Rangers-Devils Preseason Review

Last night, exhibition got underway for half the Battle population. The Rangers and Devils renewed blood and hatred with two familiar faces helping the Devs prevail 2-1 in overtime at Pepsi Arena at Albany. I caught a good chunk and instead of just recapping, we'll look at some highlights of the first of two preseason meetings with the Hudson rivals again doing battle tomorrow night in Newark.

Goals were scored by Petr Sykora (remember me???), Dale Weise and finally Patrik Elias, who cashed the OT winner off a dreadful Steve Eminger turnover. For the most part, New Jersey dictated play due to a stronger crop up front led by former A-Line members Elias and Sykora, who thus far has looked good in his tryout. It certainly wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if he made the cut and got to play with his Czech pal and perhaps a healthy Zach Parise on a first line B. If Ilya Kovalchuk plays on the top line with Dainius Zubrus and Kyle Palmeiri, it's not like there's much of a drop off. Kovalchuk also took part, getting robbed by Cam Talbot, who flashed some leather. More on him in a bit.

The Devils outshot the Rangers by a wide margin (42-21). With rookie Adam Larsson also debuting to oohs and ahhs, Pete Deboer had to like what he saw. The No.4 overall pick is as advertised. A smooth skating D who is a good passer with a nice shot- showing poise when he was on the power play, including a nifty set up for Sykora's marker. You can tell that pro experience back home has aided the mature Swede, who paired up alongside Henrik Tallinder. While he did get pushed off the puck by an aggressive Weise leading to the tying goal late in regulation, there was a bit of a mix up with Tallinder and Sykora botching the coverage. Artem Anisimov made a good play, using his strength to find Weise for the equalizer past backup Jeff Frazee.

Most encouraging for the black and red was Parise, who was flying all night. It was intercept of a poor Eminger pass off the mark for intended target Weise, that led to Elias' winner. Zach Attack simply passed for the Devils' all-time leading scorer, who neatly deflected it home in the first minute of OT. The Devs should benefit greatly from Parise, who always seems to be in the right place. In his walk year fully recovered, he should be dynamite. The Devils also were encouraged by Union College product Keith Kincaid, who blanked the Rangers before Frazee took over. He was fine but only faced 10 shots due to a lineup mostly comprised of kids, including top pick J.T. Miller, Christian Thomas, Ryan Bourque, Carl Hagelin, Shane McColgan and '10 first rounder Dylan McIlrath, who fared better than in last week's prospect tournament. Tim Erixon also took part, again not damaging his chances. Ironically, he faced former Swede 'mate Larsson with both demonstrating why scouts like each. I particularly enjoy Erixon's poise, which is similar to Larsson. Perhaps the Rangers stole him from Calgary with Roman Horak going the other way.

-There were fisticuffs with behemoth Andre Deveaux going after David Clarkson at the end of a shift, earning 17 penalty minutes for instigating with the smaller Devil, who doesn't back down from anyone. Sure. Deveaux gets the edge but only due to his size. In another scrap, gritty Brad Mills got the better of Weise with a unanimous decision. Mills hustled all game, providing energy for the Albany hosts- also turning in exceptional PK work.

-Erik Christensen has been put on notice already, not even wearing his No.26 which maybe going to Ruslan Fedotenko following Brad Richards' arrival. Christy didn't exactly standout. Sean Avery, who's no lock to make it, was okay. John Tortorella was pleased even though you hardly noticed him. The Rangers didn't attack much but picked up their forecheck in a more competitive third.

-The MSG broadcast included Chico Resch to the already annoying Joe Micheletti and voice of reason, Sam Rosen. While Chico went gaga over Kincaid, Michidiot kept trying to get his attention following a couple of sparklers from Talbot, who was more impressive due to quality of shots. His takeaway of Kovalchuk's high rocket made it look easy. There was absolutely no chemistry between the Odd Couple. I guess it was expected. The rivalry won't be the same without Doc Emrick, who at least we'll see on Versus/NBC.

-They showed a new rule to help determine goals with a green line added behind the goal line. It only confused me more. I guess I just prefer one stinkin' line. Sometimes, this league overdoes it. Though this was Brendan Shanahan's concoction. Hopefully, it will work. Kudos to Shanny for fully explaining Jody Shelley's 10-game suspension, including the first five regular season games after foolishly boarding Darryl Boyce during last night's Flyers-Leafs match. I like how he stated that Shelley had time to slow up and was a two-time repeat offender. Excellent stuff. He also explained a four-game ban for former Devil Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, including the Flames' season opener following an incident with Vancouver's Matt Clackson, who cameback to win an entertaining scrap between the two.

-Some other players of note who played Wednesday:

Devils-Anton Volchenkov, Jacob Josefson, Eric Boulton, Anton Stralman, Cam Janssen, Steve Bernier

Rangers-Brandon Dubinsky, Dan Girardi, Henrik Lundqvist, Mike Del Zotto

-Del Zotto was shaky getting taken off the puck by Mills, who got a shorthanded chance out of hustle.

-Lundqvist was sharp, only permitting Sykora's PPG. He finished with 16 saves.

-Girardi and McIlrath were the team's best blueliners with each making solid plays in their end. Dylan blocked a couple of shots, threw a nice check and played poised.

-Janssen struggled throughout and didn't go. Signed teammate Boulton was a pest.

-Stralman, who had stints with Toronto, Columbus and Calgary, was active and did a nice job jumping in. He definitely should be on an NHL roster.

-The rematch tomorrow should see Martin Brodeur debut while Mike Rupp does the same for the Blueshirts.  Game time is 7 ET and MSG will have it.

Sabres defeat Rangers to win Traverse City

A good prospect tournament was once again held at Traverse City, concluding earlier this week with the Buffalo Sabres just a bit stronger than a younger New York Rangers squad that reached the Final. Both teams fought hard the other night but ultimately, the bigger more experienced club pulled away for a 5-2 championship win.

Playing their fourth game over five days, the Ranger prospects coached by a determined Ken Gernander certainly gave it their best, rallying from a two-goal deficit thanks to goals from 2011 first round pick J.T. Miller and they're most consistent forward, Ryan Bourque. Miller put away a Carl Hagelin feed in the slot that got them back in it despite Sabre dominance mostly on the strength of big line Luke Adam, Zach Kassian and Marcus Ruutu. That line combined for six points, including Adam's early power play tally followed by Ruutu's sweet finish off a Kassian set up.

The trio took advantage of a turnover that allowed Kassian to find an unchecked Ruutu 10 feet away for a quick shot that beat Ranger goalie Scott Stajcer for a two-goal lead. However, the Blueshirts replied back 19 seconds later thanks to some nice work from Hagelin in the corner, allowing Miller to cash in. After a stern talking to from Gernander who was displeased with their lack of discipline, the club cameback with a strong middle stanza. Similar to their struggles in the first, the Sabres hurt themselves with a lazy turnover resulting in Bourque's equalizer. Thanks to great pressure from Christian Thomas, the son of former NHLer Steve Thomas intercepted the puck and then got the puck to Bourque, who buried his fourth past Nathan Lieuwen.

Dylan McIlrath, who captained the Rangers- nearly put them ahead with a strong move to the net but his backhand try slipped wide. The '10 No.1 pick was alright during the tournament but definitely still needs work. Another year of juniors should help. He did use his size during a few instances, throwing some good checks and challenging when needed. He also showed off underrated passing skills, finding teammates for chances. The skating and decision making can still improve as evidenced by a pinch that forced him to take a penalty in the third.

Jason Wilson lost a scrap to Buffalo's Corey Tropp, who seemed to enjoy the festivities. Ironically, Tropp notched the winner 78 seconds into the final stanza thanks to a nice set up from Jonathan Parker. The Sabres then played steady D, limiting the Rangers to the perimeter, allowing Lieuwen (21 saves) to see everything. Gernander emphasized taking 10-15 shots but his troops couldn't break the Sabre D. Eventually, they took chances that led to Stajcer getting victimized with Daniel Catenacci beating the netminder on a clean breakaway, backhand five-hole. A move I called. The sweet finish came with five minutes remaining. Kassian put the icing on the cake with 2:13 left.

Finally, the clock wound down and the Sabres celebrated a well deserved victory. Both teams shook hands before the winners took a nice photo with their trophy. Buffalo replaced Tampa Bay, who didn't participate this year- opting to stay close to home with rival Florida.

POSITIVES

-Tim Erixon stood out on defense, making a lot of good reads while also contributing offensively. He's not expected to provide a ton of offense like now project Mike Del Zotto but it's the Swede's uncanny ability to be in the right positive defensively that has Ranger management excited. In a game they gave up a tourney high five goals, Erixon managed an Even rating while teaming with McIlrath, who finished plus-one. Erixon definitely will compete for a job with Del Zotto in camp that began today.

-As noted above, Bourque was Mr. Consistency throughout- notching a shorthanded goal while outworking opponents. A small guy who's unfairly viewed by many fans who don't pay attention, Bourque could be another gem who overachieves. He's sound overall and uses his speed effectively. Another short kid with a big heart.

-Hagelin impressed, demonstrating what four years at college can do for an afterthought. There's a lot to like here. Perhaps we'll see the Swede sometime soon.

-Of all the guys, Shane McColgan was the biggest surprise, showing off tons of grit and speed. He was willing to get dirty, scoring both his goals from in tight while providing energy and even standing up for a teammate. Looks like a character player Garden Faithful will be rooting for.

-Both Miller (2 goals) and Thomas (1-4-5) showed flashes of why they are highly regarded. Each possess speed and playmaking abilities. In particular, Thomas was really strong at finding open 'mates. Both are slippery and look like fun prospects who could be heard from.

-Randy McNaught provided a lift physically, even going in a 5-2 win over the Blues while also notching a goal.

-Jonathan Audy-Marchessault was a revelation offensively (2-3-5) but needs work in his end.


NEGATIVES

-Jyri Niemi struggled badly, often caught out of position. One such poor read led to a goal against versus Buffalo.

-Niemi wasn't alone with Blake Parlett lost defensively in spite of five helpers. He has a good shot from the point but must improve in other facets.

-Sam Noreau and Kale Kerbashian were pretty blah.

-Of the two netminders, Stajcer's considered the better prospect but was beaten easily a few times. It wasn't all his fault with plenty of breakdowns. He needs to work on challenging shooters. Especially on breakaways where he was beaten twice in the third by Catenacci and Kassian. It wasn't all bad for Staj, who made a couple of nice sprawling saves that allowed his team to get back in it.

-I didn't see enough of Jason Missiaen, who went 1-1 in his two starts.


Overall, it was a chance for the hockey community to get a closer look at their teams' prospects. One of the cooler aspects was the interactive questions used via Twitter by John Giannone and Dave Maloney, who asked guests such as Adam Graves, Mark Messier, John Davidson, Darcy Regier, Ken Holland, etc. quite a few. It was nice to see some familiar faces in Tweepland getting through!

All in all, a great tournament well put together and outstanding job by MSG, who when they really cover something, always go the extra mile. Kudos to the entire production crew for all their hard work and dedication.

Doughty, Selanne lead remaining FA's, Devs/Rangers go young on D

Believe it or not, there are 16 days left in August. That means hockey's around the corner. It still is offseason with some names still lingering around like former Ranger captain Chris Drury, who hopes to get a tryout somewhere. That's probably the best bet. While some familiar faces like Alex Kovalev and Nikolai Zherdev have left for the KHL, vets like Cory Stillman, Sergei Samsonov, Marek Svatos, Marty Turco, Bryan McCabe, Craig Rivet, Nick Boynton, John Madden, Jarkko Ruutu, Mike Grier, Brian Sutherby, Ethan Moreau, Steve Staios and Paul Mara are still available. Finnish Flash Teemu Selanne won't decide if he's returning until September. American hero Mike Modano still hasn't retired.

There are also key restricteds with Drew Doughty still the main headliner. One of the game's bright stars on the blueline, still hasn't come to terms with the Kings on a new contract. Considering what Shea Weber was awarded, it probably didn't help, even though Doughty has hardly achieved that lofty status. Something will get done. Our guess is the closer it gets to camp, they'll work something out. Other Group II's of not are Winnipeg's Zach Bogosian, Toronto's Luke Schenn, the Isles' Josh Bailey, Chicago's Chris Campoli and the Yotes' Kyle Turris and Mikkel Boedker.

Two players who were signed by the Hudson rivals are both defensemen added for depth. The Devils signed ex-King Peter Harrold to a one-year two-way deal. Considering the Devs' youth transition, figure Harrold to spend his time in Albany. Meanwhile, the Blueshirts signed former Senator Brandon Bell for essentially the same reason. With Steve Eminger re-signed and the likes of Mike Del Zotto, new Ranger Tim Erixon, plus hopefuls Pavel Valentenko and Tomas Kundratek, Bell should be ticketed for Connecticut.

Indeed, both the Devils and Rangers are now on a similar path with youth served on the back end. New Jersey boasts No.1 pick Adam Larsson, who's expected to step into the top four. There's also Andy Greene, Mark Fayne, Matt Taormina, Mark Fraser and Matt Corrente- plus hopefuls Alexander Urbom, Tyler Eckford and Eric Gelinas. That doesn't include American prospect Jon Merrill, who the club selected in Round Two a year ago. He's one to keep an eye on.

While the Devils re-load with key cogs Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder vital to any success, the Blueshirts again will not boast a D over 30 thanks to the core of Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh and Mike Sauer. With Eminger the elder statesman at 27, the Rangers are banking on a turnaround from Del Zotto and key acquisition Erixon to round out one of the league's youngest bluelines. Figure Valentenko and Kundratek to provide stiff challenges in camp while Bell looks to impress brass. Others to watch for are Sam Klassen, Lee Baldwin and Jyri Niemi, with the latter two taking part in Traverse City next month. Former No.1 Dylan McIlrath will also be included.

Factoring in the up and coming Islanders, youth will be served in the metro area for the future.

Ahhh

Okay. I'm cool now. Me and Pop went for a four mile walk and it helped clear my head. All I can say is this kid better turnout good. It's true our D is softer than molasses and could have Hostess sponsor it. And he does sound/look tough. He says they won't regret it. Hey Rath, if you don't, the Ranger org will be feeling ours. :P I have to put a little faith in Gordie Clark, who's done an admirable job with our recent drafts.

Before I hop in a cold shower and change to head out, I just hope they know what they're doing. This was only Round 1. Tomorrow's a new day and a chance to continue addressing holes like the lack of offensive firepower. Let's see what Saturday brings.