The New York Rangers are back on the ice! In their first preseason game, the Rangers defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-3 in Newark. While the rosters weren’t filled with NHL regulars, it was a great opportunity for young players and those vying for a roster spot to showcase their talents. This game offered a glimpse into the potential future of the Rangers and provided valuable insights for the coaching staff.
The game featured standout performances from prospects like Gabe Perreault and notable contributions from veterans like Jonathan Quick. Matt Rempe also made his presence felt. Throughout the game, the Rangers demonstrated strong offensive capabilities and solid goaltending, setting a positive tone for the preseason. Let’s dive into the key moments and highlights from this exciting matchup.
Rangers Dominate Early, Perreault Scores First Goal
The Rangers came out strong, controlling the puck and dictating the pace in the first period. Their efforts paid off just over three minutes into the game when Gabe Perreault capitalized on a well-executed play, sneaking a shot past Devils’ veteran goalie Jake Allen to give the Rangers an early 1-0 lead. Perreault’s goal was a testament to the strong offensive pressure the Rangers applied from the start.
Despite the Rangers’ early dominance, the Devils managed to tie the game on a power play. Brian Halonen scored with a one-timer that beat Jonathan Quick, leveling the score at 1-1. Quick had a strong sequence of saves on the penalty kill, but the Rangers struggled to clear the puck, leading to Halonen’s goal. The Rangers had two power-play opportunities themselves but failed to convert, maintaining the tie score.
The first period concluded with the Rangers holding a slight 10-9 shot advantage. Both teams displayed a strong pace, making for an engaging opening frame. The Perreault line continued to generate quality scoring chances, keeping Allen busy in the Devils’ net.
Roobroeck, Sheary, and Morrow Extend Rangers’ Lead
The Rangers continued their strong play into the second period. Dylan Roobroeck scored early in the frame, cashing in on a rebound after Matt Rempe’s partial breakaway, giving the Rangers a 2-1 lead. Roobroeck’s goal injected further momentum into the Rangers’ game.
Veteran forward Conor Sheary, on a PTO with the Rangers, showcased his skill by scoring on a breakaway, beating Devils’ goalie Nico Daws to extend the lead to 3-1. Shortly after, Scott Morrow added to the Rangers’ tally with a shot through traffic, making it 4-1. The Rangers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, overwhelming the Devils’ defense.
The Devils managed to narrow the gap with a goal from Paul Cotter, assisted by Arseniy Gritsyuk, bringing the score to 4-2. However, the Rangers quickly responded with Jonny Brodzinski capitalizing on a redirected shot from Urho Vaakanainen, restoring their three-goal lead at 5-2. A fight between Nathan Legare and Nathan Aspinall added some intensity to the period, but the Rangers maintained their commanding lead.
Rangers Hold On Despite Devils’ Push
The third period saw the Devils attempting to mount a comeback. Anton Blidh had a breakaway chance early in the period, but was stopped by Daws. The Rangers’ defense stood firm, preventing the Devils from gaining significant momentum.
Connor Mackey and Nathan Legare engaged in a fight, adding another layer of physicality to the game. The Rangers’ special teams continued to struggle, failing to score on a power-play opportunity. Late in the period, Brennan Othmann was given a major penalty for a hit, putting the Rangers on the penalty kill. The Devils capitalized on the opportunity, with Gritsyuk scoring his second point of the night, narrowing the score to 5-3.
Despite the Devils’ late surge, the Rangers managed to hold on, securing a 5-3 victory in their first preseason game. The final shots on goal tally favored the Devils at 26-23, but the Rangers’ early lead and solid goaltending proved to be the difference.
Standout Players
Several players stood out in the Rangers’ first preseason game. Gabe Perreault showcased his offensive skill with an early goal and strong overall play. Jonathan Quick provided solid goaltending in his half of the game, making key saves to keep the Devils at bay. Conor Sheary demonstrated his veteran experience with a breakaway goal. Matt Rempe made his presence felt with his physical play and contributed to the Rangers’ offensive efforts.
These players, among others, made significant contributions to the Rangers’ victory, providing a positive outlook for the team’s prospects as they continue through the preseason.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
The New York Rangers’ 5-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils marked a successful start to their preseason campaign. The game provided valuable opportunities for young players and those competing for roster spots to showcase their abilities. The Rangers displayed a strong offensive game and solid goaltending, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the preseason.
Standout performances from prospects like Gabe Perreault and contributions from veterans like Jonathan Quick highlighted the Rangers’ depth and potential. While special teams play needs improvement, the overall performance was encouraging. The Rangers will continue their preseason schedule, hosting the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden. This game will provide another chance for players to impress the coaching staff and further refine their game strategies.
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