The Rangers squared off against the Devils for their final preseason game before the 2014-15 season. Unfortunately, this was a 3-0 loss. Even more unfortunately, Dave had a wedding so I had to watch this game.

Before you read the important game notes I jotted down during the loss, keep in mind that there are still some roster spots to fill, so Alain Vigneault put out the following team (c/o Andrew Gross):

On to some notes…

  • Most of the first period was spent in the Rangers zone, though the defensemen did a decent job of keeping the puck away from Talbot.
  • Speaking of Talbot, he looked either brilliant or shaky. Again, this wasn’t an all star defense out there, but the first scoring chance for the Devils came on him giving up a nasty rebound when he should have covered up. It was pure luck that the Devils didn’t score there, mostly due to his decision making with the puck.
  • Talbot’s glove save on Andy Greene in the 2nd period was Henrik-esque. The type that makes the offense think twice about shooting there. Flashes of brilliance.
  • In the goaltending department, Cory Schneider looks great. It’ll be very interesting to see how he fares as the bonafide starter of a hockey club. He makes smart plays and he’s got a great presence in the net.
  • The Rangers spent a lot of time on breakaways or setting up plays that just missed. This could be due to Vigneault messing around with lines, as he ought to be doing in the preseason, but the chemistry that was so clear for certain lines (think 20-16-36) on Friday night was blatantly missing last night.
  • With that being said, it was nice to see that at times plays were being attempted that, if connected, would look absolutely beautiful.
  • I think Ryan Malone needs to make this team. He doesn’t mind sitting in front of the net and getting a little dirty, which, at 6’4 220, is a beautiful thing. People didn’t notice that Benoit Pouliot would be a net presence during the power play last season, but Malone seems to be fitting right there well. He would do well on the 4th
  • Though I zoned out the third period, the Devils broadcast took the early lead for worst thing I’ve heard come from a professional commentator’s mouth: Ken Daneyko calling Adam Henrique an elite player. Henrique is a good hockey player, but elite he is not.

Cuts should come either later today or tomorrow, along with a captain being named and the start of the regular season just four short days away. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Stay tuned for news!

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