There isn’t much to say about last night’s preseason game. Maybe the Rangers wanted to temper everyone’s excitement so they could gradually build it up, or maybe it was just a preseason game. But Neal Pionk had something to say about that shortly into the 0-0 overtime.
Folks…
Neal Pionk does his best Brian Campbell impression, absolutely clowns Brock Nelson with a spin-o-rama, and scores the OT winner for #NYR. pic.twitter.com/3uRluYJQ5U
— Adam Herman (@AdamZHerman) September 19, 2017
Safe to say he won’t be cut today.
As for the game itself, it was mostly uneventful. Lias Andersson was one of the big talking points going in, but it was hard to notice him due to the 18 penalties called — yes, EIGHTEEN — over the course of the game. There were 9 on each side, which at least gives us all a good idea of how the power play will be…. wait, it’s the first preseason game, no it doesn’t.
Ultimately, it was a joy just to be watching hockey again. Hearing Sam Rosen’s voice over the familiar MSG broadcast made the humid New York weather disappear momentarily. Mainstays Rick Nash, JT Miller and Ryan McDonagh looked like their usual selves, which is to say that the Rangers were much better when they were on the ice. Pavel Buchnevich and Michael Grabner had some solid moments as well.
As for the new faces, Pionk stood out, along with Boo Nieves. Vinni Lettieri certainly has some upside, and will probably get a long look from the coaches over the next two weeks.
All in all, preseason results don’t matter although beating the Islanders, especially in overtime and in spectacular fashion, is pretty sweet.
Next up, the Rangers welcome the Devils to Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
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