Preseason Game 5: Rangers at (sort of) Isles

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

The roster is beginning to take shape for the Rangers, as they are left with 36 players in camp. Tonight likely represents the last chance for some bubble players to make a positive impression on the coaching staff. It’s also likely the last game for players destined to go to the AHL who earned longer looks, like Robin Kovacs.

The Isles are dressing most of their NHL forwards tonight, so expect a decent amount of pressure on the Rangers defense. This could be the game where we see how well Adam Clendening can perform against NHL regulars, and if he truly belongs in the top-six. Only time will tell.

If you need a recap of what type of hockey Alain Vigneault has the Rangers playing, catch up here.

Isles Systems

Like the Rangers, Isles head coach Jack Capuano has the Isles running a 1-2-2 forecheck and a 1-1-3 lock, which they use aggressively or conservatively depending on the game situation (e.g., score, time left in period, etc.). In the defensive zone, the Isles are bit different than the Blueshirts. Capuano has them playing man-on-man up high, but collapse into a zone defense when the puck is down low. On special teams, the Isles rotate between a 1-3-1 and 1-2-2 power play and a hybrid penalty kill.

Islanders Lines

Forwards: Josh Bailey, Cal Clutterbuck, Ryan Strome, Stephen Gionta, Jason Chimera, Anders Lee, Brock Nelson, Eric Boulton, Casey Cizikas, Tanner Fritz, Nikolay Kulemin, Anthony Beauvillier

Defense: Nick Leddy, Dennis Seidenberg, Ryan Pulock, Scott Mayfield, Calvin de Haan, Adam Pelech

Goalies: JF Berube, Chris Gibson

Rangers Lines:

J.T. Miller–Kevin Hayes–Niklas Jensen
Chris Kreider–Mika Zibanejad–Brandon Pirri
Michael Grabner–Nathan Gerbe–Jesper Fast
Tanner Glass–Marek Hrivik–Robin Kovacs