Some Serious Kidding Around

Some hungry young Rangers fired their opening salvo in their bids for NHL jobs tonight in the Rangers' pre-season opener, a 4-3 Garden win over the Devils. And they began the process of making it extremely difficult for coach Tom Renney to make the final roster decisions as the Rangers head into a year of great expectations. Brandon Dubinsky was first star of the game with a pair of sweet set-up passes, and was energetic and effective throughout. Ryan Callahan, making sure no one questions the place he earned with the team late last season, was second star, converting one of Dubinsky's passes and also playing an energetic and effective game. Sean Avery was in mid-season form -- agitating, yapping, running the goalie, and still playing well -- in earning the third star.

The truth is, there weren't enough stars to go around in this game. Blair Betts, wearing the third "A", was beyond mid-season form, doing everything he always does -- blocking shots, winning draws, killing penalties -- plus scoring a goal that he created with his forechecking. Marc Staal leapfrogged back ahead of Mike Sauer with a commanding performance in both ends of the ice, and that despite the fact that Sauer himself was pretty darn good too, despite his role in the Devils' third goal. Hugh Jessiman showed Ranger fans why he had created a buzz in training camp, playing a grinding physical game that was highlighted by drawing an early penalty by driving to the net and then deflecting a point shot for Dane Byers to slam home (Jessiman was not credited with a deserved assist). Byers himself was good. And Artem Anisimov proved to be stronger than his skinny frame suggests, and was good with the puck too.

Indeed, the young guys were so good that the veterans dressed for this game paled by comparison for the most part. On defense, Darius Kasparaitis demonstrated that salary cap considerations were not the only, or even main, reason that he will start the season in Hartford. His partner, Andrew Hutchinson, demonstrated that salary cap considerations were his best chance to start the season in New York, because his spotty performance was not going to earn him a spot otherwise. Mark Smith, a veteran fourth liner trying out for a contract, didn't look bad, but he did look like a guy who it would be a crime to keep ahead of one of the prospects who look so ready for prime time.

Brendan Shanahan did not look good either, which has been the case throughout camp. The conventional wisdom had been that he did not want to jeopardize his easily achievable performance bonus -- $2 million for ten games played -- with a Pavel Bure-like career-ending pre-season injury. But considering what he told us at the end of last season -- that he comes to every training camp to prove that he still belongs in the NHL, and that any tie should go to a younger guy -- we expect to see more from him at this point. What is most telling is that he looks frustrated with himself, looks like he does not want anyone making any excuses for him.

In net, Al Montoya started and tended goal well, but his stickhandling skills show why he needs more time to develop -- he obviously likes to handle the puck, but is seriously error-prone. That too has been evident during camp scrimmages. Steve Valiquette was making a good case for why he would be a sufficient back-up keeper until he gave up a bad one that got the Devils back into the game late in the contest. Forget about recently waived former Ranger Dan Cloutier as an option -- his salary could not be handled by the Rangers under the cap even if they did want to pay someone that much to play ten games or fewer this season.

The usual caveat of pre-season games does not apply to tonight's game -- the Devils had almost all of their expected starting line-up on the ice for this game, with only a handful of likely starters (and most of them not front line players) sitting out tonight for reasons other than injury. The major execption to that rule, of course, was Martin Brodeur, who did not dress. His back-up Kevin Weekes, tonight's starter, was knocked out of the game with an apparent concussion in the opening minutes after giving up an early goal. Avery, driving to the net, was cut off by Johnny Oduya at the top of the crease. Avery shoved Oduya, who lifted his elbow into Weekes to protect himself (way to go, Johnny!) and drove him into the goal post. Avery got a penalty that Oduya really deserved -- had he not skated into Avery's path, Avery would have stopped short of Weekes with no harm done.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ledger, the Rangers played without their leading scorer, their top two centers, their top four defensemen, their franchise goalie, and two other regulars. So it was extremely encouraging to see so many guys battling for jobs outplay a team that iced 75% of its expected NHL roster. Also encouraging for the Rangers was the edge they played with -- they were tough, they were physical, and they were the nastier of the two sides. The Devils, having had much by way of fisticuffs in their prior pre-season outings, were fairly well deterred in this one. Let's see how that works Saturday night vs. the Flyers as the Rangers try out at least three more young guys (and some of those we saw tonight possibly getting another look), but this time surrounded by all of the front line players who sat out tonight's game.

Comments

[Lowtide10]

Dubi,
Thanks again! I thought Dubinsky gave himself a good shot to stick. And Callahan and Girardi showed they belong. Staal could certainly find his way but a little seasoning in the AHL will do him wonders. First time I saw Sauer play and I was impressed- I look forward to his arrival in the NHL. Got to love Avery!
I don't want to get too excited but it's tough not to with all that's going on.
Shanny will get it going soon.!

[stevek]

Dear smitty
"By the way, for those who may wonder based on his surname why Dubinsky is playing on Yom Kippur, he told us last week that he is Catholic (both of his parents are)."
NOT busting chops here, but isn't Dubinsky clearly a Polish name? If it is, and given that Poles are 95% or more Catholic, I don't understand the confusion or the joke if it was meant to be one...
Again, not busting chops here, just confused. FYI, I am neither Polish nor Jewish, so I got no beef here."

Actually Dubinsky is not clearly a Polish name. If you look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=dubinsky&go=Go, you will see 2 out the 4 Dubinskys's are Jewish. Just like the names Koch and Cohn, they can be Jewish or Christian. Hard to tell these days by name. But being from New York I love knowing everyones ethnic background, thats part of being a New Yorker. You get that extra pride in sharing an ethnic background with a player who is also on your favorite team. Look how many Ranger fans (Irish Americans) reacted when Callahan scored twice on St Pattys day. FYI I am also not Jewish or Catholic either.

[Jess]

Ok Can I as the keeper of the kids be proud of them even if it was a preseason game?

Did I not predict that Staal would look better once he played in a game?

Heck to see all of these kids who I have been so lucky to cover do so well makes me feel really good.

Now one game does not make a career but you know what we are going to see a bit of tomorrow today and I really do like what tomorrow has the potential to be.

I also wish to thank Dubi and all of you who have taken the time to help me with my blog BUT I got to tell you all that this is a major work in progress.

See I am taking an online journalism class via UMass and when this class ends I am supposed to have learned how to build my own website.

I am also lucky because I have gotten to watch Dubi write for the last XXXX years (sorry I do not want to age either Dubi or myself) and IF I can be even half as good as Dubi then I think I will be pretty decent.

Of course you guys will be the first to tell me when I screw up.

[Scott Smith]

Were we at/watching the same game. Kasper was amazing tonight. He was hitting hard, maybe better than average plays, he made some mistakes, but how many times does Malik do that. Besides Kasper didn't score on his own team. His penalty was a weak boarding call that was very, very argumentative whether that was really boarding or just a nice hit. The Rangers should bounce Malik, anybody can have his +/- playing on a line with Jagr.

[Dubi]

Scott, I guess we weren't watching the same game -- Kaspar did in fact score against his own team.

[Scott Smith]

when?

[Dubi]

The first Devils' goal when Montoya played the puck past him, the centering pass from behind the goal line deflected in off Kaspar's skate.

[Scott Smith]

If so, I add the argument about how he uses his size more and only did that once, and it was in a pre-season match-up lol.

[ANT]

Scott Jagr never never played in VAN so go check your stats.Even tho Kaspar was one of my fav players back in a day tonight he looked like he never played hockey before dont get me wrong i hope Kaspar makes the team but he needs to do something about those garbage passes and bonehead penalties.BTW Kaspas was the one that kept getting hit not the other way around

[Rocha]

I saw things almost identically to the way you did, Dubi, give or take:

http://rangerland.net/?p=620

Kasparaitis was just flat out hideous, no way around it. I was hoping he'd rebound and catch on somewhere else since his salary can't really fit into the Rangers plans, but with a performance like tonight on top of his salary, other teams wouldn't take him on a dare.

[Paul]

I think the kids played really well, Staal and a couple others made some good arguments why they should make the team, i maybe in the mionority but this night i am glad that i don't have renney's job. choosing between Montoya and valiquette may seem easy, but both played really well, IMHO i think montoya played a little better then Steve, his last name is too long for me to butcher this late. Kasper aside from a couple good hits, he dind't seem that sharp and as much as i feel for the guy i don't think he is ready for the NY spotlight anymore. good to see callahan still looking good.

[wildman]

If Staal, Dubinsky and Dawes aren't on this team, Renney should be shot. Dubinsky is clearly read for the NHL and way ahead of Anisimov who is still physically weak. Hossa is not a first line wing and Hollweg is not an NHL player. So Hossa should take the 4th line spot and Dawes on the first line.

I'm pulling for Kasper but he stunk tonight. He had about 3 turnovers. Staal is light years better than Mara and Malik already. He just needs about 20 games to adapt to the NHL.

[Lynkx]

I don't know wildman, Anisimov kept planting himself infront of the net on the Powerplay, and created a lot of really good powerplays, he looked fairly strong, especially when he broke by a defender to get a shot on net, I think Anisimov is about a year away, or less.

Yea, Kaspar was terrible other than the few big hits he threw, although i really missed that crash, when he would plaster someone to the boards :)

[jas]

Here's my take on the D we saw tonight - I felt more comfortable when I saw one of Staal, Girardi or Sauer on the play defensively, then when I saw any of the veterans. You felt the kids would make the right play, and both Staal and Sauer were especially good with their stick. Kaspar came out with energy, but it was clear by the end of the game that it would be a crime if he sees any ice time in NY this year over either Staal or Sauer.

Dubinsky, IMO, just looks ready. His skating was much improved over the last year - he's quicker, and his stride is smoother. He's a bull with the puck, and he was able to use his size to create the space to make the pass to set up Straka. Unless we see a dramatic drop off in the rest of the pre-season, Dubinsky SHOULD make this team.

Renney can say that Cally and Girardi don't have this team, as he tries to send the message not to take anything for granted (where are you, Jozef Balej?), but, anybody who watched tonight's performance can tell that was just lip service. BTW, the Staal-Girardi pairing looked natural...I also think Sauer would be an excellent partner for Tyutin.

Anisimov looks to be every inch the steal many of us believed he was when the Rangers grabbed him in the 2nd round in 2006. Yes, there is still a rawness to his game, and the hit from Visnnevsky should have provided a few lessons for him. He'll benefit from his time in Hartford...but he is yet another Ranger prospect with a bright future.

What was impressive about Jessiman and, (especially) Byers was how they both used their size. Both looked like the prototypical 4th liners on a crash-and-bang line. I started envisioning a 4th line of Byers-Betts-Jessiman when I watched the chemistry Byers and Jessiman appeared to have.

Speaking of Betts, as Dubi pointed out, he was the best of the vets. Anybody who doesn't realize how important this guy will be on a Cup contender should have had their questions answered tonight. First of all, he wore the "A", which speaks volumes about how Renney feels about him. He took nothing for granted, and played his role to a tee. I believe he will score at least 12 goals this year.

Watching Montoya tonight, you can see why he was taken 6th by the Rangers in 2004. Yes, we are blessed with "the King" in net. But, Montoya is good...VERY good. His stick-handling woes aside, he was sharp. He is quick, and very similar to Richter, in the regard that, he probably relies more on his natural athletic ability than being technically and fundamentally strong. His save on Gionta (?) when after mis-playing the puck behind the net, he flew back into the crease was typical of Richter's reliance on his athleticism. If not for cap considerations, Montoya would be the back-up in net.

One other note - I think watching tonight, we as Rangers fans can see the overall vision and commitment of this organization since March of 2004 to the complete rebuilding of this franchise. as Dubi pointed out, aside from Brodeur and few others, that was primarily the Debbies opening night lineup. The Rangers, OTOH, were missing potentially 7 out of the top 12 forwards, and 4 of the top 6 defenders, and Henke was not in net. The kids drove that bus tonight. These kids are well-coached, and yet aggressive and hungry. They play with an edge. That is a testament to what this franchise has been doing the past three years.

[imitation]

Dubi "Avery got a penalty that Oduya really deserved -- had he not skated into Avery's path, Avery would have stopped short of Weekes with no harm done."...... big assumption.... that's one way of looking at it, but I think the ref got it right. And if it happens on the other end you wouldn't be saying that. If Avery was on the debbies & did what he has done to Lundquist & Montoya or Valliquette, most would be screaming for Orr to to give him a fedorkick to the jaw. There's way too much going on by both sides of games where the goalie gets run into . The refs have to call interference on the guy that's doing the pushing, whether it's the goalie's teamate or his opponent. I don't want to see Lundquist have to leave a game from a play like that. ....fair & balanced...

[PJ]

Enjoyed that game last night! Dubinsky is ready for prime time. His two set ups were NHL quality. The biggest surprise for me is how good Al Montoya really is. No wonder he is the # 1 rated prospect by places like Hockey Future. {In the Ranger organization} With the King firmly entrenched, what the hell are we going to do with him? I hope he can make it to the Rangers and we have a 1 and a 1A {Giacomin and villimure anyone?}

Staal was so impressive and steady. He too should be one of the top six. Sauer and Anisimov are going to be important players as well.

Is this the freaking NY Rangers I am watching? An organization loaded with NHL talent in their farm system? After all these years, it is a dream come true.

[lennynyr]

Never remember seeing so many kids play at the same time, what a treat. Heard that in some area the game was blacked out but my area wasn't and saw the whole game.

What a contrast to just 5 years ago when the only kid in the pre season lineup was Jamie Lundmark.

Have to agree with Dubi, Shanny looked like he was in a fog. Avery looked like..Avery!

Renney and company are going to have their hands full deciding what kids to keep, a great problem to have.

[NCSteve]

Great start for the Rangers! Saw the clips with Al and Dave after the first period and the young guys looked steady. I'm sorry to hear of Montoya's struggles with his stick. Maloney was praising the young keeper for his "quiet feet" and his efficient movements. Hey! Then my MSG blacked out! Can anyone tell me what's going on? I'm with DirecTV and tonight MSG has the Phlyer game listed. What's up with that? I checked the other channels and I didn't see the game being aired anywhere else. (Sorry to hear about Weekes. I always liked his quiet loyalty and acceptance of his role. His play with the Hurricanes in their first run into the finals was stellar. Hope you're ok, Stevie!)

[NCSteve]

Oops! Kevin Weekes, not Steve. CRS disease. Must be that '79 playoff run catchin' up with me!

[smitty]

stevek,
thanks for the geneology and agree with your point about this being NYC and all...I am actually interested in that stuff...and certainly not PC myself

Avery clearly deserved a penalty there; Oduya had body position and was shoved into Weekes...he hadn't even really laid a paw on Avery when Avery pushed him...that type of play cannot be tolerated as goalies are in a vulnerable position...we'd be pissed if it were the reverse situation

the kids are alright! maybe the Garden should start playing that song...anyone got an inside track to the Garden DJ?

[Mitch Beck]

I got some emails from a number of you asking a bunch of questions and making a number of comments and a couple just asking what I thought of last night’s game...

First, it was just one PRE-season game. What your view of these young players has to be tempered by that. Many of the kids played very well, some played okay and in my opinion a couple were neither good nor bad. Some were totally invisible...Baranka...(I know he didn't play it was a joke...) Before you make your declarations that this one is ready or that one isn't see them play more than one game...and one game at home no less.

I was VERY impressed with Brandon Dubinsky's play as were all of you. One of the ways, not all of them but one of them, is how many times you hear the announcer calling their name. Remember they're only going to get mentioned if they're involved in some way and it seemed that every time he was on the ice John Giannone was calling him out for one thing or another and personally as I have said a million times, I like this kid a lot and seeing him play so well was very encouraging. Let's see how he does on an away game in a hostile environment. I'm pulling for him to make this team, although I really think I'd like to see that Callahan, Prucha and Straka line. That could be fun to watch but if Dubinsky makes it that will be the feel good story from training camp this year.

Second, while many of you, including Dubi, are extolling what you believed to be a very good game by Montoya, I'm not so sure that I agree with that. His adventures behind the net, as Dubi pointed out, were atrocious and definitely need serious work. What I was WAY more concerned about, and watch the tape if you disagree with me, is the number of rebounds he was putting out there. There were a ton and they were going right up the middle for the most part although a few went towards both face-off circles seemingly out of harm’s way, but again this was pre-season and when the best of the best in each organization are out there if that continues they are going to jump all over those. I'm concerned about that regarding AL's development.

BTW, and this is NOT self-congratulatory but I've been saying Al reminds me of Richter from the first game (and to be honest, only game) that I saw him play in college.

Valli I thought also had a poor game. I thought he too had bad adventures behind the net and I thought the first goal was horrible and the second while a very good shot, I thought he should have had but I'll give him a pass after all IT'S JUST ONE PRE-SEASON GAME...

Here is where you are all going to jump on me. I thought Staahl was okay but I didn't see anything that spectacular about the way he played. He was good, don't get me wrong, but he didn't blow me away enough to say, "forget the competition, he should 100% be on this team." He played well enough to me that he should still stick around a while longer and get more of a look, but like I said, he didn't blow me away. Now when you read this and your seething and ready to rip me a new one here, I liked the kid and think he has a lot of talent and potential to be great...I'm just not completely sold yet that he's ready to play in the NHL without some time in the AHL first.

I felt the same way incidentally about Mike Sauer. Except for getting burned on the goal that Elias (talk about being invisible I didn't even know he was playing until he scored that goal), he played a good, physical game and I like his size and potential. He's going to be a VERY good player for the Rangers for years to come but I think he needs to be in Hartford for a little while too. He will get some games in NY this year if there is an injury I'm sure of that though.

I wonder if Kasper will be hanging out at "The Red Plate" in Hartford after games like so many of the kids do.

Blair played a VERY strong game. Congrats to him by the way on the birth of his son.

Cally, Girardi both had VERY good games. Shanny didn't. Anisimov showed a lot of talent and resiliency bouncing up like he did from that VERY hard hit and then going back to try and dish some out. He looks like a keeper to me...Hartford to start but 100% a future Ranger.

On a personal note, I hope Kevin Weekes is okay. Dubi will back me up on this, he is one of the nicest people that you will ever meet in your life. Sure, he's a mediocre goalie at best, but IMO he's a first ballot Hall of Famer as a Human Being and I truly hope that he's alright and just had his bell rung... He's a class act.

Bottom line on all of this is that it was a GOOD, not spectacular, start for a PRE-SEASON opener. I'm taking a lot of excitement and confidence that we've got some talent here and should be excited as fans but like i Said, don't be heaping all this pressure on these kids. Be excited...I am. But when you start making these declarative statements about them the only place for them to go is down when they play like the kids that they are and by that I mean make mistakes...They're developing and they've got talent and the team has a great core of youngsters that can build this team for the future when they're ready. I think a lot of them are getting VERY close.

Okay, you may begin shredding me for my opinion now...please leave me enough to play with my kids....

BTW, if any of you would like to take a trip up to "The Big E" in Springfield, MA as we talked about doing at the Summer Barbeque we're heading up there tomorrow. Feel free to shoot me an email at RangersfanCT@hotmail.com and we'll work it out. If you don't know what "The Big E" is check it out at www.thebige.com. I have a blast there every single year and you would too.

A note to you Single guys...there are loads of pretty girls up there that you will find unencumbered by male companions... and girls, the same is true in the reverse...

BTW, some of the coolest stuff I've purchased for "The Museum" I've purchased there.

Have a great weekend all...

[Bob Merchant]

Nice game recap, hate to see Weekes injured in a meaningless preseason game.

[Ron Boesgaard]

Betts was solid. Staal and Sauer will anchor the Ranger defense for 10 years.

Dubinsky will make it hard for Renney to send him down. He was sweet between Cally and Straka.

Anisimov played remarkably well despite the fact he is new to the North American game, language and rink size. He can skate, handle the puck and will soon be a regular for this team.

Byers and Jessiman will be pushing Hollweg and Orr if they can continue to improve and play with any kind of consistency.

My brother and I sat in our customary spot behind the Ranger goal for warm-ups. The Garden had a new look: new scoreboard and two new wrap around screens at each end of the rink.

We watched the Devils come on for pre-game and thought they had had brought their "A" team with Elias, Gionta, Parise, Zajac, Zubris, Madden, Pandolfo and a few others I can't remember at the moment.

With Gomez and Drury at the center spot for a while and Anisimov, Dubinsky, Pyatt, Cherepanov and others coming along this team will be solid there for years to come.

It is such a pleasure and refreshing change from years gone by to actually see the development of young players....heck, to actually have young players to develop with solid NHL potential and to see them do so well so early.

Jess must be so happy to see these kids he has followed for so long and spoke so highly of finally starting to get their shots and looking like the players he told us they would be.

I know it was only one pre-season game but folks, this is a snap-shot glimpse of what most of us have been wanting for such a long time. Drafting well and having pipeline stocked with talent that can push the vets and add youthful exuberance.

To the old Matt Repasky New York Rangers newsgroup and Ranger Fan Central visitors it appears we are about to awaken from our collective dreams after 7 nightmare years and watch our beloved Rangers skate down the path many of us had envisioned and prayed for them to take.

Again it was only one game....but oh what a game it was.

I will be parking my butt back in the Garden again tonight for the sequel. My wife was a bit miffed as told her I would not be spending my birthday evening at home and out to dinner with her.

That would be nice but a couple of slices at Don Pepi's, warm-ups with my brother and a Ranger-Flyer game is about the best birthday present one could ask for.

See you at the Garden.

[Anthony (Abev)]

Dubi, I feel the same way you do about Shanahan, but for a different reason. From the "giving him the benefit of the doubt" department, it almost felt like he was a coach/player. Just holding his ground but attempting to create opportunities for other players.

[kogan]

Seems like Kasper had his last game as a ranger at MSG.

[Rusty55]

Was at the game and the guy to me that really stood out was Anisimov. All I kept reading on scouting reports was that he was skinny and had a thin frame and after watching the guy in warmups and the game, I was actually impressed with how he used his size bringing up the puck, going to the net, and along the boards. The guy is only 19, 6'4 and plays at around 190-200. I can only imagine if this guy develops properly what he will look like in 5 years...Another observation was how depleted the Devils farm system is....I really didn't see one player on their team that was not already in the NHL that seemed to have a clue what was going on...

[jas]

Dubi

I actually believe Strudwick is more at fault on that 3rd Debbies' goal. Sauer was double-teamed in the corner. Gionta wins the puck, and comes off the boards. Strudwick has two options - which is more dangerous in your mind...Gionta with the puck, or Grant Marshall without it? Conventional wisdom is probably let the goalie see the shooter, but, in a case so clear-cut, I'd rather see Gionta forced to move the puck to Marshall and let Valiquette take his chances. IMO, that shows why Strudwick is 7th D-man material at best.

[imitation]

jas you might be overly generous to Strudwick. I like him but his talent is really not there. He needs to be a bigger hitter to be a Dman. Maybe Orr's spot on the 4th line once in awhile. He'd be good with the kids in Hartford. Sounds like he'd like to be an assistant coach. Black Ace if he sticks.

[rangerbill94]

Well, we get to see the "other" Rangers defense tonight. So, before you all get too excited about Staal and Sauer, remember that the coaching staff is evaluating on the bases of a Stanley Cup team, not a rebuilding squad. I doubt ANY rookie D'man will make the starting line-up. Maybe by mid-season one or both will be able to make the jump, based on their play in Hartford. From what I read, Kaspar sealed his fate last night, so that part of the defensive puzzle is over. I never thought Hutchinson was part of the Rangers plan, so cross him off the list. All this stupid, uninformed talk about Malik (rebutted very well again for the umpteenth time by ANT) is not going to change Renney's opinion at all. Put Malik, Rozsival, Tyutin, Girardi and Mara are most likely "in". Pock, Strudwick, Liffiton, Staal and Sauer are fighting for the remaining spots. (Have I forgotten some one?)

[czechthemout!!!]

repost-

My impression of last nights game:

montoya-was very good,needs to stop over handling the puck,thought he was better than valliquette.

staal-was very steady,needs to play in the nhl.he is ready to play,will only get better with more time like his brothers before him.

sauer-same as staal.good defensman,better than i expected.

hutchinson-not impressed at all.was bad defensively,better offensivly.pock looked much better to me last year.

kasper-too bad,but he’s done.too slow,makes too many mistakes.

strudwick-slow,is nothing more than a number nine dman on this team.

girardi-was his steady solid self,looked like he added a physical element with some solid hits.

lessard-sucks!

mark smith-was a little better than i thought,should do well in hartford as veteran presence,has no buisness anywhere near this team.

hollywood-he is what he is.and will never be anything ellse.

betts-very good pk,good on faceoffs and blocks shots just like last year.

byers-impressed with his strengh behind the goal.needs to work on his skating a little more although he is much bettter than orr.will ultimatley replace him.

hugh specimen-did some good things,but also needs to work on his skating,still probably one year away.

straka-good as usual,looked almost in midseason form.played well with his linemates.hustles his ass of even in preseason.

callahan-what else can you say,plays both ends of the ice,blocks shots,takes the body,good passer,and scores.great total package just like last year!future star in my opinion.will score 30 goals and 30 assts for ten years.

dubinsky-ladies and gentleman,your third line center,brandon dubinsky.looks much faster and stronger on his skates than last year.looked like a future second line player.may one day be the total package.won 75% of his faceoffs and back checked real well.

avery-in mid season form as well.

shanny-unfortunatly,looked old and slow.hopefully it is nothing more than him trying to get his feet under him.i hope he can go for at least one more year.

artem anisimov-looked real good at times and very impressive.will be a top line center one day.needs to get more muscle mass.needs to develop a physical elemnt to his game.

I was impressed by the fact that the devils had many more of their regulars than we did and we dominated the game at times.that is a testament to the young talent on the team.sather and his staff deserve some kudos for that.

[Dubi]

"I couldn't stop really, so I think I would have hit Weeksie anyway," Oduya admitted. Avery charged the crease, as any player would have. He stopped short. Oduya came in. Yes, Avery shoved him. Yes, I'd be howling if it happened the other way. Still, nothing would have happened to Weekes has Oduya not gotten in between Avery and Weekes.

jas, I think the fault on that goal was Valley's, allowing a sharp angle shot to get through him. Struds is not supposed to defend a guy coming in at that angle when there is someone else in better scoring position. Two on one, he's supposed to take away the pass and let the goalie face the shooter. Things worked out exactly as they were supposed to, with the exception of Valley not stopping an easy shot. I pointed out Sauer's responsibility in that goal just to make my overall assessment, which was positive, a fair one -- he was overmatched by NHL players as he was trying to get that puck out. Still, that kind of thing happens to every player -- the support was there, except from the goalie.

Speaking of Strudwick, if you caught the game on MSG, he was mic'd, and you can see why they want him, no matter what he does on the ice. He talked to Staal and Sauer, and even though he said stuff that they obviously already knew, he has a reassuring manner about him, and the kids responded well to it. As a spare swingman who can mentor young players like that, he's a good guy to have in a salary cap world.

Mitch, there is every reason for fans to be excited by what they saw last night. It was not only the results, but the attitude the young guys brought was spectacular in and of itself. They've been told by the staff to come to camp as if they were going to win a job, even if they knew in their hearts they need more time to develop, and it shows. There isn't enough room for all of them -- they know that. But they turned in one heck of a performance, both individually and collectively. No one earned a job with one game -- they are all in the process of making a case for themselves, one that started even before Traverse City. But they're making statements not only about who wins the job now, but about who is in line for jobs down the road.

[czechthemout!!!]

I know it's only one game but Staal got better and better as the game went on.If he continues to play like yesterday,it would be a major mistake to send him to hartford.He needs about 20 games and than he will never be out of the lineup again.

dubi-happy holiday!
maybe they should make strudwick an assistant coach.He did not look good yesterday.

[imitation]

DUBI ..." Still, nothing would have happened to Weekes has Oduya not gotten in between Avery and Weekes"...isn't that Oduya's job or should he let Avery walk in to get a possible rebound and maybe run his goalie? That's a pretty big pass to give Avery, that the ref didn't. He not only shoved Oduya then left hooked him with his glove on, then refused to drop them. Could have gotten called for 4 minutes. Not a good penalty to get called for in a regular season or playoff game. Good ole Isbister did it in game 5 against the Chips & caused a disallowed goal & possibly the game. But many forgot that and instead just looked at the last minute & a half or less. ...I want Lundquist protected by his teamates & the refs, the NYR can't afford him getting injured. Yes Oduya and other defenders need to be careful in not being a part of getting their goalis knocked over too.

[jas]

"No one earned a job with one game -- they are all in the process of making a case for themselves, one that started even before Traverse City. But they're making statements not only about who wins the job now, but about who is in line for jobs down the road."

I think the Hartford show a similar mindset...you notice it in Dubi, Byers, Cally, Dawes and Girardi...a focus and determination, combined with a lack of intimidation. I think this highlights what Schoeny and his crew have done in Hartford. Again, last night's squad was propelled to victory by the kids...the best players were either recent graduates of Hartford or the core of who will be their this season. This was against a Debbie squad that had close to 75% of its opening night lineup, and has already been playing exhibition games. There were many reasons to be excited about last night.

[rangerbill94]

Dubi, you guys get close to these players so maybe you have some insight regarding Shanny. I am concerned about him. It is very unusual that he would have an off game in the first pre-season game. What you and other wrote was translated by me into "maybe disinterest". Could he be still contemplating retirement? If he thinks the Rangers have a younger player READY to fill his spot, would he step down? He is such a class act that I could see him doing that. Any thoughts. P.S.: I know it's only the first game, but I'm just wondering.

[Dubi]

Not disinterest -- he seems frustrated with himself, which is certainly a major level of interest.

[rangerbill94]

Thanks, but that is far better news to me...that's something he can work on. Hope he gets it on track, he is a significant part of the puzzle.

[wwwc9]

Jas,

Was more worried about a play with Struds towards the end of the third when he fell and was trying to move the puck in the def. zone with two attackers around him. I'd rather see him in Hartford. The third goal was Valliquette's fault. It was a good shot, but not impossible to stop from the short side. Goalies are expected to stop that bad angle shot almost all the time. Must be his pads with the really stiff thigh rises. What's up with that?

Strudwick offers nothing to the big team. Experience? Team guy? Leadership? Have others to fill that role. Potential? Too old. Providing a kid is ready, he shouldn't take their spot. There's no return long term for him playing and being on the team. My fear is that Renney will give him the nod for the position rather than someone else. commentators said Renney will talk with Allaire to see if Al's development is better in AHL or NHL. Same should be for the young d. But seeing Renney's past decisions (Krog, Isbister, Ozo, etc) to play vets over kids, it's very likely Struds will stick. It's almost like he doesn't see the NHL as a place to develop too. Not to rehash old argument, think that's just Renney's true thinking based on his actions, not what he says.

[jas]

wwwc9

I disagree about Renney's actions with the kids. I believe poeple mistake Renney's approach to young players. Callahan and Girardi played last year because Renney trusted them DEFENSIVELY. It's why Girardi won a spot over Pock, why Betts gets the ice time he does, and why Hossa is perceived as being favored by Renney over Prucha. Renney's mindset is "do the job and be defensively responsible." I guarantee you that if Dubinsky's earns Renney's trust defensively, he will win a spot...even if, say, Dawes has more offensive production, but, does not earn Renney's trust defensively.

[emscam]

The Big E brings back some memories. Growing up in NW CT I used to go every year.

Here's to Dawes having a good game tonight.

[kovazub94]

I can't believe how good Girardi looked last night. Besides being solid in the defensive end (his trademark), he showed new flashes of good offense that were not there last year.

Not taking away anything from Dubi when comparing him to Anisimov, but while both Cally and Straka exceled, Artem's partners were not up to par in this game.

Byers looked better then Hollweg.

[rangerbill94]

jas

Your comments regarding Renney are right on the mark. Further, wwwc9 doesn't seem to understand that experience isn't just there, it needs to be where the young players are. Strudwick can provide great leadership and instructional value to our young D'men better than any forward could. But if I'm right, both Sauer and Staal will be sent down, and Strudwick might just go with them...unless Sather thinks he could lose him via the waiver wire. Three more games and the picture will be much more in focus.

[LI Joe]

re Strudwick keep in the mind that the Rangers or any team for that matter will not have a prime prospect sitting in the stands as the number 21 22 or 23 man on the roster. so guys like Strudwick do serve well in their black aces role and occassional fill in.