Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. Hockey is back, but as noted to the point of ad-nauseam on this site all summer long – I can’t say that I’m really excited about it – or to be specific – the Rangers’ chances of winning the 2025 Stanley Cup.
For those who opted to refrain from any Ranger-related material during the summer (and I don’t blame you if that’s the case – as that Eastern Conference Final loss was that painful), then here’s what I previously shared on this site when talking about the upcoming season:
As you may recall, and as some readers can recite word-for-word too, then I prefaced every regular season blog from the 2023-24 season with this 25-word disclaimer:
“WHATEVER THE RANGERS DO IN THE REGULAR SEASON DOESN’T MATTER. THEY CAN ONLY BE JUDGED BY WHATEVER THEY DO IN THE 2024 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS!”
While this same vibe does carry over into the upcoming season as well (just replace 2024 with 2025); here’s the updated version for the 2024-25 campaign:
“WHATEVER THE RANGERS DO FROM NOW UNTIL THE TRADE DEADLINE DOESN’T MATTER. THEY CAN ONLY BE JUDGED BY WHATEVER THEY DO FOLLOWING THE DEADLINE AND BY WHAT THEY DO IN THE 2025 PLAYOFFS!”
And that my friends, is why I’m not really amped for the first sixty or so games of the regular season – as it’s all about what the team looks like following the trade deadline.
My future writings will reflect such a sentiment too.
And of course, all of the stars remaining healthy is also an area of the utmost concern.
But when most of these stars undergo their usual and perennial playoff no-shows come the Spring months, then will it even matter?
Before moving forward, and in case you missed it, then last week, I posted my 2024-25 NHL Season Preview.
You can find that manifesto here:
A Complete Preview of the 2024-25 NHL Season: Detailed Profiles on all 32 NHL Teams; Departures & Arrivals, Division Rankings, Stanley Cup Playoff Prediction (Spoiler: Vegas vs. New Jersey), The Blueshirts’ Chances – And Why There Won’t Be a Fifth Cup This Year, The Absolutely Devastating Gaudreau Family Tragedy; Give Sean Higgins A Life Sentence, Flyers/Blueshirts Rookie Games, NYR Villains & More
I share the link above for one reason – and no – not just because it’s a cheap plug!
Instead, I’m sharing this link as proof that I haven’t written anything since, meaning that my interest level in regards to the Rangers entering training camp is at an all-time low.
I feel like I should be honest with everyone who gives me their click and their time, so with that being said, I must relay the following to you:
This won’t be a RAH RAH Rangers’ site this season.
(But I’m hoping that I’m just that – RAH RAH – come June. After all, a man-child can still dream!)
If you’re looking for pure optimism, goo-goo gaa-gaa eyes, ignoring reality and an undying devotion to every member of the roster, then this site won’t be for you this season.
While I still believe in what I’ve been saying during the past few months on this site – the only thing that matters in the regular season is whatever Drury does at the deadline – the fact that the same old losers, playoff zeroes such as Mika Zibanejad, Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, etc are still here – then it tells me that history is very likely to repeat itself come the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs – and where should that be the case, then it will be only one championship procured during the past 85-years for this franchise set to celebrate their 100th birthday come next September.
(Holy word salad and bad grammar Batman!)
I’m on record – a broken record at that – and where in addition, I hope to be wrong about this prediction too:
When it’s all said-and-done, then when looking back at this current core – the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs will be considered as their peak – and was their best shot to win it all.
(You can check the archives of this site – or just the main page – for all the detailed explanations on my theories and opinions.)
More likely than winning the Cup in ’25?
A fate akin to the last semi-successful (and where I’m liberally using the word “successful” here) core in franchise history, the 2015 Presidents’ Trophy winners, who following their Eastern Conference Final loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning – they were then brutally embarrassed a year later in the first-round of the 2016 playoffs (Penguins).
Of course, that team, “The Henrik Lundqvist Era” club, had one last chance in 2017, but as it always went – they choked to a much inferior team in the second-round – a disgusting six-game loss sustained by the hands of the Ottawa Senators.
After that?
“The Letter,” the rebuild, a fired regime, a new core and with the team now on their third head coach since the days of the extreme gum-chewer, Alain Vigneault.
And just to show you how quickly this league operates – the Rangers’ rebuild was not only completed in a flash – but for this new core that’s really only been around four-years together – everyone, including team captain Jacob Trouba, is saying that this is their last chance – and as if last year wasn’t exactly just that.
Heck, Larry Brooks, of the New York Post, is going one step further than that when trying to get something to stick – as he’s calling this season “THE LAST DANCE.”
As if.
“The Last Dance,” which was first used to describe the Chicago Bulls’ 1997-98 season when Michael Jordan was set to retire after it (and with everyone else moving on, such as Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and head coach Phil Jackson), has been used a few times in sports afterwards.
While this phrase will always be associated with the Bulls, this slogan was also loosely thrown around when describing the 2000-01 Colorado Avalanche (or to be more specific – when Ray Bourque was traded there) and even the 2009 New York Yankees too when addressing their own “Core Four” – Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada – and where for the record, I always hated this label, as it excluded one of my all-time favorites, #51, Bernie Williams.
But unlike the Bulls, Avalanche and Yankees – the Rangers never won a World Championship.
Heck, for this core – and unlike the Lundqvist Era – this team has never even reached a Stanley Cup Final.
“Last Dance?”
How about making it to one final dance first – then we can talk!
Even more ridiculous?
For a team that skates on two left feet whenever the games get big – then using the word “dance” is kind of comical, if not all-out amusing – and much like Brooks’ reporting of Trouba’s summer – which the captain addressed (and which Brooks ignored afterwards) during the opening of the team’s training camp.
One last time:
Everything I’m saying here is just my opinion – and it doesn’t have to be yours.
Heck, you can feel the complete opposite of me and that’s fine too.
However, I just can’t fake it either.
When the Rangers opened camp this past Thursday, then for the first time in forever – I just couldn’t get into it – nor did I really care.
Again – get me to the trade deadline and then into the playoffs.
Everything else before the trade deadline?
Meaningless – but with the two assumptions that everyone remains healthy and more importantly – the team has a firm control over a playoff berth come Drury’s D-Day.
In previous years, I’ve always been excited about training camp, as more times than not, the Rangers’ made a bevy of moves during the summer with the intent of improving the team. While it didn’t always work out (or to be real – it never worked out) – at least you got the feeling that they were trying.
And during the rebuild?
As this site’s archives will prove to you – I was excited about a new future and about the emergence of new stars.
During this go-around, this roster feels like insanity personified and where after being the first person to say this over a decade ago – the salary cap is just crushing this team – and as it does to all contenders and Cup winners.
And because of the cap, championship windows are smaller than ever before – and this isn’t just exclusive to the Rangers either. After all, just ask the Islanders (2020-2021 to be specific), the Dallas Stars and the Carolina Hurricanes about this too – and they’ll all tell you the same.
While we’ll get into Trouba in just a second; when you look at the Rangers’ roster, then really, not much has changed outside of Barclay Goodrow out, Reilly Smith in.
Before making this tome nothing but negativity, I should also shed some positive light in the same vein, as there are some things to look forward to, most notably the hopeful ascensions of both Alexis Lafreniere and Matt Rempe.
But away from these two 2020 first-round draft picks, then most of the talk is centered around the core – a core that’s now a year older, has more miles on them, and really, has been incapable of not only winning big one – but more than ten games during any playoff run too.
For as historic a season that “The Breadman,” Artemi Panarin, had in 2023-24 – can you really assume that he’ll repeat it?
After all – that’s why it was so historic in the first place.
While I’m sure that #10 will still be the team’s best player and scorer – I think it’s more likely that we’ll experience another down year from Mika Zibanejad rather than Panarin setting a bunch of new career-highs.
Another problem that goes hand-in-hand with this line of talk is that for every Vincent Trocheck, Jacob Trouba, Chris Kreider, Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil, etc – players that have guaranteed spots with the team – then much like other preseasons of recent years – then there’s not just much opportunity for a homegrown youngin’ to break out – that is – barring injury.
For example, it’s probably high-time for a player like a Brett Berard or Brennan Othmann to get a shot with the varsity club, but since they aren’t a prototypical fourth-line role-player akin to a Jimmy Vesey or a Jonny Brodzinski – then there’s just no spot for them – as there’s a thick glass ceiling that’s impregnable ahead of them.
Then, and after watching the results of Sunday’s 3-2 win over the Bruins – how does Victor (I literally wrote Vincent here – and I know that I’ll be making this “Godfather III” influenced typo many times over too!) Manicini (and I know – it’s only one game and it’s not even a true sample size either) get a shot?
For the big right-shot defenseman, the right-side of the Rangers’ defense is already set in stone with Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba and Braden Schneider.
Over on the left side of the blue line are K’Andre Miller and Ryan Lindgren, while players like Zac Jones, Chad Ruhwedel and Ben Harpur could roadblock Mancini.
For a team that’s looking to take the next step – and dance too – then all they are doing is running the same old ground – and rather than finding new horsepower that could help accelerate them to their goal – the Stanley Cup.
As noted, Rangers’ training camp opened up on Thursday – but not before the cloak-and-dagger clandestine Chris Drury held one of his infamous ZOOM calls on Wednesday.
As far as Drury goes, I’m starting to like him even less than when he once played here.
For the billionth time on this site – the Rangers charge the most money in the league for tickets, treat their season ticket holders like scumbags, have several cable channels, even more social media streaming mediums – yet they still can’t be bothered to ever share what the almighty dual-titled Drury has to say – as instead, we have to read whatever the bumbling boobs on the beat transcribed.
And let me be clear – this is a Drury decision – as both previous Team President John Davidson, and general manager Jeff Gorton too, always made their chats public and accessible to fans/customers.
There were a few things that Drury said that then spilled into what head coach Peter Laviolette had to say in his first interview at training camp, such as there’s no bad blood with Trouba, Filip Chytil is a 100% go, Kaapo Kakko is excited to have a career-year and other such rah-rah.
From what I understand, not one question was asked in regards to Drury’s backstabbing of the now former alternate captain, the two-time Cup winner Barclay Goodrow – who has twice as many Cups as new addition Reilly Smith – and a player that he’s several years younger than too.
But don’t fret yet fans!
Drury said that last season (a bad one) was a “fluke” for Kaapo Kakko.
What his four seasons were like prior to last season was not brought up.
Drury also expressed an interest in re-signing both Alexis Lafreniere and CZAR IGOR – but obviously – those deals haven’t been made yet.
While, Drury, and later both Laviolette and Trouba, said that they understand that hockey is a business while reiterating how much respect there is amongst all three parties too; obviously, to retain both Lafreniere and Shestyorkin, then if Mika’s $8.5M annual salary isn’t going to be moved, then Trouba’s annual $8M salary will be, which is why the captain said in his interview that this is this core’s last chance to win the whole shebang.
In other words, Trouba is no idiot.
Nor is his agent – and as exhibited this summer.
Since I feel like all of these interviews are just white noise, just things to do in order to keep the media busy – then I don’t feel the need to share every single word of what’s been said during the past few days.
However, if you’re looking for every interview conducted since camp opened, then check out the team’s YouTube page here:
https://www.youtube.com/@nyrangers/videos
For both my own personal time constrictions and interest levels, then I’d just like to share the big stuff that was said – and you can watch the rest of the interviews on your own time.
Again, JACOB TROUBA said that he understood that hockey was a business, but was also coy when calling out Larry Brooks for several of his flip-flop articles.
Verbatim, when asked about his summer and rumors of a rejected trade to Detroit, Trouba replied:
“Not a whole lot. A lot of words, but I had good communication with the organization throughout. Don’t have much to tell or to comment on. There’s a lot of things that were said and snowballed. If you know who started these rumors, then I’d love to know the source. I’m excited to be here.”
As expected, Trouba handled the whole situation with class – and as any good leader would.
MATT REMPE, after talking about working hard all summer, also made mention that he’s staying at the house of JONATHAN QUICK, where he said that living with a three-time Cup champion has tremendously helped him out.
In perhaps the biggest story, CZAR IGOR, when asked about his future and the rumors that he wants to be the highest-paid goalie in the league, he said that he loves New York, he loves Ranger fans – but at the same, he also added, “so, of course, it would be great to stay here, but you never know what can happen.”
As noted all summer on this site – if CZAR IGOR is looking for anything more than 10% of the salary cap – then it’s time to bid adieu – and then hope that Dylan Garand, who looked excellent on Sunday night in Boston, can become the next franchise goalie.
Yeah, Sergei Bobrovsky just did it in Florida – but he’s the only goalie of the salary cap era* to earn 10% or more of his team’s cap and then win the Cup – and where it took him seven games to do so.
(The asterisk? Andrei Vasilevskiy also did it in 2021 – but only after Tampa shelved Nikita Kucherov’s mega salary on LTIR for more help at the trade deadline. Come the first game of the playoffs? And there was #86 lighting lamps left and right – and where no injury ever affected his almighty performances.)
In what pissed me off the most, FILIP CHYTIL said, “I only felt like I showed 10% of myself in the playoffs. Now, I’m 100% ready to work and I’m not scared of any contact.”
In other words, he confirmed everything that I said about him at the time.
In case you forgot, then not only did he return after the Rangers, in late January, said that for his long-term health, that they’d be shelving him for the rest of the season – but he also wasn’t 100% either.
And as Chytil implied – he was also in fear of contact – when contact is king during the playoffs.
So rather than playing Matt Rempe, Adam Edstrom, or whoever else that was 100% healthy at the time – instead, the Rangers went with a guy who was only 10% – while also playing with fear too.
And you wonder why this franchise hasn’t won a Stanley Cup this century.
Perhaps I’m being too severe here, but while I do blame Drury and Laviolette for this the most (they have final say) – Chytil’s selfishness was another reason why the Rangers couldn’t get out of the third-round last season.
Let’s also not forget that when Chytil returned during the playoffs, that the Czech, Laviolette and Drury all said that he was 100%- rather than the 10% he just proclaimed.
But don’t worry – he’s 100% for now – and forever as long – or short – as “now” will be.
As far as anything else from camp, then as expected – “Lavy’s Line-Up” is pretty much set.
While this could all change, here’s what the top three lines (or the top nine) looks like:
FIRST LINE: Panarin/Trocheck/Lafreniere
SECOND LINE: Kreider/Zibanejad/Smith
THIRD LINE: Cuylle/Chytil/Kakko
When it comes to the fourth-and-final forward line, then it feels like only Jimmy Vesey is a sure thing.
Currently contending for the other spots on the line are Sam Carrick, Jonny Brodzinski, Adam Edstrom, Brennan Othmann and of course, Matt Rempe.
Unlike the other Ranger rookies and young guns, including Edstrom, that competed during the two prospect games against the Flyers – Rempe was excluded – and with the thinking because his spot with the varsity club is secured.
While that doesn’t mean that Rempe will be an everyday player, it does seem highly likely that he’ll start the season with the Rangers – and knowing how he electrifies M$G – then I’d be stunned if he wasn’t in the line-up for the home opener (10/12 v. Utah).
Defensively, and while Schneider and Trouba could be flip-flopped, the Rangers are approaching the season with this sextet:
FIRST PAIR: Lindgren/Fox
SECOND PAIR: Miller/Schneider
THIRD PAIR: Jones/Trouba
Battling for the team’s seventh d-man spot are the likes of Ruhwedel, Robertson, Harpur, Mackey and Mancini, amongst others.
As far as anything else taking place prior to Sunday, then the team released official photos of every player at camp – and I gotta tell you – several of these pictures look like a custom/create a character template that you’d find in a video game – while Stinka Zibanebad looks as miserable and as mopey as ever.
Take a gander:
The Rangers, who have been competing against each other in camp during the past three-days, had another scrimmage on Sunday morning in New York, where none of those players involved traveled with the team to Boston afterwards.
For that matter – not one member of the Blueshirts’ beat bothered to go to Beantown either.
Ditto the M$GN broadcast team, as Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti, along with John Giannone, called the game from the studio on 33rd & 7th.
Following Sunday’s scrimmage, and prior to puck drop in Boston, and the Rangers announced that they have trimmed their camp to 48 players.
The following comes courtesy of https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-trim-roster-to-48-players :
Obviously, none of these cuts come as any surprise and where there are only competitions for the club’s seventh defenseman and thirteenth forward roles.
And it’s only a matter of time, as in perhaps by the time that you read this, where other obvious cuts will be made, including Madison Bowey, Casey Fitzgerald, Jake Leschyshyn, Hugo Ollas, Alex Belzile, Riley Nash, etc.
Prior to Sunday’s game and head coach Pistol Pete Laviolette conducted another of his lengthy “LAVY LOUNGES.”
Here it is for you below – where really – all of the obvious stuff was said, such as he wants to experiment with new things, give as much playing time as possible to players who were hurt (Chytil) and who needed to improve (Kakko) last season, and how it made no sense to make everyone travel from New York to Boston – and then back to NYC immediately afterwards:
Since it’s only the preseason – and where I feel these games are as meaningless as ever – then I’m not going to do my normal style of a play-by-play recap.
Rather than that, I’m just going to hit the highlights – and the stuff that you need to do know too.
And of course, some thoughts on the M$GN broadcast too – as I know that’s very entertaining to many readers.
As is customary during the preseason and M$GN didn’t provide a pre-show – as apparently – pickleball repeats were more important.
And as noted earlier – the broadcast was handled in-studio, which is horrible for viewers as both Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti can’t see what’s happening off-camera.
But again, it’s only the preseason.
“HOCKEY IS BACK,” belted Rosen to open the broadcast – and where the retiree-to-be then told us how the Rangers and Bruins will play each other six times this preseason.
Bless Sam’s heart.
Micheletti, who seemingly shed another pound or two of hair off of his forehead this summer, then went straight into P.R./cheerleader mode, as the first thing out of his mouth was him telling us what a huge asset Chytil will be this season – you know – following a season where the Rangers won the Presidents’ Trophy without him.
And while good for Chytil (even if I don’t buy any of it – PROVE ME WRONG) – Sam and Joe’s non-stop lovefest over both Kakko and Chytil was excruciating to bear witness to.
I get it – they are homers and want excellent relationships with everyone.
But at the same time, it would’ve been nice to hear about the other players on the ice, as no joke, 99% of this broadcast was dedicated to these two first-round busts.
I can only imagine if Rosen and Micheletti were paired together when both Jamie Lundmark and Pavel Brendl were around.
Similar to today, and you would’ve thought that those two busts were the second-comings of Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier – or for a more recent reference – Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
And of course, whenever verbally fellating this disappointing duo – and their faults were never brought up.
All you heard was how great they were, which then made you wonder how come their numbers are so poor and why Sam and Joe were saying that they needed a big season this year in the first place.
Also omitted?
How Chytil can’t win a faceoff (the last time he played a full season, he ranked dead-last in the league at the dots), neither can consistently score and how they are both injury-prone.
Prior to puck drop, and when rarely coming up for air after blowing Kakko & Chytil, and the only other player to receive praise from Sam and Joe was Matthew Robertson – and where both announcers stated that he had a shot of winning the team’s sixth defenseman spot.
After tonight – and to quote Al Boreland of Home Improvement – “I don’t think so Tim.”
Furthermore, I thought Robertson’s stock during this audition (and that’s what these games are for people like him – auditions) took a hit.
And by the end of the game?
While Zac Jones, who’s been battling for this job for several years now, will have a say in the matter – so will Vic Mancini – who after tonight, will receive subsequent auditions – and perhaps some spins with the Rangers’ regulars too.
As a general statement, I thought that Victor Mancini was the best player on the ice – and despite Micheletti & Rosen’s non-stop Filip Chytil fan-boyish commentary – commentary so over the top that it felt like Kim Jung Un propaganda.
It was also never mentioned that Mancini is making pennies compared to Chytil’s near $5M annual salary, which means that Chytil should stand out against minor-leaguers, while Mancini is trying to break out from the AHL ranks.
But to be fair – Chytil did play well – and he also matched Mancini’s one-goal and one-assist outing too – but again – for five-times the money.
It should also be noted, and this will continue all season, that there were several times where Chyil took a big hit – and where both Sam and Joe, and like most Ranger fans too, took a deep breath and waited to see if he’d get back up.
He got back up every time tonight – but again – how long will it last?
Similar to the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback, Tua T. – and I think it’s only a matter of time before Chytil is concussed again – and only because once you get one, then you’re more prone to getting another one.
And when you have experienced nearly ten concussions?
Then an eleventh isn’t that far off in your future when playing this dangerous and physical game.
As I’ve said a few times – I just hope Chytil knows his own name by the time he turns 30-years-old.
Away from Mancini and the two first-round busts, and I thought that the Ranger goalies also shone and stood tallest.
Louie Domingue (first half) and Dylan Garand (second half) had similar outings.
Both goalies gave up goals on their second shot faced – the end result of questionable defense – but after that – LIGHTS OUT.
Domingue went 14/15 (.933 save percentage) in his 30:18, while Garand went 12/13 (.923 save percentage) in his 29:42.
In addition, neither goalie gave up a special teams goal either.
More so Garand than Domingue, due to age, contract and experience – and this game was very encouraging.
After all, if CZAR IGOR wants what’s being rumored (nearly 15% of the cap) – then the Rangers are going to need a goalie of the future.
Of course, making things more difficult for Garand is that Benoit Allaire, goalie whisperer to the stars, is no longer full-time with the club.
(Jeff Malcom is the team’s new full-time goalie coach – an Allaire disciple. And for those wondering – no – I don’t think that Henrik Lundqvist, despite how great he is in everything else he attacks, would be good for the job – and just because it’s tough for Hall of Famers to teach – as everything comes natural to them – a story as old as sports itself.)
But at least for tonight – and both Domingue and Garand were excellent.
While Mancini, Chytil and the goalies played at a high-level throughout, this game was a tale of three periods – and as most games are.
The Rangers got off to a hot start, had a blah middle period and then turned it on for the final frame.
But of course, with Boston’s net empty for the final 2:33 – and both Chytil and Kakko couldn’t put the game to bed – aka – the same old story.
As Sam and Joe started their Ode To Chytil – The 150 Minute Musical, for some reason, and Micheletti did this no less than five times during the broadcast too – and “MR. FABULOUS” mentioned that Chyil & Kakko had a ton of chemistry together – and going back to their days where they once played with the Hartford Wolfpack.
Of course, Kakko began his career with the Rangers.
Furthermore, he’s never played for the Wolfpack once – and even when the Rangers could’ve sent him there for multiple rehab assignments.
It was stuff like this, fake news and made-up nonsense, that made all of the non-stop fawning over Chytil and Kakko come off as phony and forced, so much so that I felt myself rooting against them, solely in an attempt to get Joe to shut up!
A name that everyone wanted to watch tonight was Brennan Othmann, who skated with Vesey and Brodzinski.
(Quick aside: Following the recent tragedy of Johnny Gaudreau – the real JOHNNY HOCKEY – and I feel that it’s only right to drop the JONNY HOCKEY bit that I’ve used during the past two-years whenever talking about Brodzinski. RIP.)
Othmann had a few hits in the game – and showed us why he compares his game to Matt Tkachuk’s too – but there wasn’t anything displayed in this game where you thought that he deserved a spot with the varsity club.
And since he’s not exactly in the mold of a fourth-liner – and with the Rangers’ top-nine pretty much cemented until Chytil and/or Kakko get hurt again – and there’s just not a spot for him right now.
In other words, he’s in a state of flux.
Not helping matters, is that on his first shift, just 1:34 into the game and Cole Koepke scored a rebound goal, following a juicy rebound afforded to Billy Sweezey.
1-0, bad guys – but despite receiving a minus next to his name – this goal allowed was more about Domingue’s rebound – and Mackey’s inability to clear it – rather than anything Othmann did or didn’t do.
And as a general statement – for as good as Mancini was, conversely, Mackey didn’t strengthen his case for a spot on the team with his showing on Sunday night.
Following the goal, the Rangers received a power-play when Mark Kastelic, who was looking to prove himself to his team all game, tripped Brandon Scanlin. At the time, I remarked the following on Twitter:
Victor Mancini, who sounds like a Soprano’s extra, is on PP1 – heard good things about him, haven’t seen him really play tho. #NYR
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) September 22, 2024
I know now who he is!
As Sam and Joe were telling us how great Kakko and Chytil were (and Micheletti also repeated the nonsense about the two starting & starring in Hartford together) and both men almost gave up a short-handed goal.
At the end of this power-play, the team was now 0-1 – so like Sam and Joe – they picked up exactly where they left off, where they went something like 1-19 against Florida.
As the game progressed, and Kakko & Chytil’s linemate, Will Cuylle, who was the most successful of the three last season (not that Sam and Joe would tell you that), gave me flashbacks of an all-bust first-line – and only because he wears the #50 that Lias Andersson once wore – and an Andersson who was drafted in 2017 with Chytil – and who actually played with him in Hartford too!
With 13:07 remaining, Schneider was assessed with a soft, and I mean soft, slashing call, on the Bruins’ Riley Tufte.
This is where Mancini first dazzled, as he thwarted a Bruins’ attack all by his lonesome – and then took the puck deep against three Bostonians.
However, just 63-seconds later, and Mackey, who again, didn’t have a great game, took a cross-checking penalty, which then put the Rangers’ PK down 5 x 3.
They killed all of Boston’s power-play time.
And Domingue was a stud during this lengthy attack too.
Once returned to even-strength, and Mancini, who just finished starring on the PK, whacked the Bruins’ Brandon Bussi of a shutout:
Victor Mancini get #NYR on the board. pic.twitter.com/dPEvlnNc4H
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) September 22, 2024
1-1!
And what a rip from Sonny Corleone’s forgotten son too!
After that, Chytil got hit for the first time which made everyone hesitate:
OMG! Leave Filip Chytil alone. #NYR pic.twitter.com/0Kwg5Udf4W
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) September 22, 2024
In somewhat a retaliation and Othmann (cleanly) hit the Bruins’ Parker Wotherspoon – which temporarily took the black-and-gold skater out of the game.
In something that was actually true and not forced – and both Sam and Joe talked about how well in shape these players were – and how these players weren’t like the ones from bygone eras – when players used to have second jobs and guzzle beer by the gallon in the summer – and then used camp to get back into shape.
Today, and you know the deal – these players treat their bodies like temples – and hockey – and being in shape – is a full-time 24/7/365 job for them.
(But in my own sacrifice – I’ll still guzzle beer by the gallon in the summer – and 24/7/365 too!)
With 2:21 to go, and Kastelic, an agitator all game, was boxed for tripping Chytil.
Micheletti then let us know that everyone works hard (Sam).
Now on the power-play and Mancini set-up the Rangers for the lead, as following a shot that Bussi gave up a rebound on, Cuylle got the puck and then fed Chytil for the 2-1, GOOD GUYS, power-play goal.
Obviously, this had to feel good for Chytil – and I hope that he one day remembers it.
With Chytil scoring, Micheletti then went nuts and this gave him all the fuel he needed to blow the Czech for the rest of the game.
And Part I: To reiterate what I said earlier – not one mention or word of praise for Cuylle – who you know – got the rebound and received the primary assist.
And Part II: If you didn’t know any better, then you would’ve thought that Kakko was racking up points left-and-right tonight. He didn’t record one. I only say this because Cuylle’s assist was virtually ignored.
We remained at 2-1, GOOD GUYS, through twenty minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
2-1, GOOD GUYS, after 20. 1P thoughts about a game that doesn’t matter:
— A perfect 20 minute audition for Mancini – and Ranger fans sure love their Italians too!
— Conversely, not a strong period for Mackey’s case as 7D.
— Good not to see Vagistat there.
— Kenny & Dave…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) September 22, 2024
The middle twenty-minutes wasn’t much to write home about – aside from the goalies and Mancini.
After our usual second period question of, “SECOND PERIOD, WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR HERE JOE?” (“MY HAIR SAM, WHERE DID IT GO?!?!?!”), Rosen told us that Butch Goring of the Islanders would join he and Joe in the booth on Tuesday night.
A minute later, and we got our first “PARDON ME/EXCUSE ME JOE” of the season – as Rosen then said that Goring wouldn’t be there.
Bless Sam’s heart.
As Domingue was racking up the saves, and as the hit total was 22-18, in favor of the home team at the time – and Mancini almost got another goal and an assist – but Sykora wasn’t able to cash in on the rebound.
Speaking of Sykora, who many have high hopes for – he wasn’t really noticeable in this game – and he won’t win a roster job out of camp either – but no one expects him to.
In other words – another season in depressing Hartford is warranted.
After Rosen demanded that we empty out our bank accounts and attend a game where the Rangers will be wearing their third jerseys in; a Kakko turnover ended a near one-minute attack.
Micheletti ignored the turnover.
However, Micheletti didn’t ignore Robertson’s god awful turnover – which then forced Domingue to make his best save yet while also bailing out his defenseman.
When we hit the half-way mark of the game/period, both teams swapped their goalies, as Garand came in, while Mike DiPietro entered the game for the Bruins.
This then led to our first “NO RELATIONS JOE” moment of the season, as Sam astutely informed us that Mike DiPietro wasn’t related to Rich DiPietro.
And for that matter, Dylan Garand isn’t related to Judy Garland – nor Dylan McKay either.
And for those wondering, especially after Sam let us know that Kaapo Kakko and Kakko Kahoken weren’t related last season – Parker Wotherspoon is not related to Parker Lewis Can’t Lose, nor does he share blood with Reese Witherspoon either.
Following a shot from Chytil that went nowhere close to the net (Joe said it was “FABULOUS”); Trevor Kuntar tied the game with backhanded rebound on the second shot that Garand saw.
2-2 with 7:24 to go.
This was also my favorite goal of the game – but only because Sam said “KUNT <pause> AR scores.”
And yes – he hit that “K” hard!
And yes – I was crying laughing.
Bless Sam’s heart.
(After the goal, someone got into Sam’s ear and told him to stop saying the word “cunt,” as he then pronounced the name differently thereafter.)
As the game progressed, and as did Mancini’s audition, Chytil and Kastelic got into it again. The refs wisely broke up what would’ve been a fight.
This period, where the Bruins out-shot the Rangers 14-4, mercifully reached its conclusion without Boston getting the go-ahead goal.
2-2 after 2.
Here’s what I said at the time:
2-2 after 2, 2P Thoughts:
— Mancini has been the best Ranger – and he wanted a fight with Kastledick
— Brawl to close here, Wotherspoon gets the better of Othmann
— Garand and Domingue have been strong
— Yeah, the game is meaningless, but this hasn’t been bad either.…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) September 22, 2024
Once the horn went off to signal the end of the second period and Brennan Othmann and Parker Wotherspoon had a fight – and a tilt that the Ranger did not win. However, Wotherspoon, aside from his fighting penalty, also got two-minutes extra tacked on for tearing off Othmann’s helmet.
In other words, the Rangers opened up the third period on a power-play – and one that quickly became a two-man advantage, as just 24-seconds into the period and Koepke tripped Brodzinski.
Sadly, and with Kakko and Chytil seemingly going for a world record for most passes made in two-minutes – and the Rangers couldn’t score during this most fortunate scenario.
DiPietro barely had to move either.
And for all of Kakko’s belly-aching about wanting more power-play time – he did nothing here to force Lavy’s hand.
Once returned to full-strength – and go figure:
Chytil, when trying to avoid contact, threw the puck to the boards and where Alex Belzile, of all people, retrieved the ricocheting rubber and then caught DiPietro for a soft goal allowed.
3-2, GOOD GUYS – but with nearly 15:00 remaining.
Also receiving an assist with Chytil was Mackey – but this goal was more about Belzile catching DiPietro sleeping more than anything else.
But they all count!
And you can’t score if you can’t and don’t shoot – a message that I believe Kakko is unfamiliar with.
The Othmann line did get better as the game went on – as this trio did their best work in this period – including when Vesey set-up Othmann for a shot with 7:00 remaining – and one that DiPietro stopped.
Not to be outdone and Garand continued to keep the door closed too.
With 5:39 remaining and the Rangers had to kill one last power-play, as Blidh was boxed for roughing Mason Lohrei. In turn, the Blueshirts’ had their best PK yet – as Boston looked completely lost and couldn’t get anything going.
The end of the game saw Boston take their timeout with 2:33 remaining. After Chytil lost another zone faceoff, Kakko had three tries to sink the empty-netter – but could never find twine.
This wasn’t a “fluke” either.
For good measure, and not to be outdone – Chytil iced the puck and then missed the net twice too.
Micheletti ignored that too – and I wonder if he would’ve brought up all of these near-misses if Garand wasn’t able to hold down the fort.
3-2, GOOD GUYS, your final – and where there was a lot of positivity to take away from this game – and while a preseason game – it didn’t have the death vibe like most exhibition matches do.
I know that I went on far too long about a preseason game – but I did have to cover some of the stuff that led into it.
As noted last season, I’m still working nights at the real job – so these GAME REVIEW blogs will be delayed a bit – if written at all.
I’m sorry if I sound so pessimistic about the Rangers this season – but I’m still a fanatic no matter what – but a realistic one.
I’ll try to return late Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning.
Until then, LGR, 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
@NYCTHEMIC on the Tweeter machine
