Ryan Malone’s redemption continues in shootout win

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Boy that was a fun game to watch, wasn’t it?

Ryan Malone is impressing a lot of people, myself included. We all know he was a solid 20 goal scorer, but after 11 goals over the past two seasons, he looked to be cooked. It’s still early, as Malone is still playing against some guys that will be in the AHL, but his two games have been, if anything, solid games. Let’s keep this part short, and get to the bullet points:

• Let’s start with the kids that have made the team: J.T. Miller and Jesper Fast. These two have done nothing but impress.
• Anthony Duclair, if not for the odd contract situation, would also be on that list. This kid has been unreal. He won’t continue his 30% shooting rate, but he does so many other things the right way. If it was just offense and a 30% shooting rate, I’d say send him back. But the kid, aside from lapses here and there, is a smart, skilled player. He forces turnovers with his speed, and while he is sometimes out of position in the defensive zone, you take those growing pains.
• That said, Duclair really reminds me of Chris Kreider in 2012. We were all enamored by Kreider during that run, but he was shooting at an unsustainable clip (20%) and that was covering up his defensive flaws. Duclair seems to be a step ahead in that regard.

• Ryan Malone continues to impress. That injury was a big setback, as Fast, Miller, and Duclair seem to have the inside track now. Malone seems to be competing for a fourth line role with Tanner Glass, Matt Lombardi, Lee Stempniak, and others.
• Dan Boyle, while likely unable to put up Anton Stralman’s possession numbers, will be just fine with Marc Staal. What Boyle lacks in puck possession skill he more than makes up for with his ability to get the puck on net and his hockey IQ. They just need him to put up Stralman’s numbers at even strength, and Brad Richards’ numbers on the powerplay.
• Speaking of Staal, he’s joining the rush a lot more this preseason. John Giannone mentioned it on the broadcast as well.
• Man Mats Zuccarello sure is something.
• I think Rick Nash is going to have a monster year. He looks more engaged and in shape. He admitted that concussion detailed him last year. He did his best Chris Higgins impersonation (lots of shots, no goals) in the playoffs last year, which is fresh in everyone’s mind. I think this season puts that to rest.
• Kevin Hayes isn’t flashy, and I think that’s why some think he underwhelms on the ice. But he doesn’t need to be flashy, he’s just very steady. I think he gets sent to the AHL because Miller, Fast, and Duclair have passed him this preseason, but he’s certainly on the watch list.
• Matt Lombardi, who everyone penciled in as the 3C, is headed to the AHL. I don’t even think a ridiculous four goal performance is enough to keep him around now.
• Wouldn’t be a wrap up if I didn’t mention Tanner Glass, who dropped the gloves with Dan Carcillo in the first. Played ten minutes and had a few nice hits. I didn’t notice anything glaring with his defensive zone play.
• I don’t think this club will have that slow start they did last year. Henrik Lundqvist is on his game, and the team isn’t learning a new system.

There’s one more preseason game tomorrow before the final cuts are made. Should be an interesting weekend with speculation abound. There are some really tough decisions to be made. This is a great problem to have though.