraging signs though. When the Rangers played the Hurricanes in their Stanley Cup Qualifiers series, they were badly beaten but Kakko was a bright spot. Kakko was on pucks, he was shooting, he was aggressive and was involved in the play as much as he could be. He showed great promise and flashes of what he could be. Kakko has also been consistently praised by David Quinn this training camp as being one of the most impressive players. The questions surround Kakko for sure but it seems like he’s trending in the right direction. There is no better winger to learn from than Panarin and Kakko is about to head to school this season as he plays alongside him. 

The Third Line

“Wait, an entire section for a third line?” “Is this guy nuts?” No, I’m not and you’ll see why. The third line of the New York Rangers this season is the most intriguing and the four players (yes, that’s right four) who will have an effect on this line all have intriguing questions surrounding them. Let’s start with the man in the middle, a young czech centerman by the name of Filip Chytil. Chytil, drafted 21st overall by the Rangers in 2017, will kick off this season as the third line center for the Rangers. Over the course of the offseason, Chytil got stronger and added some weight as he looks to build upon an up and down start to his young NHL career. A lot of pressure is on Chytil’s shoulders as he looks to prove he can be a strong center at the NHL level and show not just flashes of high end ability but turn those flashes into consistency. After back to back 23 point seasons, the 6’2”, 205 pound center will be leaned on on this young team to produce just a bit more. The season is only 56 games but I would personally love to see somewhere around 30 points for Chytil this year. With Lias Andersson traded to the LA Kings, Chytil is the Rangers lone first rounder remaining from the 2017 draft and he needs to show the Rangers their risk in picking him was worth the reward. Chytil has the size, speed and hands to succeed as a center in the NHL and now its about starting to put all that talent together. If he does, he could be looked at to move up the lineup sooner rather than later and prove he deserves more responsibility. But now, he is tasked with centering two talented wingers, one of whom was the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.

Alexis Lafreniere, the 19-year-old left winger from Saint-Eustache, Quebec, was named the CHL player of the year for the second year in a row during the 2019-20 season; a feat only accomplished by a little known player named Sidney Crosby. Lafreniere enters the league with a colossal amount of hype, some say he’s the best prospect since Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, and he will be starting on the third line on the left side of Filip Chytil. Lafreniere has the complete package you could hope for in a franchise player. He has size, speed, a wicked set of hands, an unmatched hockey IQ and a shot that seems to elude even the best goalies. His leadership qualities are nothing to laugh at either. He was captain of the Rimouski Oceanic during his last season in the QMJHL.

 Now, he won’t be thrown into the top six just yet, Head Coach David Quinn wants him to earn his spot there and force his way into a top six role, but his role on the third line will be just as important this season. Lafreniere will have the luxury of not being the focal point of his team’s offense right away as Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider and others will be more heavily defended. He will be allowed to develop next to a budding young center in Chytil and not face the teams top defensive pairs right away. With all the accolades Lafreniere accomplished in junior hockey, the jump to the NHL is never easy and you can be sure questions will surround him from the moment he steps onto the ice Thursday night. “How many points will be score?” “Will he really be that good?” “Can he be a top-six guy in year one?” He will have to keep a cool head and a calm mind as the season goes on and just focus on his game. He is the future face of the New York Rangers franchise and the franchise will do everything possible to make sure he hits the high ceiling he possesses. Expect Lafreniere to have a great rookie season and challenge for the Calder trophy as the year grinds on.

The third winger on that line is currently former Hurricanes’ first rounder Julien Gauthier. Gauthier was brought over last season in a trade and the Rangers took a chance on the young kid to fill out their bottom six and give them more size and speed down there. Gauthier was a great player in juniors and he has excelled at the AHL level but he has yet to put it together at the NHL level. He’s still quite young at only 23 years old so he still has time to put it together and playing with guys like Chytil and Lafreniere will only help his development along. Gauthier has that right wing spot on the third line held down… for now. Remember,  I said there were four players who would have an effect on this line as the season rolls on. Gauthier needs to show what he’s got because very soon, there will be a russian star in the making breathing down his neck once the KHL season ends.

Vitali Kravtsov is the fourth player that will have an impact on the third line this season. Currently he’s over in Russia playing for the KHL’s Traktor Chelyabinsk. Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton has said that when the KHL’s season ends, Kravtsov will be heading over to the US. Kravtsov, who had an extremely weird season last year bouncing between New York, Hartford and Russia decided to stay in Russia this year with the Rangers blessing and really work on his game. Well, it paid off because he currently has 13 goals and is averaging about half a point per game. He’s only 21 years old. Kravtsov will be looking to take a top-nine spot when he comes over and he will be ready and raring to go. The Rangers took a gamble on the youngster when they picked him at 9th overall in 2018 and he’s beginning to show that gamble was with it by having one of the best U21 KHL seasons ever. Gauthier better hope he has a good season because Kravtsov is coming. 

The fourth line of the Rangers will consist of any combination of Kevin Rooney, Brenden Lemieux, Brett Howden, Phil Di Giuseppe, and possibly rookie Morgan Barron. Not much offense is expected of that line but as long as they play sound defensively, can agitate the opponent a little bit and don’t make stupid mistakes, that’s all you can ask. We now move to the defensive side of the puck and the defense corps for the New York Rangers. 

The Defense

The defense of the New York Rangers are where even more questions lie. The biggest story regarding the defense, and where we are going to start is, “Will K’Andre Miller make the Rangers roster?” Yesterday, we got a resounding answer and that answer is yes. Miller was the 22nd overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He was considered one of the prospects with the highest ceilings in the entire draft due to his raw ability and athletic talent. He stands 6’5” and weighs around 210 pounds. He is a big body who can skate and move the puck with ease. Oh yeah, he’s only 20-years-old. Miller impressed the coaches and management so much during training camp that he will be making his NHL debut on the top defensive pair alongside Jacob Trouba, the Rangers number one, eight million dollar, right shot defenseman. Miller is being thrown directly into the fire and has all the confidence in the world. Miller is going to make mistakes and struggle there’s no doubt, but the coaching staff trusts him enough to work through those struggles at the NHL level and grow into his role as a first pair left shot defenseman. Miller partner, Trouba, also has questions surrounding him. 

Jacob Trouba was acquired by the Rangers last summer to be their number one defenseman going forward. He had an up and down first season in New York and saw his points fall from 50 to 27 and didn’t have a stable partner like he did in Winnipeg. The Rangers didn’t have a Josh Morrissey type player and Trouba had to change partners around quite a bit shuffling between Brady Skjei, Brendan Smith, Tony DeAngelo and even Libot Hajek at some points. Trouba came alive during the play in round where he looked every bit like the defenseman his team needs him to be where he was effectively using his body to kill plays. Trouba needs to prove to the Rangers this year that he deserves the money he got from them and that he can lead this defense into the future. He’s still only 26 years old and from the looks of it, will now grow alongside K’Andre Miller. The first pair in New York is going to be put under a lot of pressure this season and both Miller and Trouba have to begin to prove to the coaching staff and management that they can be a stabilizing force on the blueline for years to come. 

Moving onto the second pair we find two friends and the Rangers de-facto number one pair from last season: Ryan Lindgren and Adam Fox. Fox was one of the Rangers big acquisitions last summer and from the moment he set foot in the Garden he was nothing but exceptional. Fox has 42 points in 70 games and looked every bit like the dynamic puck moving defenseman the Rangers thought they were getting. Fox’s underlying defensive numbers were actually better than Quinn Hughes’ of the Vancouver Canucks and Cale Makar’s of the Colorado Avalanche. He was a beast all around for a team that needed defenseman to step up. Oh yeah, he’s only 22 years old. Fox was the Rangers best defenseman through and through last year and look to him to keep growing and showing how important he is to the future of the blueline. Fox should receive more powerplay time this year and it’ll be fun to see him work with the Rangers skill guys like Panarin, Zibanejad, Kakko and Lafreniere. 

Ryan Lindgren is the second part of the second pair and where as Fox will dazzle with his offensive touch, Lindgren is a throwback to the hard hitting stay at home defenseman. He punishes his opponents and while he doesnt get the huge point totals, he’s extremely solid in his own end and due to his staunch defensive play, allos Adam Fox to free wheel and work to his strengths. They are a match made in heaven and coach David Quinn has left that pair alone during camp and they are a lock to start the season together and continue their ascension in the NHL. 

The third pair is where the defense begins to falter a bit. Tony DeAngelo is a solid defenseman and put up fantastic numbers last season (53 points) but his defensive play leaves much to be desired and he needs to show he can be as good in his own end as he is in the offensive zone. The Rangers awarded Tony with a contract extension this offseason so he needs to show them they made the right choice. Tony also has to keep his play up because, like Gauthier on the 3rd line, he has a european prospect breathing down his neck. Nils Lundkvist, the 28th overall pick from the 2018 NHL Entry Draft is due to come over from Sweden very soon. He’s put absolutely insane numbers up with some saying he could be an Erik Karlsson-lite type player. Oh yeah, he’s only 20 years old. Lundkvist will be challenging for a roster spot sooner rather than later and the Rangers know how important he is for their future. DeAngelo has a lot to prove to the coaches and management this year. 

The other member on the third pair will be a revolving door of Jack Johnson, who was by all accounts the worst defenseman in the league last year and had some of the worst analytical numbers of any player and Brenden Smith, a veteran defenseman who lost his way in New York and even became a fourth line forward at certain points last season. The third pair is going to struggle a bit this year as more young reinforcements are still a year or so away to help the Rangers. 

The Goaltending

The Henrik Lundqvist era has ended in New York and while it will always sting that he wasn’t able to capture that elusive Stanley Cup here, he is an absolute legend and his #30 will be up in the rafters soon enough. Igor Shesterkin, the Russian phenom, is now the New York Rangers number one goaltender. In 12 games last season, he went 10-2 with a .932 save percentage and a 2.52 goals against average. Just insane numbers for a rookie goaltender. Shesterkin may split some more time this short season with Alexandar Georgiev, but it’s his crease and the Rangers are in great hands in the post Lundqvist era. Look for Shesterkin to be in the Calder Trophy race all season and if the Rangers sneak into the playoffs he could right out win the award. I need to mention Georgiev again because he is quite the talented goalie in his own right. He owns a .913 save percentage and 3.00 goals against average in his young NHL career and will be an invaluable goaltending partner to Shesterkin as the season progresses. The Rangers have an embarrassment of riches with their young goalies, they’re only 25 and 24 respectively, and in the post Lundqvist era, they will be relied upon to backstop the Rangers into the future. 

Will the New York Rangers make the Playoffs? 

At this point, even with all their talent I’d still say it’s slim. The East division this year is insanely tough with some calling it the group of death. The Rangers have to be better than four of the Islanders, Devils, Sabres, Bruins, Capitals, Penguins and Flyers and it’s a tall task to expect that from them. If everything falls right, meaning the defense holds up, Shesterkin is a rock in net and the offense can score at a good clip then it’s certainly possible but the Rangers are still likely one more year and a piece or two away from being legit playoff contenders. The Rangers have an exciting future ahead and it’s going to be fun to watch their team grow this season.

You can follow Russell and his friends over at Skyscraper Sports on Twitter at @SkySportsNYPod.

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Whale And Riveters Get More Support In The Stands


Some news coming out of the NWHL today, specifically for the Connecticut Whale and the Metropolitan Riveters. It turns out that there will be an NHL team giving their support to both teams while they are in The Bubble in Lake Placid. Who is the NHL team? It’s none other than the New York Rangers.

25 Ranger players will be attending the Whale and Riveters games throughout their time in The Bubble. As to who they will root for will be an entirely different question.

The Riveters were previously supported by the New Jersey Devils a few seasons ago, and The Hockey Writers colleague and our friend Dan Rice had this to say:

Oh so funny, and oh so true!

There are now 18 days till NWHL hockey in Lake Placid!

TXHT will continue to provide NWHL coverage as more signings and news are announced.

Sponsored by:

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Reverse Retro: Metropolitan Division

Continuing with the NHL’s Reverse Retro jersey reveals, today we are going to take a look at the Metropolitan Division

Carolina Hurricanes:

The Carolina Hurricanes are going back to the Hartford Whalers days with this 1979 look. The jersey mirrors what was worn during the 1979-1980 season, however the base colour of this jersey is gray and it ties together the Hurricanes and Whalers colours. The vintage Pucky the Whale is also featured on the shoulders of the jerseys as well.

Columbus Blue Jackets:

Columbus is making their inaugural season (2000-2001) jersey the inspiration here, with the only difference being that the base colour of the jersey is red.

New Jersey Devils:

The look is going back to their first season in New Jersey (1982-1983 season) featured the red and green colours. For the first time in franchise history, they will be wearing a primarily green jersey.

NY Islanders:

This one, I feel is the weakest and it can be said in only one real way. The only difference is the base colour of the jersey. Everything else about it is the exact same.

The team, however, says their going back to the start of their Cup-winning era from 1980-1983 and the navy blue base colour of the jersey is a nod to Islander legends Mike Bossy, Bobby Nystrom, Clark Gillies, and Bryan Trottier.

NY Rangers:

LADY LIBERTY has returned!!

The original look from 1996 has been updated. The jersey is updated with an all blue sleeve but keeps the silver accents and drop shadow numbers.

Philadelphia Flyers:

The Flyers are going back to a 1995 pseudo look. 1995 is the year in which Eric Lindros would go on to win the Hart Trophy as MVP as well as when the Flyers would win the division title.

Pittsburgh Penguins:

The Penguins are going with a 1997 look mixed with the Pittsburgh diagonal lettering. 1997 would also be the year in which Mario Lemieux would win his sixth scoring title. The Reverse Retro also flips the base colour of the jersey from black to white.

Washington Capitals:

The Capitals are going back to the look from their first Stanley Cup finals appearance from the 1997-1998 season. The only changes from this are the colours. Out are the blue, black and bronze. The only addition to the colours of the current look is a slight hint of silver.

Tomorrow Michael will rank the Reverse Retro jerseys.

Getting to know the Rangers 2020 draft class

Alexis Lafreniere stole the show and was the focal point of the New York Rangers draft class but the Rangers also drafted really well with their second first round pick and with their later round picks on day two. They took a rugged smooth skating defenseman, an in-your-face winger with a hard shot, a few interesting centers and two goaltenders who… well I guess you can never have enough goalies in your system. Let’s jump into the Rangers draft class and talk about everyone not named Alexis Lafreniere.

The Rangers were slated to pick 22nd but after a trade with the Calgary Flames, they jumped up to 19th and selected Braden Schneider of the Brandon Wheat Kings. Schneider is projected as a top-four defenseman with some snarl to his game. He loves to finish checks and his gap control is phenomenal. This pick was questioned by some since the Rangers have a more immediate need at center and many thought they would target one here. In reality, the Rangers are actually very strong at the right defense spot at the NHL level with Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba (Tony DeAngelo may not return) but in the pipeline besides Nils Lundkvist and Hunter Skinner, it’s not that deep. Schneider is anywhere from 2-4 years way from the NHL and the Rangers won’t rush him. What the Rangers are hoping is that Schneider continues to grow and develop into a hard hitting and hard edged top four defenseman to play with Jacob Trouba or Adam Fox one day. He was a surprise at 19 overall but he is a welcome addition to the Rangers prospect pipeline. Schneider had 42 points in 60 games last season.

The Rangers were not slated to pick again until pick 92 but they again moved up by trading prospect Lias Andersson to the LA Kings for pick 60. Andersson and the Rangers had a bad break up last year and it seemed like that relationship just couldn’t be prepared and thus he was shipped to LA so the Rangers could grab prospect Will Cuylle. Cuylle is a big boy at 6’3” and 205. He plays a heavy game and has an absolute cannon of a shot. The puck flies off this kid’s stick. He’s a guy who will be a middle six forward for the Rangers down the line and plays with an edge to his game. Cuyelle had 42 points in 62 games last season which included 22 goals. Cuylle is still a few years away from the NHL but he will be a great energy guy who can chip in goals for the Rangers.

The next Rangers pick came at pick 92. They selected center Oliver Tarnstrom of AIK of the SuperElit. Tarnstrom is regarded as a sleeper pick by some analysts with him basically driving a weak AIK team last season. He had 34 points in 41 games and while that doesn’t jump off the page, remember he was one of the youngest players in this entire draft class. Tarnstrom is a project pick for sure but at pick 92, the Rangers and most teams are taking guesses about which prospects will really come into their own. Tarnstrom is a worthy risk for the Rangers considering they need quality center prospects and if a breakout comes for him, which some think it can next season, this could be a steal for the Rangers and another great add to an already fantastic pipeline.

The Rangers, no matter how many fantastic goalies they seem to have, always love to take a goaltender or two in the draft. Dylan Garand, of the Kamloops Blazers, was the goalie the Rangers took at 103rd overall and he is a young, quick, athletic goaltender who is many years away from the NHL. According to scouts he’s got some good tools but he needs to bring more consistency into his game. Garand went 28-10-1-2 in his first season as the starter for the Blazers. He had four shutouts and was third in both GAA and save percentage. There could be a quality goalie here for the Rangers someday but with Igor Shesterkin, Alexandar Georigev, Tyler Wall, Adam Huska and more, the Rangers can afford to take their time with him and be as patient as possible.

The next Rangers pick came at 127th overall and this was one of their absolute best picks in the draft. The Rangers opted to select center Evan Vierling of the Erie Otters of the OHL. Vierling was regarded by some as possibly a 2nd or 3rd round talent and even though he spent a season and a half playing for an underwhelming Flint Firebirds squad, he woke up with a trade to Erie last season and exploded for 34 points in 28 games after the trade. Scouts say Vierling is an extremely hard working, two-way playmaking center. He’s basically exactly what the Rangers need in their NHL lineup. If he lives up to the potential he had when he was picked 2nd overall in the 2018 OHL priority draft, the Rangers could be getting another steal just like Tarnstrom before him. Vierling is 6’0” and 168 pounds so he has to put on some size but the Rangers took a fantastic gamble on skill here in the 5th round and if he works out down the line the Rangers will look extremely smart here and will be adding a quality playmaking center.

The Rangers used the 134th overall pick on another fantastic gamble when they selected forward Brett Berard of the USNTDP program. Berard was as high as 49 on some scouts and analysts’ lists and the Rangers got extreme value here at the 134th pick. Berard, according to eliteprospects.com, “packs a high-octane offense talent into a 5’9” package.” Smaller forwards have shown success in the NHL in guys like Martin St. Louis, Mats Zuccarello and Johnny Gaudreau so yes he might be undersized but if he can play fast and use his skill well he can get around it. He’s been described as a “dual threat attacker” and also according to eliteprospects.com, “He layers deception through false signals sent to the opposition with his eyes and through his body language.” This was an absolute home run pick for the Rangers at 134th overall and although Berard is a few years away… he may just grab an NHL spot someday due to his great toolkit. He will be an interesting prospect to follow for the Rangers in the coming years.

Winding down here with the last two picks for the Rangers, at 165th they selected massive center Matt Rempe from the Seattle Thunderbirds and at 197th they selected goalie Hugo Ollas. Rempe, 6’8” and 236 pounds is a project pick. He has surprisingly good hands for a player his size and if he were to make the NHL one day, only Zdeno Chara would be taller than his kid in the history of the league. Rempe showed some offensive skill this year scoring 31 points in 47 games in his first WHL season. This was a massive swing for talent and size by the Rangers but if this kid can somehow put it all together down the line… they would have a hulking 6’8” power center to complement some of their playmakers. He has a small chance to make it but the Rangers took a nice gamble here at 165th overall and that late in the draft it’s all you can do. As for Hugo Ollas, he’s another big boy at 6’8” and 238 pounds and he’s a project goalie who is years away but hey, you can never have enough good goalies.


You can follow Russell and his friends over at Skyscraper Sports on Twitter at @SkySportsNYPod.

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Alexis Lafreniere: Broadway’s newest Star

Alexis Lafreniere, Broadway’s next big star took center stage (… center zoom?) on Tuesday night when the New York Rangers drafted him first overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Long regarded as one of the premier prospects in hockey, Lafreniere has been on scouts and fans radar for a few years now. He has some of the silkiest hands of any prospect in recent years and he sees the game at an entirely different level than anyone else on the ice. He also doesn’t shy away from the physical side of the game and isn’t afraid to use his body to finish a check. The Rangers have been rebuilding for just about two seasons now and after adding star winger in the making Kaapo Kakko last year, they now add a superstar in the making in the Quebec born Lafreniere. What does this mean for the rebuild going forward and where does he fit in the lineup? Let’s dive in.

For those unfamiliar with Alexis, he is the only back to back CHL player of the year besides some guy named Sidney Crosby. He averaged about two points per game in his CHL career playing for the Rimouski Oceanic and at times it just seemed he was toying with his opponents out on the ice. He can dangle, he has exceptional on ice vision, he’s a leader… he deserves every amount of praise possible. He is the complete package and everything you could possibly want in a top line winger in the NHL. Many consider him the best prospect since Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews and when any player is spoken of in that company you know they’re going to be special. The Rangers have had some incredible lottery luck the past two years and Lafreniere sets their rebuild into total overdrive. He will be a superstar on Broadway from years to come.

Lafreniere will never see time in Hartford so let’s throw that out the window right now. He will be pencilled into the top-nine forward group as soon as training camp begins in, hopefully, December. Lafreniere will most likely see top-six forward time this season but Rangers coach David Quinn won’t immediately hand it to him. He’s going to have to earn it and when he does you can be sure that someone like Chris Kreider or Pavel Buchnevich is going to be asked to either change side or slide down the lineup. Artemiy Panarin isn’t switching sides and Kaapo Kakko should be allowed to continue to develop on his proper wing.

Lafreniere immediately brings even more high end skill to a team that has so much of it in spades. Lafreniere, along with Panarin, Kakko and Mika Zibanejad will be looked at to be the offensive focal points of the Rangers in the coming years as they make their way back to Stanley Cup contention. Lafreniere, if he hits his ceiling, will most likely be an 80-90 point player in his prime that can drive a top line and break through opposing defenses with ease and the Rangers are counting on that. No prospect is ever truly a sure thing but Lafreniere comes extremely close to that. He’s the closest thing you can get to a sure thing in the NHL draft.

Lafreniere represents one of the greatest leaps forward in the Rangers rebuild yet. The signing of Artemiy Panarin last summer gave the Rangers a superstar to strike fear into their opponents. The drafting of Kaapo Kakko gave them another potential star winger to build around and provide some nice offense. The drafting of K’Andre Miller and Nils Lundkvist two years ago gave them some solid defenseman for the future. The Rangers could not have had a better path through this rebuild and soon, they will be back among the elite team with the league with a scary top six, a solid bottom six and a defense that can make the puck exceptionally well with a new franchise goalie in Igor Shesterkin ready to assume the mantle of the “Czar of New York.”

Welcome to New York Alexis Lafreniere and I hope to see you down the Canyon of Heroes sometime with the next few years.

You can follow Russell and his friends over at Skyscraper Sports on Twitter at @SkySportsNYPod.

Skyscrapper Sports

Lundqvist to DC Done Deal?

Since being bought out by the New York Rangers last week, the future of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has been a hot topic around the hockey world. Some think he may retire so he spent his entire NHL career with the Rangers, while thoughts of him exploring free agency or even going back to Sweden to play with his brother Joel are also a strong possibility.

Originally discussed brought up over the weekend on Saturday Headlines with David Amber, Chris Johnston, and Elliotte Friedman, it was noted that the Washington Capitals were clearly interested in Lundqvist’s services. That talk intensified really early this morning with a couple tweets from Bob McKenzie of TSN.

McKenzie makes it known that the Capitals are the front runners, and that the deal would be a short term bargain contract. One that would also make sense for Lundqvist as well as it would for the Capitals. However, it was noted that any deal between the two would not be able to be formalized until Friday, October 9th.

This works for both Lundqvist and the capitals because for one, they both are very familiar with each other. The two have faced off against each other five times in the postseason, and have been in the Metro Division together since the 2015-16 season. So the familiarity between the two parties is there, and helps with doing business together.

Secondly, it has been reported by Mark Fisher of the New York Post that Lundqvist’s wife and kids are likely to stay in New York for the upcoming season and being in Washington DC would keep Lundqvist close to home. Also with the thought that his family would be staying New York, it also puts the idea of going back home to Sweden on the backburner, at least for now.

And finally, it works for the Capitals as they’ll get a proven veteran who can work both on and off the ice with sophmore goalie Ilya Samsonov, who went 16-6-2 in rookie season in 2019-20, as the Capitals expect Braden Holtby to hit free agency on Friday. Lundqvist can work with Samsonov in regards to his game and help with the mental and physical aspects of being a number one goaltender in the NHL, but also guide Samsonov off the ice as well in how to conduct himself as a professional, and grow his brand.

While the loss of Holtby will be felt here in Washington, gaining a veteran like Lundqvist would be a positive. Lundqvist may not be a starter for the Capitals, but he will be a positive force to help the Capitals make it back to the playoffs, and hopefully earn Lundqvist his first Stanley Cup. However, like it was mentioned at the beginning of this article, this can not be formalized until this Friday, and Lundqvist also has suiters in Vegas and Carolina. Only time will tell us what will happen come Friday, but in the mean time it’s good to know that Lundqvist still has that fire to compete and win in the game that he loves.