The New York Rangers took the Madison Square Garden ice (unofficially) for the first time in the 2023-24 season. Whether it's preseason or not, it's always fun when the Rangers and New York Islanders get together, this game didn't disappoint.
NEW YORK, NY-- The New York Rangers defeated the New York Islanders by the score of 4-2 in their preseason home opener.
One of the most interesting things about preseason hockey is the line combinations that the coaches come up with. For this particular night, Peter Laviolette decided to go with this lineup:
LINEUP:
Othmann-Trocheck-Kakko
Kreider-Brodzinski-Wheeler
Goodrow-Bonino-Pitlick
Edstrom-Leschyshyn-Rempe
Miller-Trouba
Lindgren-Fox
Gustafsson-Hollowell
Shesterkin
Garand
1ST PERIOD:
It seemed to work pretty well for the Rangers right from the jump, as they were on the attack right from the opening puck drop.
The Rangers wasted absolutely no time getting the fans on their feet. Kaapo Kakko found a loose puck at the net-mouth of Semyon Varlamov and roofed it just 15 seconds into the game.
It only took the Rangers a minute and two seconds to double their lead to 2-0, after Tyler Pitlick went top shelf off of a rebound on an Erik Gustafsson shot for his first goal as a Blueshirt.
Chris Kreider finished up the Rangers early onslaught with a beautiful individual effort that led to a silky breakaway goal. Keep in mind, the goal was 4-on-4, not shorthanded.
The game would finally settle in a bit after a wild start, right from the opening puck drop. It took the Islanders some time to wake up, but they were able to make the first period interesting with a power play goal from William Dufour.
The Othmann-Trocheck-Kakko line really stood out in the opening frame. These three were all over the ice, Trocheck and Kakko were creating plenty of opportunities, while Othmann wasn't shy to throw his body around.
This training camp is a little different for Othmann now that the veteran players are also trying to learn the new Laviolette systems. I spoke to Othmann about his comfort level now that he's in the same playing field as his teammates. Othmann said "Just to get their intake and input on things was definitely helpful tonight. Trying to learn the concepts of Lavy's systems and how to be an NHL player, and how to be a pro is definitely important. I'm thankful that these guys are teaching me a bit."
2ND PERIOD:
Sticking with the theme of the first period, the action didn't stop in the middle frame. The Islanders forward Ross Johnston had been looking to mix things up in the opening 20 minutes, but couldn't find a partner to dance with. Matt Rempe, the 6'7 21-year-old wasn't afraid to mix it up with Johnston. Although, Rempe most likely felt that he needed to answer the bell from a hit he laid on Sebastian Aho earlier in the night.
Despite having a quiet first period, Blake Wheeler was able to find the back of the net to extend the Rangers lead to 4-1. Wheeler didn't have to do much considering that Jake Leschyshyn gave him a perfect backdoor tap-in pass.
Igor Shesterkin had a solid first showing in the preseason, but his night would end at the 29:38 mark of the contest, allowing Dylan Garand to get his first game action. Shesterkin stopped 10 of the 11 shots that he faced, skating to a .909 save percentage.
Through the first two periods, the Rangers most noticeable player was Kakko.
3RD PERIOD:
There wasn't much action in the final 20 minutes. The Rangers did a very strong job at making the simple decisions, not allowing the Islanders to create much offense. However, the Islanders were able to make the Rangers look a little discombobulated and found a late tally thanks to a backdoor goal from Arnaud Durandeau.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The Gustaffson-Hollowell pairing had a great showing. They made the simple and right plays it felt like throughout the game.
Before tonight's game, my former college roomate at Mercyhurst University, Joey Duszak, a defenseman in the St. Louis Blues organization, told me to lookout for Mac Hollowell. The two had previously played together for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. Duszak added that he could be a sleeper to make this team and boy did he impress.
Hollowell was a guy that certainly stood out. He made the smart and simple plays it seemed throughout the entire game. I asked Laviolette what his initial thoughts have been on Hollowell, to which he said "He played a very confident game. There's a guy that comes into training camp, and just by the way he practiced and the way he scrimmaged yesterday, those scrimmages are important, we're watching. You can earn yourself a game and an opportunity and he did that. I thought he and Gustafsson were really good. He's a young player and he's trying to make a good impression, I thought he did that tonight."
- Vincent Trocheck looked like he was in game shape. He was flying all night, making things happen for his linemates, Kaapo Kakko and Brennan Othmann.
- Othmann will be a fan favorite here in the near future. He plays a very hard-nosed game and has a strong hockey I.Q. mixed in a with a good skill set.