Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. Five down and one to go – and then the real “fun” begins.
And after watching the Rangers play in five exhibition matches thus far?
Then it wouldn’t surprise me, when come Tuesday night (October 7th), if the Blueshirts blow a multiple-goal lead to the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period.
After all, and Sully’s Squad has done nothing this preseason when attempting to put distance between last season and this year.
For our beloved Blueshirts this training camp – and it’s been nothing but two-plus goals allowed third periods – and ugh – blown leads & losses aplenty too.
Hopefully, that infamous preseason disclaimer, which will expire this Saturday afternoon, will be just that when the games matter – meaningless.
But of course, there’s also this:
If you don’t learn from history, then you’re doomed to repeat it.
The Rangers have won only one Stanley Cup during the past 85-years which is to say that the Blueshirts have been doomed for some time now.
What a positive intro!
The last time I wrote to you on these pages was on 9/23, after the Rangers had coughed away another multiple-goal lead this preseason.
As a reminder, then you can find that tome here:
NYR/BOS 9/23 Review: Same Old Rangers! Sully’s Squad Give Up Four Unanswered; Fall in OT – But There’s A Lot of Good To Talk About Too (Baby Buck Blueshirts Beam Bright!), Adam Fox Mars a Bunch of Strong Performances & Robs Many Positive Lede Stories; Perreault and Laba Shine Again, The T.F.W. Law Firm Makes His Case, Kenny Albert & Dave “Riiiiiiight” Maloney Make The M$GN Transition Absolutely Flawless; A “FABULOUS” Broadcast, Giacomin & More
Since I last left you, and prior to the Rangers’ 3-1 loss to the Devils from Thursday night – and the Blueshirts split a pair of games against the Islanders – and where the visiting team emerged victorious in each match.
Interestingly enough?
The team with the weaker/AHL roster also won each game.
On Thursday, 9/25, the Rangers presented their strongest line-up yet full of regulars; but regardless of that fact – still found a way to lose – and despite the Islanders dressing a bare-bones line-up.
I mean, have you ever heard of Gleb Veremyev before?
Me neither – yet the Great Gleb was able to score two goals in the game – which was two more than the useless crybaby, Stinka Zibanedud, was able to score.
Mid-season form!
I was originally going to recap that game immediately afterwards on this site – or at least that was my plan following two periods of play.
Trailing early in the first period by a 2-0 score; the Rangers soon responded – and doubled-up the Islanders during the process too.
Vincent Trocheck made it 2-1, while Brennan Othmann, in his most noticeable game of the preseason, tied the game at 2-all following his power-play goal as set up Matt FREAKIN’ Rempe.
And of course, this goal spoke to me the most – as it was a testament to what I’ve been saying since day one of #73’s call-up – park him in front of the net while on the man-advantage and good things will happen.
Brett Berard gave the Rangers a 3-2 lead, while captain J.T. Miller, prior to his recent injury that you must be aware of by now, put the home team up by a score of 4-2.
And as was the case so often last year – and a case that’s now been extended into the preseason – and the Blueshirts blew it.
Cameron “WHO?” Berg brought the Isles within one with his 4-3 goal at the seven-minute mark.
And if we saw it once, then we’ve seen it hundreds of times this decade – and the Rangers then gave up a pair of back-to-back goals within two-minutes or less – and on this date, two scores within 57-seconds to be specific.
Veremyev tied the game with 4:43 remaining.
Kyle Palmieri scored the 5-4, bad guys, dagger goal – and with just 3:46 to go.
Despite the likes of Miller, Miserable Mika, Trocheck, Adam Fox and Alexis Lafreniere out there, and with goaltender Dylan Garand, the goat of this game (and where the word “goat” most certainly does not imply “GREATEST OF ALL TIME” – and especially not after a 7/10, .700% performance), now on the bench for an extra attacker – and the Rangers could never force the issue.
Rather than overtime – and the 6 x 5 empty net attack was just that – empty – as in empty-handed.
While some fans and pundits excused and waved-off the loss – as rather than blaming the skaters, these hopeful skeptics blamed a horrendous and cold goaltender instead (Garand entered the game at the start of the third period and with the Rangers up 4-2); lost in such tom-foolery was the fact that the Islanders (again, mainly fielding a roster of AHLers), also put a cold minor-leaguer in their net at the same time – and the eventual-to-be- perfect, 5-of-5, Marcus Hogberg.
Yeah, we all know about the preseason disclaimer and how these games are really all about the in-house competition for the limited roster spots still to be wrested (and to get in some work for the regulars too) – but this was a bad look for a Blueshirts’ team that desperately needs to turn things around – and especially after last year’s gutless disgrace.
All that said?
Then come Monday, when the Rangers would play next – and I gleefully accepted my friend’s offer to attend the rematch (albeit, he’s a gross Islander diehard – but that doesn’t affect our 30-year friendship – or at least not yet!), this time at IBS.
Call me a glutton for punishment, call me a hockey diehard – but just don’t call me late for dinner – and as my beer belly would suggest!
Just to say it here once and then move on – but sorry – I can’t forgive Zibanejad for last year at all.
And I won’t give you the full recap – as the archives of this site has all of it for you.
Just adding to my utter disgust (and let’s keep it a buck – and the archives of this site don’t lie either – I never wanted him re-signed in the first-place – and ever since that mistake – then I’ve been calling for him to be traded for over two-years now), was the fact that following a summer where new bench boss, Mike Sullivan, actually admitted to coddling to this mental headcase when he flew to Sweden in order to massage the ego of this entitled freak, was when I read a report from Peter Baugh of “The Athletic.”
In Baugh’s article, which was posted prior to Monday night’s Rangers’ win against the Islanders, the paywall scribe reported that Mika told him that Chris Drury, nor anyone else affiliated with the Blueshirts either, had asked him to waive that ridiculous no-move-clause that he has – and one that runs through the year 2030 – aka the worst contract in the sport today.
That said – then I guess that my disdain and ire should solely be focused on Drury.
After a summer where the Zoom Zoom, Pizza Makin’, GM said that he was exploring every option available when trying to better this team – and not once did he explore the idea of asking the worst and most overpaid player on the team to waive his NMC.
Instead, and Drury landed on the decision of trading away his best special teams forward, who ironically, is Mika’s BFF (Chris Kreider).
I just don’t get it.
You’d think that Zibanedud was the second coming of Mark Messier with the entitlement and white gloves treatment that he receives.
Rather than Messier – and Stinka should be compared to the 2025 New York Mets – as he’s also gutless, overpaid, has no clutch factor and as Mike Francesa would say, “a complete lou-sah!”
And have I mentioned yet that in his first interview since returning to New York from Sweden this summer – and all Mika did was cry about losing Kreider?
This guy is a leader?
Much like the maligned Assaultin’ Artie Panarin – and I’d rip that “A” off of Mika’s sweater too.
Than again, and much like “The Scarlet Letter” – and perhaps the “A” – as in adultery – is appropriate for the Russian!
Prior to the Rangers/Islanders rematch from Monday night (9/29) and with primarily the B-team on Long Island and the majority of the A-team in Tarrytown (Sullivan was at IBS, while David Quinn, of all people, ran the team’s practice at the training facility) – and video emerged of J.T. Miller crumpling to the ice.
No contact caused the injury – and as we all know – it are these non-contact injuries that can be worse than major collisions.
Just ask Malik Nabers.
Come Tuesday, and following the Rangers’ 3-2 overtime win at Belmont – and it was reported that the worst-case scenario had been avoided.
Rather than anything major, and instead, it was reported that Miller was “day-to-day” with a “lower-body-injury.”
Crisis averted.
That said, and Miller, who has only had one twirl this preseason, hasn’t practiced with the team he now leads since going down.
Of course, siding in favor of caution is what you have to do here, so you can’t really get too up-in-arms worried about this injury either.
But if Miller isn’t in the line-up come Tuesday night against the Penguins – then sure – worry your ass off.
Let’s quickly get into Monday night’s win at Belmont before getting into Thursday night’s loss against the Devils – and of course – the rest of the news too, which includes a bevy of roster cuts.
I’ve written about the IBS Arena on this site several times before – and as one of the newest rinks in the league – it remains at the top of my list.
The place is made for hockey fans.
There are no lines for bathrooms, beer or concessions.
The joint also features several outside areas, including a bar with a DJ, for fans to hang out at during intermissions.
But beware – these outside areas reek of stank pot – and the stench of this smoke will have you smelling like the dregs of society afterwards.
Most important above all else?
There’s not one bad seat in the house.
As opposed to M$G, which I think is one of the worst arenas in the league (a congested second rotunda level, long lines everywhere, over-priced, hundreds of obstructed view seats, etc) – and the Islanders, also unlike M$G, do a Grade-A job when it comes to honoring their history.
Not only do the orange-and-blue have a Hall of Fame area and plenty of banners for every pertinent player in franchise history – but they also have a “Rink of Honor” too.
Put it this way:
If the Islanders ever had the likes of Frank Boucher, the Cook Brothers, Bryan Hextall, Emile Francis, Ron Greschner, Lester Patrick, etc under their employ – then unlike the Rangers – and all of these men would have been honored by baby brother long ago.
I guess that in a way – I’m envious of Islander fans.
Sure – I hate that franchise with every fiber of my being – but I must put all biases aside and tell the truth – as they do everything right there – and that goes from the tippy-top to the bottom-down.
It’s a great arena, it’s reasonably priced, it’s family-friendly and it’s just a perfect hockey experience.
And that pains me to say that as a Ranger fan – but I don’t lie to you on this site.
Be Better Blueshirts!
In the rematch, and as mentioned earlier, we had a role-reversal on Monday night – as this time it were the Islanders who pretty much played what’s projected to be their Opening Night roster, while the Rangers entered L.I. with their B-team – that is – sans CZAR IGOR. (And Will Cuylle – and for that matter – Laba too!)
These rosters came to the surprise of nobody.
After all, these teams, which charge full-price for these preseason games, tend to dress their regulars at home as an incentive for their fans.
Somewhat expecting a loss when I passed through the turnstile on Monday night, then there were only two things that I wanted to see out of the Rangers:
— CZAR IGOR doing his best when trying to carry the team.
— The Baby Buck Blueshirts having strong showings.
Come 9:30PMish?
Both missions accomplished.
You can read my live-running commentary from this game over on my Twitter/X account (https://x.com/NYCTheMiC ), but for the here-and-the-now, and in short (easy for me to say) – and this was another CZAR IGOR masterclass.
When #31 was done for the night, which was following the conclusion of the second period, and the Rangers, despite being out-shot to the tune of 22-8, had a 2-1 lead.
Of CZAR IGOR’s 21 saves – and I’d reckon that about half of them were of the show-stopper/robbery variety.
Juuso Parssinen opened the scoring at the 5:30 mark, as he cashed-in a rebound afforded to him by “BIG SAVE” Dave Rittich – following a shot off of the stick of Will Cuylle.
It only took the Islanders 74-seconds into the middle period to tie the game – and of course – as that’s how it works – it was an ex-Ranger to do so – as “THE FRESH PRINCE OF DUCLAIR,” government name Anthony Duclair, was able to beat CZAR IGOR for the 1-1 equalizer.
Come two-minutes later?
CUYLLE HAND LUKE – or as Dave Maloney now refers to him as – “The Canadian John Wayne” (I love that nickname!) – regained the Rangers’ lead with his 2-1 goal.
Garand, who had a nightmare of a game in the match previous, took over the Blueshirts’ barrel at the start of the third period, while Rittich went the whole way for the Isles.
In another “of course” moment – it was Tony DeAngelo that returned the exhibition contest to a tie, following his 2-2 goal at the 11:33 mark.
Thankfully, Garand, who some would say completely blew the last game these two teams had played, buckled down and eventually went 9/10 for a .900 save percentage – which was 200-points more from his first foray.
The Rangers, nary a power-play while their opponents had two, were able to preserve this score come the end of regulation.
Once overtime commenced, the Islanders had a little flurry – and that would be that.
After surviving the Isles’ first 3 x 3 attack, Gabe Perreault found Laba wide-open – and bada-bing-bada-boom – Laba cleared the room following his forehand-to-backhand finish-job of Rittich.
3-2, Rangers, in bonus time.
Not only did I see CZAR IGOR and the Baby Buck Blueshirts play well – but I got to see another Rangers’ win at Belmont – and while yes, this was “only the preseason” – but I’m now 4-0 whenever attending these rivalry matches at the nomadic Islanders new home!
At this time (and because I want to upload these pictures for future postings too), then here’s a mini photo gallery from a Monday night well-spent at the IBS Arena:
With the benefit of hindsight and Brennan Othmann has quickly become the latest “what if question” in franchise history – and where about 78967867986798678967896896 of these “what if questions” is covered in this book:
The quick-and-dirty – as I’ve written about this topic nearly 7986786867986986896798678678967986798 zillion times before:
The Rangers, soon to become the eventual Presidents’ Trophy winners at the end of the 2023-24 season, had one of their biggest trade deadlines approaching in franchise history come March of ’24.
Rather than going ALL IN, and with the likes of Jake Guentzel and J.T. Miller ripe for the taking; and instead, Drury decided that Jack Roslovic, Alex Wennberg and Chad Ruhwedel were the missing pieces for his Stanley Cup contender.
At the time, it was reported that two players that I wanted out of here for years – “The Feckless Finn,” Kaapo Kakko and “The Concussed Czech,” Filip Chytil, were deemed as “UNTOUCHABLE” by Drury.
How’d what work out?
(And while I hate to sound like a braggart and bring up all of my previous predictions that wound up seeing the light of day – but yeah – I said that Kakko & Chytil had to go for scoring help – but Drury decided to roll with these two offensively-deficient and chronically-injured players.)
While there wasn’t much hub-bub about it at the time; but another player also reported to be “UNTOUCHABLE” was Chris Drury’s first-ever first-round draft pick, Brennan Othmann.
(It was reported that the difference between Jake Guentzel, then of Pittsburgh, from going to Carolina or New York was Othmann – as Drury refused all Othmann-related trade requests.)
Fast-forward to today, and for the second consecutive year at that too – and Othmann has bombed out of Rangers’ training camp.
While I’ve talked about this all preseason; it was made official on Tuesday that Othmann had been cut, and in turn, will try to get his career jump-started in the AHL once more – and rather than at the NHL level – and where of course, it’s the latter where he wants to be.
This following statement can’t be disputed:
AS OF THIS WRITING, WHICH IS BEING WRITTEN DURING THE WEE HOURS OF FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3RD – and Othmann’s trade value was never as high as it was prior to the NHL Trade Deadline of 2024.
Not only has Othmann failed to reach his potential – but many young guns, Baby Buck Blueshirts younger than him at that too, have outplayed him.
And even using the word “outplayed” is being nice – as it’s not even a competition.
While Othmann’s lone highlight this preseason was solely the end result of Matt Rempe screening a third-string goalie; conversely, and the likes of Gabe Perreault, Brett Berard and Noah Laba have been heads-and-shoulders above the former first-round pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Compounding matters is that every NHL club, whether they are a pretender, a contender, a rebuilder or a dreamer, always wants savvy and gritty veterans on their roster.
For teams with their eyes on the prize – then clamoring for veteran experience is a no-brainer.
You need guys who have been there before to help you out – and look no further to the the two mini-dynasties in Florida, the Panthers and Lightning, as your greatest examples.
For the young teams, the rebuilding franchises and every other up-and-comer – then these teams, while not carrying as many veteran fringe players as contenders, still champion for this experience – as it sets a good example/environment in the locker room, while also adding protection for budding new stars.
In other words, then not only has Othmann fallen below other young Blueshirt prospects – but fringe veterans, ones who most likely will be a healthy scratch more nights than not, also have a leg-up on him.
In the minds of Drury and Sullivan, and while I don’t agree with them at all – and they see the Rangers as a contender this season.
But you can only carry so many players.
Elsewhere, then you must also consider contract situations, waiver exemptions, player development (sitting in an NHL press box vs. getting top-minutes in the AHL) and other league rules – but we’ll talk more about Laba below!
Othmann, once considered as a potential future NHL veteran of 15-seasons – is now trending towards the likes of Hugh Jessiman, Lias Andersson, Vitali Kravtsov, Pavel Brendl, Jamie Lundmark – and you know the rest – in Rangers’ draft pick history.
And you can’t say that he hasn’t had any chances either – as prior to Tuesday’s demotion – and he played in all four preseason games available to him.
I don’t know Othmann at all.
This is my way of saying that I don’t know if it’s a mental thing, a putting too much pressure on himself thing or what – but I do know that he hasn’t impressed at all.
Furthermore, and with the likes of Berard, Laba and Perreault still at varsity camp – then I’m glad to see this has been a MERITOCRACY.
I just wish this same rationale applied to the likes of Stinka Zibanedud.
In Othmann’s perspective – then too bad that he doesn’t have a disgusting iron-clad deal that runs through 2030!
At this time, let’s now talk Rangers/Devils from Thursday night – then do a quick sweep on everything else going on in Rangerstown, USA.
Here was Sullivan’s line-up for game five of six preseason matches – and with thoughts on each defensive pairing and forward trio below:
FIRST LINE: Sheary/Trocheck/Lafreniere
(They had chances, but they could never finish neither. And what’s up with Lafreniere, who admittedly, came close to scoring on a 2 x 1 odd-man rush? He needs to get going as much as anyone, but with the FAT CAT contract, he seems to be regressing.)
SECOND LINE: Cuylle/Zibanejad/Perreault
The two wingers looked strong, the center looked like dog shit. In fact, the Palestinian supporter with the super-liberal wife, you know, the longest-tenured player on the team, dragged the two youths down – while Cullye and Perreault tried to do everything in their power to get the slow-as-shit Molasses Mika going.
THIRD LINE: Edstrom/Parssinen/Raddysh
I have no clue why every birdbrain beat reporter (and admittedly, the team is putting this out there too) is stating that both Parssinen and Raddysh are locks for this roster come Opening Night.
Granted, while I’m not a fan of Parssinen – he’s played well. To say otherwise would be ignorant.
But to take a spot away from Laba? I don’t think so.
Raddysh?
I have no clue why the Rangers even signed him in the first place – much less have him locked for the varsity club.
Edstrom scored “THE LONE RANGER” goal – the end result of putting himself in the right position.
FOURTH LINE: Brodzinski/Laba/Rempe
This was a good test for Laba, who was filling in for the dinged-up Sam Carrick.
Again, Laba was strong in the middle – and despite centering a line with two players that he’s never played with before.
This line did generate some o-zone time, but Rempe also caused a goal allowed. That said, and I thought this was one of the better trios on Thursday – but of course – that doesn’t say much either.
FIRST PAIR: Gavrikov/Schneider
I thought these two played well together. Gavrikov has looked like a stud in all of his preseason games thus far, but long-term – and I still wonder how that contract is going to hold up.
I also feel bad for Schneider – as while his spot is sewn up – but the Rangers really don’t have a routine dance partner for him either. Who will he have chemistry with?
SECOND PAIR: Soucy/Borgen
Soucy was soft at times, but, and as if he heard Maloney criticizing him in real-time – and Soucy soon picked up the pace (3-hits – most by any NYR d-man).
I thought Borgen was fantastic – and like Gavrikov – a major asset for the Blueshirts’ blueline.
THIRD PAIR: Robertson/Morrow
I know that Robertson has been in the system for a long time – but I just don’t see it. The organization seems like it’s favoring U.V. more than Robertson too. I think the biggest knock on Robertson is that he doesn’t really stand out – and on both ends of the ice.
Morrow has potential but for this game – and he was stuck in his own zone a lot. Then again, you can say that about 99.9% of the team on this night.
STARTING GOALIE: Quick
Quick made ten saves on twelve shots faced. Of the two goals allowed, one was after a 2 x 1 odd-man rush, the other on the power-play.
In other words, I don’t blame him at all for the loss.
More important than that? I still feel that #32 gives the team a chance to win on a night-in and night-out basis.
BACK UP GOALIE: CZAR IGOR
(Didn’t play).
BOX SCORE:
It’s the preseason – but if you want one, then check out: https://www.espn.com/nhl/boxscore/_/gameId/401790342
With Kenny Albert unavailable tonight (he’s calling the NFL game, Vikings vs Bears, in London on Sunday), then a recent M$GN hire, Alex Faust, replaced the greatest play-by-play man in the game today.
Not only was Faust replacing Albert, but in a way, then he was also following in the footsteps of Sam Rosen too.
Talk about pressure – and where by the end of the night – Faust faced the pressure much better than the Rangers ever did.
When it comes to Dave Maloney, then you already know my feelings – I love the guy – and I love that we now have a “homer” on these broadcasts too – especially following nineteen-years without one.
Again, nothing against Joe Micheletti, but when compared to the other local broadcasts – and suffice to say – and Joe Micheletti to the Rangers isn’t like Butch Goring to the Islanders or Kenny Daneyko to the Devils.
And he wasn’t like his replacement either (John Davidson).
(And as I’ve always said – then while Micheletti was fine enough – he would’ve been better suited on M$GN in-studio – while Maloney, a captain of a Rangers’ Stanley Cup Finalist team, would have always been better next to Rosen.)
To kick things off – and I enjoyed this (and admittedly – because it solely spoke to my own opinions) – and Faust suggested there was an open competition for the team’s third line center spot – Laba v. Parssinen.
This completely went against everything that the bird-brain beat, who are really nothing else but transcribers, have told us.
Ever since the Hughes’ family arrived in the crime-ridden and homeless streets of Newark, NJ (yeah-yeah-yeah – you can say the same exact thing about Manhattan – but just go with it!), then all we ever heard out of Rosen during Rangers v. Devils games was his never-ending splooge fest in honor of the Hughes’ family tree.
What did Maloney do tonight?
He just said that Jack Hughes reminds him of a young Patrick Kane.
In other words?
Expect #86 in Rangers’ blue once he hits 35-years-old – and then to be sent away while keeping the likes of some Euro bust instead!
FIRST PERIOD
No reason to go long tonight, so just the quick-and-dirty:
— The Devils were all over the Rangers.
— I think the time of possession stat was 90-10, black-and-red – or at least that is what it felt like.
— That said, and it’s not the Sheldon Keefe coached team were peppering Quick with shots on goal either – and that includes a Newark team that pretty much had their full line-up out there.
— I don’t have the exact count for you, but there was about a twelve-minute stretch there where we had no whistles. During this time, the Devils would attack for an elongated amount of time, the Rangers chased, the Rangers cleared and rinse-wash-repeat.
— In a funny moment, M$GN zoomed in on Mika – and while doing so – and as if it was on cue too – then read an ad for Girls’ Hockey. Fitting.
— Since I have a maturity level that rivals “Beavis & Butthead,” then I was crying laughing when Maloney said “the Devils come hard.” Heh-heh, heh-heh!
— The Rangers’ bottom-six (“heh-heh – you said ‘bottom’ Beavis!”) were much more impressive than the top-sixers.
— With about six-minutes remaining, the Rangers only had two shots on goal – and both from d-men too – Gavrikov and Schneider.
— However, Rempe, when attacking, sent a pass back to his own blue line – only for it to be intercepted. This sent the Devils off to the races – and an ensuing two-on-one odd-man rush -Arseny Gritsyuk to Paul Cotter – and with the latter scoring.
— 1-0, bad guys – and that’s where we remained after twenty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
1-0, Devils, after 20. 1P Thoughts:
— SOG are 5-3, NJD, but it feels like 12-1.
— The Rangers have had some entertaining periods this preseason – this was not one of them.
—About 12 minutes of whistle-free hockey there.
— Bottom six had much more o-zone time than top-six,…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) October 2, 2025
SECOND PERIOD
— In a funny moment, and Maloney, and as if he was Bill Chadwick calling out Gene Carr, shared some friendly criticism in regards to Carson Soucy.
— Maloney mentioned how Soucy was a father to twin girls – and how the Rangers’ rearguard should put those daughters to bed early – so that way, he could study some tape on how to play physical!
— As noted earlier, and as if Soucy had heard these words – and the recent arrival started hitting Devils.
— While on the announcers, Faust confirmed my suspicions – Conor Sheary had lobbied Sullivan for a job this off-season. And as previously opined on this site – every head coach, once changing teams, does this. They want one of their own in their new locker room.
— Rempe was screening Markstrom from this point on – but despite several chances – and the puck would never bypass the one-time Canuck.
— As Trocheck “pulled a Ranger” (missed a wide-open net); there was that little bitch, currently disgracing Petr Nedved in the #93 jersey, openly weeping-and-sobbing his eyes out about getting kicked out of a faceoff circle.
— I just wish that ICE would deport Mika (thus getting his contract off of the books) – and his Palestinian supporting wife too. (And if you’re new here – THEY MAKE THIS INFO PUBLIC – which means it’s fair game.)
— At the halfway mark of the game/period, the score remained as 1-0, visitors. This barn burner also featured a SOG total of 6-4, which also favored the road team.
— After Cuylle ate a hit then popped right back up afterwards, then this is when Maloney called #50 “THE CANADIAN JOHN WAYNE.”
— While I’m sure that 90% of the audience, if not Faust too, didn’t understand this reference – I personally loved it – and I hope that it catches on!
— Down to 6:30 remaining and here’s “THE LONE RANGER” score of the game – and where this was purely a puck-luck play – but it should also be noted that Edstrom’s pressure also led to the goal:
Adam Edstrom with the weirdest goal of the Rangers preseason to tie things up #NYR #Rangers pic.twitter.com/J0vfYtetrN
— Dan Godlewski (@Danthfc_) October 3, 2025
— 1-1 – and a gift next to Big Ed’s name in the box score.
— The Rangers received a power-play one-minute after Edstrom’s “strike” – but despite an efficient puck-moving PP1 – they couldn’t score.
— Back to even-strength and Markstrom denied Edstrom of a real strike.
— Maloney continued to entertain, as he informed us that he took issue with Scott Morrow over his father – and only because Daddy Morrow was drafted by the Flyers! This is the homerism stuff that I enjoy.
1-all after forty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
1-1 after 40. 2P Thoughts:
— SOG are now 14-6 #NYR – but M$GN has to be off with that – Hughes had a shorthanded shot.
— Puck luck goal for Edstrom, but he was in the right spot and got the reward.
— PP remains an issue.
— Trocheck has had chances, but nothing in net yet.…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) October 3, 2025
THIRD PERIOD
— In another laugh out loud moment, Maloney, when attempting to praise Stinka Zibanedud on a drive to the net, realized on replay that the worst alternate captain in franchise history had actually loused up the play.
— Just 62-seconds in and Schneider was boxed for high-sticking after another listless Zibanedud turnover.
— It only took the Devils a minute-or-so to regain the lead, as Palat redirected a Hamilton shot from the blue line.
— 2-1, bad guys.
— And yep, my favorite saying too – “SPECIAL TEAMS SWING GAMES.”
— At this time, the Rangers’ power-play was 0-1 and their penalty kill was also 0-1.
— As I’ve been saying for some time, both on this site and on social media, and this is when both Faust and Maloney went on a lengthy rant when promoting Laba – and how he should make the team too.
— How can you cut this guy?
— While the Laba praise flowed freely; his competitor, Parssinen, put too much sauce on what should’ve been a bang-bang equalizer for Perreault.
— Down to 2:43 to go and this is when Markstrom robbed Lafreniere’s five-hole odd-man rush try.
— Sorry Laf fans – but this guy needs to score here.
— Who is Lafreniere anyway?
— Yes, COVID impacted his career, but he’s now in Year Six – and Laba looks more like a first-overall pick than the recently minted frog.
— In what will be the first of many Maloney signature moments on M$GN TV screens – and he was absolutely irate – and justified too – when going off on the referees for off-setting penalties assessed to Trocheck and Siegenthaler.
— Down to 2:11 remaining, and Siegenthaler, Rempe’s bitch from two seasons ago, cross-checked the new alternate captain about a half-dozen times. Trocheck finally reciprocated – and despite this 6:1 ratio of offenses/infractions – and both men received the same two-minutes in the sin bin a piece.
— That pretty much ended all chances of the Rangers tying this game.
— After all, with Trocheck gone, this meant that the liberal binary in the #93 jersey was now the 1C.
— Mercer made it official with his 3-1, ugh, them, ENG.
— Despite 1:23 remaining, Sullivan threw in his white towel, rather pulling Quick once more.
— Kind of cowardly – and this act admits defeat too.
— 3-1, Devils, your final.
The biggest question after this dreck?
Easy, this one:
Assuming that the Rangers keep Sheary and/or Brodzinski (if not both) – then who stays – Laba or Perreault?
Too bad they can’t deport Mika out of town.
This is going too long – and I have work tomorrow.
Plus I may have imbibed a lot as well – but that was because of the Yankees – and not the Rangers.
Let’s rapid-fire our way to the end here:
— NDArtemi Panarin has yet to skate in a preseason game. The Rangers are tight-lipped about the status of “The Breadman” – but they are used to air-tight secrecy – and especially in regards to his “Bread Stick” too!
— It also amazes me how the Blueshirts’ beat will go on-and-on about Alex Ovechkin’s relationship with Vladimir Putin (especially Lyin’ Larry) – but mum’s the word on Panarin’s alleged sexual assault and confirmed NDA agreement.
— I’ve seen more stuff out of the beat that says, “Oh Panarin is cute, he uses a flip phone!” – but not one word about flipping drugs and flipping women over against their will. Great job Mollie “I AM WOMYN, HEAR MY VOCAL FRY CACKLE ROAR” Walker.
— In news that should surprise no one Part I: Vitali “CRYBABY” Kravtsov was waived by the Canucks this week. What a shame!
— In news that should surprise no one Part II: The Sabres waived Zac Jones. However, and unlike the Crybaby Russian – and I thought that Jones had potential. However, I never saw it working out in Buffalo for him and only because the Swordsmen are stacked with d-men.
— Kirill Kaprizov, an “assumed” Rangers’ 2026 off-season target, lasted in this position for all of two-weeks. The Wild, after having their original offer rebuffed, agreed to make “The Thrill” the highest-paid player next season when they signed #97 to a record-setting (cap era) eight-year deal worth $136M overall – or $17M annually.
— It remains to be seen if the pending UFA, Connor McDavid, eclipses this figure with his next contract. According to those in the know, then the other #97 in the league may be willing to accept less money in order to have a shot at winning the silver chalice.
— And if that’s the case, then despite whatever money the Rangers may offer should McDavid become available – then New York won’t be the place – as one Cup won in 85-years is worse than the six championships (and two recent Stanley Cup Final berths too) that the Oilers have had in the past 45-years.
— The Rangers have made a bunch of roster cuts.
— Still remaining are the following 26 names:
Forwards (16): Brett Berard, Jonny Brodzinski, Sam Carrick, Will Cuylle, Adam Edstrom, Noah Laba, Alexis Lafreniere, J.T. Miller, Artemi Panarin, Juuso Parssinen, Gabe Perreault, Taylor Raddysh, Matt Rempe, Conor Sheary, Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad.
Defensemen (8): Will Borgen, Adam Fox, Vladislav Gavrikov, Scott Morrow, Matthew Robertson, Braden Schneider, Carson Soucy and Urho Vaakanainen.
Goaltenders (2): Jonathan Quick and Igor Shesterkin
— It’s not known if the Rangers plan to carry 21, 22 or 23-players, but as we all know – and “cap accrual” is necessary for teams that think they are contenders – and as illustrated a few times this off-season and throughout training camp – is how both Drury and Sullivan envision the team.
— Assuming five cuts are still in the club’s future, then Matthew Robertson is the easiest candidate – and where it’s most likely that the varsity club will carry seven-defensemen too (in case of injury and/or road-trips).
— In a league with no contracts, then Mika would be gone. But of course, that’s not reality.
— Forward-wise, then the players on the bubble are Laba, Perreault, Parssinen, Brodzinski and Sheary.
— If it were me, I’m keeping Laba and Perreault – but as we know – it’s not up to me!
— And yep – and I still remain dumbfounded over Raddysh’s inclusion on this roster.
Sorry for going so long tonight – but hey – that’s what I always do!
Plus, I had a lot to catch up on!
Saturday is a very busy sports day for junkies like me – as the Yankees will continue their quest for World Series #28, Notre Dame will look for three in a row and there’s a UFC PPV too.
But of course, and come 2PM on my M$GN dial – and I’ll be watching Rangers vs Bruins – the final preseason test left to be toppled.
After that?
The final cuts – and the start of the 2025-26 regular season.
And how fortunate for the league, and their television partner too, TNT – that the Rangers and Penguins will do battle in game one of their respective 82-game seasons.
One one side, you have the coach that Sidney Crosby carried, Mike Sullivan, in New York.
On the other side, you have an assistant head coach that the Blueshirts canned after Lateralette’s failed sophomore season, Dan Muse, in Pittsburgh.
For two teams that have a storied rivalry, it all begins again.
Need more on this rivalry?
Then what a perfect segue-way for our next segment, which brings us to…
PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my Rangers’ induced therapy bills. After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)
My fourth title and tenth book is now available!
“The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History,” is now available for sale!
For complete information, please visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/rangerkillers/
My second plug of tonight’s blog – the mandatory plug for my book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”
As mentioned previously, the book is now available in hardcover, in paperback and in Kindle formats. To purchase a copy of the book, visit this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Rangers-Rafters-Madison-Square-Garden-ebook/dp/B09CM5N2WD
For those still looking for signed paperback versions of the book, I have re-ordered more copies. I now have a few signed copies for sale at $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:
Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today
My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.
My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.
To obtain signed copies, visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/
To purchase all four volumes on Amazon, visit: Amazon.com – “One Game at a Time.”
The greatest volume-set of books on Rangers’ history today!
“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” a four-volume set of books that meticulously covers every trade made in franchise history, is now on sale.
All four volumes of the title can be purchased on Amazon.com and are presented in three different formats – eBook, paperback and hardcover.
To purchase Volume I: Conn Smythe (1926) – Craig Patrick (1986), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume II: Phil Esposito (1986) – Neil Smith (2000), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume III: Glen Sather (2000-2015), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume IV: Jeff Gorton (2015) – Chris Drury (2022), visit Amazon.com
To purchase signed copies of all four volumes, visit https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:
Don’t forget to order my four-volume set of books, “Tricks of the Trade!”
If you don’t order through me, all four volumes are now available on Amazon.com
For more details, check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
Thanks for reading.
LET’S GO RANGERS!
Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
