Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. The New York Rangers are presently undefeated in the preseason (3-0); but of course, we also know that such a flawless feat means nothing.
As I’ve been saying ever since the 2024 Eastern Conference Final loss; then whatever transpires during this upcoming 2024-25 regular season is pretty much inconsequential too – that is, assuming that the Rangers cruise and clinch a playoff berth. (And if they don’t, then hell will be paid!)
And heck, what a transition to the following reminder – you know, my daily mantra/slogan/rallying call for the Blueshirts this season:
“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!”
As noted a few times in this space all summer and into the preseason – my work schedule at the real j-o-b has changed – and now with extra overtime hours (often double-shifts) included.
This is my way of saying that I didn’t have the time to recap the Rangers’ impressive 5-2 win over the Bruins from this past Thursday, the night of September 26th.
Of the three preseason games played thus far (you can find my Game 1 review here: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/92224/ – and my Game 2 review here: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/92424/), I thought that “Lavy’s Lot” looked most impressive – and at their best too – in their beatdown of the Bruins.
At times (especially during the third period), the game was “boring” – and where I am using the word “boring” in the most complimentary way possible.
In other words, it was a hard-working, pure sixty-minute victory for the Blueshirts on that night – and yes – you don’t have to tell me “that it’s only the preseason” either.
As noted up top – I’m keenly aware.
While definitely, the final six-or-so minutes in the win over the Islanders were the most exciting of this preseason; but it was the sixty-minutes played against the Bruins that were the team’s best – and what Laviolette, moving forward, hopes to see a lot more from his team too.
Quite frankly, and outside of nit-picking things of a minor significance (Connor Mackey losing a fight), then there wasn’t anything negative to say. In fact, the complete opposite, as the Rangers left M$G in the most positive way possible.
Adam Fox kicked things off, as following a Filip Chytil shot on a Rangers’ two-man advantage power-play, Chris Kreider then deftly dished the puck to the 2021 Norris Trophy winner for the no-doubt-about-it, 1-0, GOOD GUYS, 5 x 3 power-play goal.
The only real flaw from the first twenty-minutes is when Brett “WHO?” Harrison tied the contest on a shot that Jonathan Quick probably would’ve liked to have back, thus tying a game that the Rangers were dominating.
But such a blah goal allowed didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.
In one of the prettiest and most talented goals that you’ll ever see, Kreider regained the Rangers’ lead, as from between the circles, he skillfully backhanded/deflected a TROUBA BOMB sent from near the blue line, for the 2-1, GOOD GUYS, goal.
Among the core, it’s been Kreider that’s stood out the most – and for what it’s worth, and following a summer full of drama sparked, if not egged on, by Larry Brooks too – the captain, now at complete health, hasn’t looked shabby either.
Up next, and with under a minute remaining in the first frame and there was Brennan Othmann, who up to this point in time, hadn’t had the most inspiring try-out yet, scoring on a breakaway.
Among all Rangers, both young and old, and it was Othmann that needed this goal the most.
While we’ll get into Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil below; it should be mentioned that Othmann, who like the two fragile busts, was also a former first-round pick.
But unlike Kakko and Chytil – Othmann hasn’t truly had a chance to shine yet – nor 786576655685 of them for that matter either – and as displayed when #78 was skating on a line with the likes of Adam “PTO” Erne and the captain of the Hartford Wolfpack, Jonny Brodzinski.
And go figure:
To open the scoring in the middle period and there was JONNY BROADWAY banging home a 4-1 goal – and as assisted by both Erne and Othmann.
While this temporary and thrown-together third line did their job; it should also be stated that this scoring play wouldn’t have been possible without the defensive play from the new young stud in town, Victor Mancini – as it was the promising rearguard who shut things down in his own end before his forwards could connect for a goal.
And from the Boston end of things?
They better find a way to sign Jeremy Swayman, as following their trade of Linus Ullmark (Ottawa) over the summer – then it’s pretty obvious that Brandon Bussi isn’t the B’s backstop of the immediate future.
As the period progressed, the total shots on goal count favored the home team by a whopping 20-5 margin.
The Bruins scored on their sixth shot on goal – but unlike the first goal allowed by Quick – this was nothing to hang the future Hall of Famer over.
Rather than a shot that he would’ve liked to had a second chance on; instead, Mark Kastelic, who has really been an agitator this preseason, scored a deflection goal.
4-2 – and the final Bruins’ goal too – which as a result, also included a 12-12 (1.000%) third period performance from Louis Domingue. (Quick went 10/12 for an .833 save percentage.)
Come the final frame and the Rangers continued to play hard – and where of course – defense was prioritized over offense.
And once the Bruins pulled their goalie?
Then there was Big Ed to finish the job, via a 5-2, GOOD GUYS, empty netter.
But there was more to this game than just the final score.
While you did get the same old shit out of Kakko (NOTHING – aside from grimacing looks on his face); Mr. Mancini, who perhaps is benefiting the most from both these preseason matches and camp, looked stellar.
The new BFF right-winger du-jour, as in the 24th incarnation ever since the day Pavel Buchnevich was shipped to St. Louis, Reilly Smith, had his best showing yet, even picking up one assist.
Of course, it will take Smith some time to acclimate and build chemistry; but this game was encouraging when taking the next step in accomplishing both of these tasks.
Elsewhere, the Rangers’ penalty kill continued their perfection, as they killed two more power-plays in this game.
While the Blueshirts’ power-play success astronomically fell off as the playoffs deepened; the same can not be said for their fort-like PK.
And of course, there was Zac Jones too, who by now, everyone knows will be in the Rangers’ line-up come Opening Night.
Mancini should join him.
In an attempt to play “catch-up” here, and in news that you already know about by now too; following the Rangers’ 6-4 win over the Islanders, come Wednesday and Laviolette said that Ryan Lindgren will miss the next couple of weeks.
(Furthermore, Artemi Panarin, who also left that game against the Islanders with a lower-body injury, is already back and ready to go.)
No such information has been confirmed yet (and it’s not like the Rangers will tell you anyway – and don’t forget – NHL head honcho, Gary Bettman, doesn’t believe in the existence of CTE either), but many are speculating that #55 sustained a concussion during his losing fight with the Isles’ Scott Mayfield.
Whether it’s head trauma or something else, then either way, Lindgren won’t be around for a while.
But as they say, as one door closes, another one opens.
In this case, while the door will be closed on Lindgren for a bit; another one, one of opportunity too, has now opened up for Mancini.
As we stand now, and when I look at the state of the Rangers’ defense – then I can’t find one reason why Mancini shouldn’t make the varsity team out of camp.
The only true knock against him is that he’s a rookie with no NHL experience.
But you gotta start somewhere, right?
And it seems like Laviolette is willing to give the rugged d-man such a shot too.
The headline of tonight’s tome is “LET THEM COOK!”
Along with Alexis Lafreniere, Zac Jones, Matt Rempe, Adam Edstrom and Brennan Othmann – Mancini should be in the kitchen too.
While I’m quite bullish on the Rangers’ chances of winning the Stanley Cup in 2025 (and again – it’s all about what they do at the trade deadline too); for the team to succeed, then they will need a blood transfusion, in the likes of their “Baby Blue” – and rather than strolling out aging veterans who are still looking for one last shot at reliving their former glory.
While in no way am I blaming the failures of Kakko and Chytil as the sole reason for the 2024 ECF loss; at the same time, if just one of them was able to live up to their potential in that series – then who knows – maybe the Rangers go all the way?
(A boy can dream – even if most Ranger playoff runs end in nightmare.)
But of course, the Rangers need their top two highest paid forwards, the duo who take up 25% of the salary cap, Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, to cease their perennial disappearing act in the playoffs more than anything else.
Going into the regular season and the Rangers’ defense is currently constructed as such:
FIRST PAIR: ??? & Adam Fox
SECOND PAIR: K’Andre Miller & Braden Schneider
THIRD PAIR: Zac Jones & Jacob Trouba
IR: Ryan Lindgren
While of course, these pairings could be flipped around a bit (Schneider & Trouba for example – and perhaps Miller bumped up with Fox too); but without question, it are these five men that will be dressed once the regular season commences.
Furthermore, Zac Jones (and in hindsight – not playing him when Trouba was hurt during last year’s playoffs will always be second-guessed – another “WHAT IF?” in franchise history) will be allowed TO COOK!
Heck, Jones, and who unlike Nils Lundkvist, fought his way here and earned it – he has been in the kitchen for a while anyway.
By now, everyone is fully aware of what “cap accrual” means, which is to say that I doubt that Rangers’ GM Chris Drury will be carrying anything more than seven defenseman on his roster – as obviously, he wants as much money as possible to play around with come the trade deadline.
It should also be noted that on Saturday, September 28th, the Rangers, and after these three names cleared waivers a day prior, assigned Jake Leschyshyn, Alex Belzile and defenseman “Big Ben” Harpur to Hartford.
Presently left contending for a defenseman spot on the team are Madison Bowey, Casey Fitzgerald, Connor Mackey, Matthew Robertson, Chad Ruhwedel, Brandon Scanlin, and of course, Victor Mancini too.
When you look at these names, then I think you can quickly eliminate Bowey, Fitzgerald and Scanlin from contention, as none of them have made an impact, nor fill a need with the team right now.
Since Lindgren is out, and also with the assumption that the Rangers want to carry seven defensemen, then that means that there are two spots available.
Connor Mackey, and for as much as we loved his fight-and-win over Brady Tkachuk from a while back, is now 28-years-old – and let’s face it – primarily an AHLer.
Chad Ruhwedel, one of Drury’s “CUP-OR-BUST” acquisitions from last year’s deadline, is now 34-years-old – and while a great teammate – not a fit for a defense looking to capitalize with speed and skill.
Matthew Robertson, now approaching 24-years-old if you can believe it, has never panned out.
A former second-round pick of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft (#49th overall) and due to the Rangers’ logjam at defense too – and Robertson really never had a path to the varsity team.
Furthermore, not helping his case this time around is that he hasn’t really done anything of note during the preseason/training camp too.
It most especially hurts his case when someone two-years younger than him has done a whole lot of note – and of course – I’m talking about Mancini.
This Rangers’ core is getting older by the minute and it’s time to bring along some promising prospects as a result – and then find out if they’ll sink-or-swim.
With Laviolette presently giving Mancini reps with Fox at practice, then I think that Joey Zasa’s arch-rival will be given a chance come Opening Night.
As far as who gets the seventh/spare d-man spot with Lindgren out?
Perhaps to off-set/complement a rookie, then I can see a well-respected veteran like Ruhwedel making the team – and especially since Drury just re-signed him.
But as far as regularly playing Ruhwedel, who only got into five games last season?
Then I’m not so sure about that – that is – outside of injuries and giving regular defensemen a rest in back-to-back sets during the dog days of the season.
Mancini has more than aced his training camp/preseason audition.
While who knows if these past few weeks will translate into consistent NHL success; we can only find out if he’s given a chance.
LET MANCINI COOK!
Unlike Mancini, Ranger fans are already familiar with “Steady Eddie,” aka Adam Edstrom.
And from the NO SHIT SHERLOCK FILES: Blueshirt fans are also aware of, if not infatuated with, Matt Rempe.
(I’m guilty as charged of this!)
If any fringe forward looking to make the team has had a better few weeks than Edstrom, then feel free to fill me in.
Starting with the prospect games against the Flyers, where the skyscrapin’ Swede scored three goals in the pair of matches – and Edstrom has continued his success in Rangers’ camp.
When it comes to Rempe, who in my opinion, has backed up his words of wanting to have a strong summer, and I think #73 has displayed just that.
Both Rempe and Edstrom not only desire roster spots with the Rangers – but increased roles with the club too.
For Edstrom, a spot on the third line would be suffice, while for Rempe, he’s chomping at the bit to be a regular feature on the team’s penalty kill.
It’s my belief that both Edstrom and Rempe have earned a job with the team – but of course – I’m just a beer-bellied blogger – and not the Blueshirts’ bench boss!
When it comes to Laviolette, who unlike me, is indeed handsomely paid to coach this team, his present top-six group looks a little something like this:
FIRST LINE: Panarin/Trocheck/Lafreniere
SECOND LINE: Kreider/Mika/Smith
After that, it gets a little murky, although I believe that we are led to assume that the third line will feature Will Cuylle, Chytil and Kakko.
When it comes to the all-important fourth-line – then it’s this trio that’s the most difficult to project.
I am to assume that Jimmy Vesey, who was dinged-up at practice on Sunday (but it isn’t serious), will be part of it.
After that, take your pick – and where I don’t think that you’ll see the same fourth line every night either.
Similar to the defense and I can see the Rangers carrying one spare forward too.
Working under that assumption, and assuming that Vesey’s spot is guaranteed as well, then that leaves three forward spots open (two with Vesey and one as a spare).
Among the contenders are: Brett Berard, Anton Blidh, Jonny Brodzinski, Sam Carrick, Jaroslav Chmelar, Adam Edstrom, Adam Erne, Bo Groulx, Ryder Korczak, Bryce McConnell-Barker, Riley Nash, Brennan Othmann, Matt Rempe, Dylan Roobroeck, Nate Sucese and Adam Sykora.
A quick glance at this list and we can tell that young players such as Berard, Chmelar, Korczak, McConnell-Barker, Rooboeck and Sykora aren’t ready yet.
I think we can also eliminate veterans, both old and young alike, such as Blidh, Erne, Groulx, Nash and Sucese too.
As a result, that leaves us with Brodzinski, Carrick, Edstrom, Othmann and Rempe.
Under the parameters given – that’s five men fighting for three spots.
While I understand the physical aspect that the soon-to-be 33-year-old Carrick brings – I also don’t want him stunting the development of somebody else.
And even if Edstrom and Rempe don’t pan out as expected – then I’d rather see them get the first crack at it – then go to Carrick if need be.
Brodzinski is the one with the most experience and where for the 31-year-old – it feels like he’s been the captain of the ‘Pack for the last decade too!
I like JONNY BROADWAY, I really do – but akin to Carrick – you can send him to Hartford – and then recall him if you need him.
While Jimmy Vesey mainly plays at the left-wing (he can also play right-wing if required), then I’m going to make him the midget on a line with center Adam Edstrom (who can play left-wing if needed) and right-wing Rempe (who can also play center).
Give these giants a chance – which also means:
LET EDSTROM AND REMPE COOK!
That leaves the final spot open for Brennan Othmann – but as we all know – he’s better suited in the top-nine rather than as a 12th or 13th forward – and it also makes no sense to sit him in the press box when he can be gaining valuable experience in Hartford.
I have an easy solution to that – but sadly – one that the Rangers won’t explore:
CUT BAIT ON THE FECKLESS FINN, the useless Kaapo Kakko.
Even in preseason games and he still can’t score against inferior competition.
Following failed chance after failed chance – and then a few hundred more failed chances to boot – and Kakko already seems despondent over his pigeon-hole role as a third-line forward – and a player who won’t get much – if any – power-play time either.
It’s Year Six for Kakko.
It could be Year One for Othmann.
And in this scenario – then I rather go with the devil that I don’t know than the devil that I do.
LET OTHMANN COOK!
Furthermore, even if Kakko was waived with the hopes of sending him to Hartford, then in this cash-strapped salary-cap league – do you think that any team would really claim him?
More likely?
A trade at the deadline – which should’ve taken place last year for a CUP OR BUST team.
Sadly, and to go back to reality here, then the Rangers have some sort of sick obsession with a player who rarely can make it through an 82-game season healthy – and a player that whenever he is – can’t score to save his life.
In other words, and knowing that it makes no sense to carry Othmann around in order to be used just sparingly – then I think that JONNY BROADWAY makes the cut as the team’s 13th forward.
The last young chef that I’d like to see cook on this team is Alexis Lafreniere – and a lucky #13 who will turn 23-years-old on October 11th.
I know what you’re saying right now:
“Hey dumbass, Lafreniere is already on the team’s top line and just had a career season!”
Let me extrapolate.
What I mean by this is exactly what I said at the half-way point of last season – and all the way through the playoffs too:
PUT LAFRENIERE ON THE FIRST POWERPLAY UNIT AND LET HIM COOK!
Currently, Laviolette is experimenting with two power-play groups, one featuring Kreider, Mika, Smith, Fox and Chytil, and another starring Panarin, Trocheck, Lafreniere, Othmann and Jones.
Obviously, Othmann is the odd-man out here – and as just explained above – he most likely will not even be on the roster come opening night – but he should be!
For the Rangers, who ever since the David Quinn era, have largely featured the same players on the power-play – and ones who take up nearly 99% of most two-minute advantages too – then Laviolette needs to find his Fab Fivesome – and let Zibanejad play with the second power-play unit as a result.
In my opinion, the first power-play unit should feature the entire top line on the team – Panarin, Trocheck and yes, Lafreniere too.
Joining this trio should be the best special team player on the club – and the longest-tenured Ranger to boot – CK20.
And obviously, while Jones has the makings of a varsity quarterback – this is Fox’s quintet to operate.
As far as the PP2 five, then joining Mika should be Jones, Smith, Chytil (until he gets hurt again) and perhaps in a somewhat unorthodox move, a second defenseman, Miller himself.
(And it makes sense to have two defenseman on your second power-play unit anyway, as this way, in the event that you don’t score, then you have two rearguards once the game returns to even-strength.)
Should Laviolette return Zibanejad and his 8956785667856876758675 hammer shots to nowhere to the team’s first power-play unit – while also keeping Lafreniere on PP2; then just like last year’s playoffs – it will be his most fatal mistake.
To expand even more, and it should also be stated that Lafreniere has earned this promotion – and this isn’t a case of a young player being given the time just because he’s young.
Outside of linemate Panarin (38 goals) and no one had more even-strength tallies than Lafreniere did last season (26).
It should also be mentioned that no other Ranger had more than twenty even-strength goals scored than these two too.
Zibanejad you may ask?
Just a dozen even-strength goals for your grossly overpaid $8.5M salaried center.
Hell, even fourth-liner Jimmy Vesey (13) scored more than Mika – and for ten times less the salary too!
This is a topic that should have no debate.
LET LAFRENIERE COOK – and let Mika sit-out whenever the Rangers start their power-play too.
And just like anything else – if it doesn’t work out with Lafreniere, then you could always re-insert Mika, and his 796786698689696 shots to nowhere, right back.
Moving forward, my work schedule this week is erratic – but I do think that I’ll be able to post a recap of the Rangers/Devils game late Monday night.
However, while I’ll be watching Tuesday’s rematch – I’m also on schedule for an eighteen-hour shift – so I don’t think that I’ll have a recap of that game – as I do believe Mr. Sandman will be shouting my name once I return home to this ancient machine – aka – my dinosaur computer – and one that I have still yet to replace!
I should also have something up late Friday night/early Saturday morning following the sixth-and-final preseason game against the nomadic Islanders.
And “Look Ma!”
Only 5,000 words tonight – as I got everything that I needed to say in half the time – and music to the ears of Stan Fischler too!
And before hitting the go home button here – yes – and in something that I’ll say about 79867868677986867686 zillion times throughout the regular season – GET ME TO THE PLAYOFFS – and then LET THE RANGERS COOK once there!
See ya again late tomorrow night.
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!
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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
Vesey’s “minor” injury is gonna keep him out at least a few weeks. If he didn’t have bad luck, he’d have no Luck at all. But opens a slot for a youngster. Rangers’ series vs. Panthers went sideways when Vesey was hurt by a unpenalized dirty play. Wasn’t a coincidence; may not be a huge production player but he’s a solid and versatile guy.
I think the no luck adage applies to Kakko the most.
Missing Vesey hurt – getting nothing from Panarin and Mika hurt more in the loss to FLA.