Rangers fall 2 - 1 in first preseason contest; Cuts to come

Bad penalties and inconsistency.

 Sounds a lot like last season. Well, those bugaboos carried into MSG last night for the start of the preseason as the Rangers fell 2 - 1 to the Boston Bruins.

However, as with most preseason games, you aren't looking for team play so much as individuals that can compete at the highest level. Some players exemplified that. 

 "As the game went on there were some good things," said Head Coach John Tortorella. "I don’t want to name names because I may forget someone but as the game went on I thought we played well. We switched the lines around a little and I think everyone contributed."

Chris Higgins got his first goal, the lone score for the Rangers, assisted by tryout defenseman Alexei Semenov.

"I thought he was one of our strongest players on the puck, especially in the second half of the game," said Tortorella of Higgins. "If we’re going to be a good team and a competitive team, he needs to be a goal-scorer for us, he needs to be a penalty killer for us, he needs to be a top six forward for us and he needs to accept responsibility for that. Tonight was a good sign."

Matt Gilroy, who was interviewed by BB at camp, was a standout.He controlled the puck well, showed some deceptive speed, and never looked out of place.

"I definitely got chills, and to hear that first ‘goal’ song go off was pretty cool too," said Gilroy of his first game. "It was my first taste of this and I want a lot more."

 Tonight the Rangers faceoff in New Jersey against the rival Devils. After the game, the team expects to make upwards of 20 cuts.

Who's on your list?

More to come...

Comments

[Bones]

That's great news on Gilroy! How was Heikinnen or did he play? If those two are NHL ready it will solve a lot of problems and maybe we can dump Rosy and his contract.

[Lowtide10]

mAccarone, parenteau seem destined;
Will watch Lisin more tonight, but liked his speed and puck control. MDZ was interesting and handled the point on the PP better than anyone since Leetch was in town. (Not that he # 2 !)
Sauer was steady & physical.
Should be interesting as to who sticks on D.

[Kelly Kisio]

Where is Sanguientti - Is he not even in the mix to make the team?

[kwill]

looks like sags is not in the mix so far not even scheduled to dress tonight. he got in the doghouse with not being able to handle day one of camp. Heikinnen, gilroy and del zotto play tonight i believe.

[Bones]

Another strong outing from Gilroy. He seems mentally prepared to play in the NHL. I think in 2-3 years we are going to have one of the strongest Ds in the league. I still like the idea of getting Kessel before the Leafs grab him. He's got elite skills. How about Dubi, Sanguinetti, Anisimov and Sauer for Him or leave out the latter and put in a draft choice, 2nd or third.

[kwill]

That Johnson from the U alaska at anchorage looked real good last night.

[stan the man]

I cannot access BB+. whats going on?

[njaco1215]

The New York Rangers agreed to terms with restricted free agent Brandon Dubinsky on a 2-year, $3.7 million deal Saturday.

According to Newsday, Dubinsky was originally looking for a 4-year, $16 million deal while the Rangers made a one-year qualifying offer of $522,500.