NYR/NYI 9/24 Review: DEJA VU (Sort Of)! Blueshirts Mount Epic Comeback in a “Meaningless” Preseason Game – But Still Create “Real” Emotions Regardless, Zac Jones, Adam Edstrom & Matt Rempe Make Their Cases For Regular Roster Spots; Blueshirts’ “Stock Watch,” Filip Chytil’s First “OH NO” Gasp; Lindgren & Panarin Injured, Isles’ New Top Line Causes Concern, Tony DeAngelo Exiled To Russia & More

SeanNew York Rangers2 Comments on NYR/NYI 9/24 Review: DEJA VU (Sort Of)! Blueshirts Mount Epic Comeback in a “Meaningless” Preseason Game – But Still Create “Real” Emotions Regardless, Zac Jones, Adam Edstrom & Matt Rempe Make Their Cases For Regular Roster Spots; Blueshirts’ “Stock Watch,” Filip Chytil’s First “OH NO” Gasp; Lindgren & Panarin Injured, Isles’ New Top Line Causes Concern, Tony DeAngelo Exiled To Russia & More
The usual “it’s only the preseason” disclaimer aside; then on Tuesday, September 24th, and the New York Rangers won a 6-4 thriller over their rotten baby brother, the New York Islanders. Despite looking relatively blah (and that’s being nice) for the first fifty-minutes of the match – come the end of the sixty-minute affair – and the Blueshirts wowed a packed M$G audience with a six-goal third period – and where their last four goals were scored during the final two minutes of the contest. While you will always remember how this game ended (and you should be excited about it too); but by no means was this style of play a recipe for success either. At the same time, and at the risk of talking out from both sides of my mouth here – this was one of those games that you steal from your opponent during the regular season – which all top Stanley Cup contenders do.

Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. Holy Deja Vu Batman!

Like many of you who also watched the Rangers’ 6-4 preseason win over the Islanders on Tuesday night in real-time, and of course, prior to the Blueshirts’ explosion/Islanders’ implosion – I was also constantly shaking my head as if I had Parkinson’s.

As I was watching the game prior to Filip Chytil, Zac Jones, Chris Kreider and Adam Edstrom’s eventual heroics; I was also looking for silver linings to talk about in what I thought at the time would be a 4-1 Rangers’ loss.

After all, it was what transpired during the first fifty-minutes of the bout that took up the meat of this match – and where the final ten-minutes, as electrifying as lightning hitting a gasoline tanker – was just a welcomed bonus – if not an unexpected surprise.

For most of the game, the new Islanders’ top line, which now features right-wing flank Anthony Duclair with center Mat Barzal and left-winger Bo Horvat (Horvat & Barzal also flip-flop positions depending on the situation), just caved in and destroyed the Rangers.

By the 7:21 mark of the third period and Barzal had two goals. Horvat had another and “The Duke” recorded a pair of primary assists in what was then a 4-1 orange-and-blue lead.

If you’re an Islander fan (perish the thought!), then you had to be extremely elated with what you saw, as in their first game as a trio, this line just dominated.

As a Ranger fan, and as one who as mentioned, was looking for silver linings; then while you were frustrated with the overall product (which doesn’t mean much in the preseason – but let’s face it – the fact that the Islanders were the opponent does rev you up – as that life-long hatred never goes away) – individually, you were also very happy with what you were seeing out of the likes of Zac Jones, Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom.

No joke, prior to the comeback and REMPESTEIN was the best Ranger on the ice, as he was forechecking, a big part of the successful 4-4 penalty kill, hitting anything that moved including old friend Matt “PTO” Martin (who created the REMPESTEIN monster by granting #73 his first fight on a prime-time stage), and of course, Mr. Rempe was also screening goalies whenever he could.

But of course, whenever a team’s fourth liner is the best player on the ice – while that’s good for them – that’s not the best thing for the team in the grand scheme of things.

In other words, zilch from Artemi Panarin and nada from Mika Zibanejad too – you know – the team’s highest-paid players – and a duo whom also eat up 25% of the Blueshirts’ salary cap.

With their “Casper The Ghost” inspired performances – then you would’ve thought it was a playoff game for this “1-2 punch.”

While Panarin would later go down with injury (more on that below), Zibanejad (1 assist – and even if it was “accidental”) was on the ice when the Rangers pulled off a comeback for the ages – and one more time – yes, I know it’s the preseason – and yes, I’m only saying this because of the opponent.

As noted, while Rempe was the best Ranger for the first fifty-minutes, right behind him was Zac Jones.

By the end of the riveting contest, Jones, who has been battling for not only a roster spot, but for regular playing time too – and who now has Victor Mancini breathing down his neck as well – was hands-down the best skater on the ice – and the first star of the game in my eyes too.

Down 4-1, come the 13:35 mark of the final frame and Alexis Lafreniere, no slouch either, drew Noah Dobson for interference.

Fifteen-seconds later, and Filip Chytil of all people, who by that time, had returned from his first injury of the preseason (more below), scored a power-play goal, as a blast from Zibanejad struck Kreider, and while in agony, the longest-tenured Blueshirt dished the puck to the third-longest tenured Ranger, “The Concussed Czech” himself, for the 4-2 power-play goal.

Down by two goals at the time, and with less than four-minutes remaining, Blueshirts’ bench boss, Peter Laviolette, pulled Jonathan Quick from net – where ironically, it was Islanders’ head coach, Patrick Roy, during his days as the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, who first regularly started pulling goalies early whenever trailing by more than one goal.

Et Tu Lavy!

Jones, who previously scored in the game with a beautiful backhanded five-hole goal during a breakaway, scored his second of the contest, as he one-timed a puck sent off of the boards by his captain, Jacob Trouba.

4-3 – and with 2:12 remaining.

Surely, lightning couldn’t strike twice, could it?

And I’m not talking about the “deja vu” either – which is to mean and imply how the Rangers came back and beat the Islanders during their 2/18/24 outdoor game at MetLife stadium last season. (Full review here: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/21824/)

Instead, I’m talking about scoring a pair of 6 x 5 goals with your net empty.

But as they say, there’s a first time for everything, and while yes, it’s happened before – it also happened again here.

Just 53-seconds later and Chris Kreider knotted things up at four goals a side, as he took a pass from Lafreniere and then sent the puck right into the twine behind Isles’ backstop, Henrik “No relations to Lundqvist or Esa, Joe!” Tikkanen.

Now with just under a minute to go and as Ranger announcers Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti were talking about preseason overtime laws – such rules and regulations were not required.

39-seconds after Kreider’s equalizer and there was Trouba again – notching his second assist – on what turned out to be Adam Edstrom’s game-winning goal.

Similar to Jones – and Edstrom, despite his strong play everywhere else on the ice – needed points next to his name in order to cement his case to his head coach.

Edstrom wound up scoring the biggest point – and goal – of the game!

For good measure, and for puck line bettors too (the Rangers to win by two goals or more) – and the tables were now turned for the Islanders – as they now had to pull their goalie.

For the cherry on top, and for the touchdown too, and there was CK20 one more time, this time scoring an empty-netter, the 6-4, GOOD GUYS, goal, with just eleven-ticks remaining.

And while this won’t get any mention at all, nor should it; but because of the Rangers’ comeback and Quick, who found the fountain of youth last season, wound up with a preseason win next to his name too.

Something else that may also get lost to the wayside because of this frantic finish?

FIRST LINE CENTER, VINCENT TROCHECK, finished as game-high +4 – which speaks to his ability to win faceoffs, while also positioning himself in a correct manner too.

What was looking like a disaster all-around wound up becoming a memorable preseason win.

And as they say – winning hides all warts – but such an expression won’t sit well with Laviolette.

Furthermore, there was damage done too, as the Rangers were dealt with three injuries – Chytil, Lindgren and Panarin – and where only one of the three returned.

Before getting into everything else from this game, let’s get a few business items out of the way – and of course, a quick dip into the Tony DeAngelo news pool too.

While Rempe obviously dominates all of the headlines not only in New York, but throughout the league too; his fellow skyscraping giant, Adam Edstrom, ain’t too shabby either. Following Edstrom’s dominance in the two rookie/prospect games against the Flyers, he had a fantastic showing against NHL competition on Tuesday night. Photo Credit: Getty Images

At this time, my mantra for this preseason – and one that will run throughout the regular season too:

“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!”

In case you missed it, then here are my two most recent blogs:

The Rangers Are Back – And Hoping Not To Repeat 2015-16 Either; Victor Mancini Whacks Bruins For One Goal & One Assist in First Preseason Win, What’s Potentially on The Line For Dylan Garand, Blueshirt Training Camp Thoughts & Quotes; The Silly “Last Dance” Moniker, Sam & Joe Propaganda Hits Overkill Levels, Get Me To The Trade Deadline & More

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

Bank account wise, the past four-years for Tony DeAngelo have been extremely lucrative, having earned nearly $20M between contracts signed with the Rangers, Hurricanes and Flyers. Professionally, it’s been anything but, as the soon-to-be 29-year-old, following rumors of being linked to SKA of the KHL, officially signed with the club on Monday, September 23rd. According to all reports, the deal is for one-year and for nearly $2M USD.

Back on August 15th, Tony DeAngelo, and now with hindsight, perhaps in a last bid to sell his services to an NHL team too, did an interview with the “Morning Cuppa Hockey” podcast.

You can find the complete recap of the podcast here: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/81524/

Towards the end of the interview, and with DeAngelo’s name already linked to CZAR IGOR’s former KHL team (SKA), TDA said that he had no deal with any international team – but at the same time – also said that if he didn’t have an NHL deal on the table by training camp, then he’d consider playing outside of America.

Fast-forward to the middle-weeks of September, with NHL training camps now open and with the majority of rosters pretty much set – no offer came for the former Ranger.

On Monday, September 23rd, the following tweets were sent out by both the KHL and SKA:

 

As noted many times before on this site, there was no player or athlete that became a bigger victim of having different political beliefs than the majority during the social media era than Tony DeAngelo. And yep – one day, his autobiography is going to be very interesting too. Photo Credit: KHL/SKA

Time will tell if DeAngelo ever makes his return to the NHL, but with him now inching closer to the age of thirty-years-old, not exactly the best thing for a defenseman – and his chances of such a return are decreasing.

But they also aren’t zero percent either.

For DeAngelo, who obviously would rather be playing in the NHL – it’s a one-year pact with SKA – and where I don’t think that he’ll have to worry about the way SKA and Russian fans view his American politics either.

The best-case scenario is the obvious – have a hell of a year with SKA and hope that a struggling NHL team takes notice for the 2025-26 season.

The worst-case scenario is also obvious.

Flame out in the KHL – and unless he wants to play in other European countries – then his professional career may come to a conclusion.

For those wondering, it hasn’t been reported yet if DeAngelo rejected an AHL offer.

I won’t get into the “Life & Times of Tony DeAngelo” again on this site any further (the hockey gods know that I’ve already done that aplenty); but for a player who yes, has a tough time getting out of the headlines (largely of his own doing) – it still just amazes me that for a player who is universally praised by his teammates – he couldn’t field one NHL offer.

I mean, are you telling me that the bottom-feeders of the league, such as the Sharks and Ducks, couldn’t use an offensive puck-carrying defenseman?

For DeAngelo, who already “proved it” during his first year in Carolina, it’s back to “proving it” on the proverbial drawing board again – this time some 5,500 miles away.

Every LAVY’S LOUNGE during this preseason/training camp feel as long as an Alexei Kovalev shift!

Following the Rangers’ Sunday night 3-2 win in Boston, and with an off-day on Monday too – the team reconvened for practice on Tuesday morning – and where everyone in tonight’s line-up participated in the morning skate.

Here’s what Laviolette had to say prior to the game:

Here was Laviolette’s line-up for the second game of this 2024-25 preseason:

FIRST LINE: Panarin/Trocheck/Lafreniere

SECOND LINE: Kreider/Mika/Smith

THIRD LINE: Berard/Chytil/Othmann

FOURTH LINE: Edstrom/Leschyshyn/Rempe

FIRST PAIR: Lindgren/Fox

SECOND PAIR: Jones/Trouba

THIRD PAIR: Harpur/Ruhwedel

STARTING GOALIE: CZAR IGOR

BACK UP GOALIE: Jonathan Quick

It hasn’t been easy for Zac Jones to become a day-in and day-out regular for the Rangers – but it feels like this season will be his time – and even with the recent ascension of Victor Mancini. Photo Credit: NYR

FIRST PERIOD

As noted up top – this wasn’t a “style points victory” – but it sure as hell was exciting!

And to just stress this point one more time – it was nice to see the players who are battling for roster spots really stand out – especially if you’re of the belief that once the regular season starts, then the regulars will do their respective things.

Since Ilya Sorokin is still recovering from injury, the Isles’ Seymon Varlamov, arguably the best back-up in the league, started this game against CZAR IGOR.

More on the Big-Bag-Seekin’ Shestyorkin below.

As Micheletti proudly informed us that Reilly Smith, after being traded to New York – GASP – decided to move to the city where he now plays in – the first of fifty mostly painful minutes transpired.

However, it wasn’t all bad, as just 1:56 in, and following a lengthy 6 x 5 attack that would later prove fruitful when it mattered most; Scott Mayfield, who more and more, is becoming a “Ranger Killer” (more due to his antics, rather than his ability to score goals), was sent to the box for tripping Vincent Trocheck.

Prior to the power-play commencing, and Panarin almost scored on his first shift, but following a pass from Lafreniere – “The Breadman” baked some rubber off of iron (crossbar).

Zibanejad and Chytil had chances on the power-play – but #93 picked up from where he left off last season, thus meaning – no goals.

Heck, CZAR IGOR was arguably the best Ranger during these two-minutes, as he made one huge save on the short-handed Isles.

Also picking up from where he left off last season was Matt Rempe – and with all of the fanfare (and even more) behind him – as huge chants of “REM-PE! REM-PE! REM-PE!” echoed throughout the World’s Most Expensive Arena.

After talking about all of the hard work that he put in during the summer – you saw it all game.

So did Laviolette – as he played Rempe throughout the entirety of the match – and on all four Ranger penalty kills too – a far cry from what felt like an average ice time for him of 2:00 last season.

A little over five-minutes into the game, and up next was our first “OH NO” Filip Chytil moment of the season:

As you can see from the clip above, Mayfield collided and hit Chytil at center ice.

I know that most Ranger fans thought that this hit was “dirty” – but not me.

After all, I’ve defended about 99% of the collisions that Rempe and Trouba have made as Rangers – so I can’t be a hypocrite here. (And the refs didn’t call this as a penalty either.)

Chytil then missed nearly the next fifteen-minutes of action, but he did return with about a minute remaining at the end of this period.

While yes, Chytil scored in the first preseason game and then later picked up another goal in this game; I remain adamant and true – I still think it’s only a matter of time before he goes back on IR.

He’s just too brittle and injury prone.

And sorry if you don’t want to hear that – but history doesn’t lie.

And neither do I!

While I think it’s great that the selfish Czech (read my NYR/BOS blog for more on the “10-percenter”) is back and looking well – a moment/play like this made me feel even stronger in what I’ve been saying for over a year now – Chytil isn’t built to last.

And I hope that he proves me wrong for those who are wondering.

But I just don’t see it.

Another thing to think about?

If Chytil is going down like this (Rempe was hitting Islanders harder than how Mayfield hit Chytil), then how useful will he be during the playoffs, when the hitting and physicality only gets more intensified and vicious?

Heck – will he even be healthy for the playoffs?

If there was something truly to be gained here, then it was the fact that Laviolette returned Chytil to the game once being cleared by his medical staff/trainers.

Rather than shutting down Chytil with the fear of furthering injury; instead, Lavy told #72 to go get it.

That’s somewhat encouraging.

What wasn’t encouraging was that Ryan Lindgren wound up receiving an injury himself for the player who said he wasn’t 100% during the playoffs last year and who helped to derail the team’s chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

With Chytil unable to get up under his own power at center ice – and there was Lindgren challenging Mayfield to a fight in an attempt to defend Chytil’s honor.

Mayfield accepted – and then handily won the tilt.

Lindgren never returned to the game, and where of this writing, Laviolette’s latest update was that #55 had received an “upper-body injury and will be evaluated.”

No shit.

If you play the trickle-down/butterfly effect game, then because Chytil is weak, then Lindgren got hurt.

And let’s face it – Lindgren takes many beatings all season – and this was one that was completely unnecessary – especially in a preseason game.

Making matters worse?

Since Lindgren instigated the fight, then the Islanders received a power-play.

Following a Horvat <DING>, Rempe’s PKers shut it down.

Once returned to full-strength, and Brett Berard, who similar to Brennan Othmann, really needs to stand out in order to get a spot with the varsity club, completely loused up a breakaway opportunity, as he overskated while going to the net.

While you can’t slam Berard here (so don’t take my comments to mean as such) – this play was a failure for a guy who needs to succeed in these scenarios in his desire to play in New York – and not in Hartford.

After Rosen put on his INSIDERRR hat and told us that “Patrick Roy wants his team to work hard (Joe)”; the Rangers returned to the PK after Trouba interfered with Eetu Liukas and with 6:52 remaining.

And I guess just to mention it – NO – there was no one booing Trouba tonight – and as some expected – and where I’m glad that such an event didn’t take place too.

Again, Rempe led the way on this PK, and by the end of it, the Rangers were 2-2 in this department.

We remained scoreless after twenty-minutes and where CZAR IGOR was a flawless 9-9.

There were a few clean hits exchanged by Rempe and Martin tonight – and where you could see the mutual respect between them too. For as much as I have hated Martin over the years (as an Islander – not as a human being) – I gotta give him his props too – as he didn’t have to make Rempe a star on that fateful February night. Photo Credit: NHL.com

SECOND PERIOD

Similar to Sunday in Boston – and this was the worst period for the Rangers.

At one point, I think the Isles were out-shooting the Rangers 12-4 in the period.

CZAR IGOR was stopping all of the name-brand Islanders to begin, which led me to tweeting this out:

But of course, and since I’m a jinx – immediately after this real-time thought – and the Islanders then scored a pair of goals within forty-seconds.

The first goal came from Barzal at the 3:41 mark, on a 3 x 1 odd-man rush, as “The Duke” set-up his new teammate.

CZAR IGOR didn’t have much of a chance on this one.

Forty-seconds later and there was Grant Hutton, after a Mika d-zone draw faceoff loss, deflecting a puck past CZAR IGOR.

2-0, bad guys.

While it would be tough to blame CZAR IGOR for either goal allowed – such goals allowed will now be scrutinized under intense microscopes due to the reports that he demands to be the highest-paid goalie in the league.

Down to eleven-minutes-and-change remaining, and the forechecking Rempe motored himself into the Isles’ zone and screened Varlamov – but somehow the Isles’ goalie was able to stop what could’ve been a goal for Adam Fox.

Right after that, and Rempe then won an o-zone draw, which then almost set up Jones for a score.

Following a TV whistle with 9:35 remaining and this is when Quick relieved Igor and where Tikkanen relieved Varly.

On CZAR IGOR, I thought he played well – but again – if he wants the money, then he has to be lights-out too.

But of course, this is only the preseason.

We all know that I was the first DAY ONE CZAR IGOR fan of this fan base, I was wearing this jersey back in 2017 at M$G and blah-blah-blah – but even so – I wouldn’t pay him more than 10% of the team’s salary cap either. Hi Travis!

At the time, and with the Isles’ newly created top line buzzin’ – I was hoping that this would be a game where Mika and Panarin would do the same.

Fat chance.

Again, preseason and all that – but if the Isles’ top guys, who never played as a trio before, could have success, then why not these two?

Immediately out of commercial and Edstrom took a Rempe penalty – as he was boxed for being too big – as he was assessed with a cross-checking infraction on Hudson Fasching.

I won’t get on the refs – but this was more about Edstrom being too big than anything else.

The Rangers’ PK eventually went 3-3 in the game here – and almost got a shorty too – but on a 2 x 1 odd-man rush – Mika took Kreider’s pass and hit iron – aka – the usual. (It’s always Kreider who scores on these plays these days – and not his BFF.)

After Micheletti broke big news during the broadcast when he said, “CHRIS KREIDER KNOWS HOW TO EAT,” Barzal, with 4:12 remaining, scored again on a shot that Quick probably would’ve wanted back.

3-0, bad guys – and where I’m sure that most fans turned off this game too.

Rempe inspired hope in the final minute, but his breakaway attempt was stoned by the love child of Henrik Lundqvist and Esa Tikannen.

As the period concluded, and with a commercial for Giants/Cowboys (Thursday Night Football) – I was left wondering – what idiot scheduled the next Rangers’ preseason game, at home vs. Boston, against this NFC match-up at Met Life?

After all, who wanted to watch hockey after seeing these first forty-minutes?

Uncle Artie, I’m holding you to this. Photo Credit: B/R Open Ice

THIRD PERIOD

Very early into this period (I don’t have the exact time marker) and Panarin went to the locker room for repairs and never returned.

It took about ten-minutes for Sam and Joe to realize this.

Following the game, Laviolette said that Panarin suffered a lower-body-injury, and like Lindgren, is now being evaluated.

And if we have learnt anything during these past five-years – then the Rangers are f-u-c-k-ed (and I don’t like to curse and use that word on this site – and I only use it for emphasis) – or should I say F-u-c-k-e-d with a capital F, if Panarin is to miss any amount of time.

Need proof?

Then just re-watch last year’s regular season.

And when Panarin struggled in the playoffs as usual in 2024?

Then there’s the only proof you need in the pudding.

The Rangers need Panarin at his best – or it’s no Stanley Cup.

Duh.

Following another hell of a shift from the fourth line – or should I say Rempe and Edstrom (center Jake Leschyshyn was a non-factor – and where I had to double-check the box score to see if he even played – and he did – as he finished with a game-low -2, while Rempe finished with a 0 and Edstrom finished with a +1); Othmann, again, who hasn’t done anything to earn a roster spot, was boxed just 2:55 in for slashing the Isles’ goalie.

The Rangers’ PK finished their flawless night.

As many were wondering how Mancini would fit-in with these guys, there was Jones to quell such talk, following his gorgeous goal at the 6:09 mark:

3-1, bad guys – but for a guy who gets a lot of flak for his size (especially whenever talking about playoff hockey) – the Rangers will take this offense – and his defense too – any day of the week, twice on Sundays.

But since the Rangers can’t make it easy – just a minute later and Horvat regained the Isles’ three-goal lead (during a 6 x 5 delayed tripping penalty on Fox) – or should I say – “the dreaded three-goal lead” – you know a staple of Long Island hockey!

4-1, bad guys – and the last goal that the Isles would score too!

To their credit, and the Rangers, seemingly down-and-out, played to the final horn.

It’s tough to say if the Isles just tried to preserve the win rather than playing a full-sixty – or if the Rangers just found their mojo when it mattered most.

But this much is true:

The Islanders looked like the Baltimore Ravens with a big lead late – and hell – they also played this period as if they were the Cincinnati Bengals too!

Up next?

THE COMEBACK.

With 6:25 left to skate out and Dobson tripped Lafreniere.

This then set-up the Chytil power-play goal some fifteen-seconds later.

4-2, bad guys.

After a Quick save at the FOXWOODS FINAL FIVE mark, come 3:20 remaining, and he was sent to the bench for the extra attacker.

Jones brought the Rangers’ within one:

4-3, bad guys.

No less than a minute later and Kreider tied it:

4-4 – and where with 1:19 remaining – you thought that this game was destined for overtime.

Not so fast.

With just 38-seconds remaining, and again, Edstrom, who played well all game, was finally rewarded with a tip-in goal:

5-4, GOOD GUYS!

HO-LEE SHIT!

Kreider then put on the finishing touches with his 6-4, GOOD GUYS, empty-netter.

6-4, GOOD GUYS, your final!

Here’s Laviolette following the “Madness at Madison”:

To summarize what’s been an over-the-top and lengthy recap of a “meaningless” preseason game – this was a mixed bag.

On one hand, you love the comeback and how well the guys fighting for roster spots played.

On the other hand, if you weren’t already worrying about Chytil’s long-term health, then you’re now worried about Panarin and Lindgren.

Take this as you may, but what does it say when Laviolette allowed Chytil to return to game, but didn’t do the same for the other two?

Me?

I’m just taking it as Panarin and Lindgren were more banged-up than Chytil.

And to close with a cheesy bit, “The Rangers’ Stock Report!”

STOCK UP (NEW YORK BOUND): Rempe, Edstrom, Jones and Chytil.

STOCK DOWN (HARTFORD BOUND): Othmann, Leschyshyn, Berard, Ruhwedel and Harpur.

It should also be stated here, that not only was Jones the first star of the game in my eyes (officially, it went to Edstrom), but that he did all of this largely with the Rangers down to five defensemen.

And nothing against Ruhwedel and Harpur, who also played under this same disadvantage – but they didn’t compare to Jones on this night – nor did they compare to Mancini’s performance from Sunday night.

A recap of Thursday night’s return game against Boston might be difficult – as I’m still working late hours at the real-time job – and since I watch these games during my elongated dinner break (I don’t take coffee breaks and combine all of my breaks together) – it’s going to be tough to force my co-workers to watch Ranger preseason hockey over Giants v. Cowboys!

If anything, then I’ll return over the weekend with some thoughts about NYR/BOS, and if not, then I’ll definitely return on Monday night, when the Rangers play visitors to the Devils.

Fun game tonight – but let’s just hope they are still playing in June of ’25.

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/

The hardcover version of my first book, available now at Amazon.com

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:

Now on sale!

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

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2 thoughts on “NYR/NYI 9/24 Review: DEJA VU (Sort Of)! Blueshirts Mount Epic Comeback in a “Meaningless” Preseason Game – But Still Create “Real” Emotions Regardless, Zac Jones, Adam Edstrom & Matt Rempe Make Their Cases For Regular Roster Spots; Blueshirts’ “Stock Watch,” Filip Chytil’s First “OH NO” Gasp; Lindgren & Panarin Injured, Isles’ New Top Line Causes Concern, Tony DeAngelo Exiled To Russia & More”

  1. Nice to read the recap. Missed you and your input.
    Understand the frustration from last year, we all were disappointed.
    Still looking for a better result this year.

    Reply

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