Preseason Game 6: Preseason finale in Philly
The preseason ends tonight for the Rangers in Philly. Gritty and the Flyers will be the last game before the roster goes from the current size to the 23 limit before the season starts. Dustin Tokarski and Alex Georgiev are presumably both playing tonight, perhaps for the backup position to start the season.
There are some other battles that will be decided tonight as well, as the lineup is comprised of almost entirely kids/players fighting for roster spots. In fact, I only count five players (Hayes, Fast, Shatty, Vesey, Namestnikov) who were basically guaranteed spots from the start.
Rangers lineup:
PROJECTED #NYR LINEUP TONIGHT VS PHILLY:
GOALTENDERS
Tokarski
GeorgievSKATERS
McLeod
Hayes
Fast
Shattenkirk
Vesey
Schneider
Lindqvist
Fogarty
Smith
Hajek
O’Gara
Howden
Andersson
McQuaid
Lindgren
Meskanen
Namestnikov
Lettieri pic.twitter.com/rgS1aV2YxD— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 27, 2018
Crazy Prediction: A goalie duel.
Game time is 7pm.
Only 9 on tonight’s roster make the club.
Curious as to why Lindqvist is still here
Howden making his case tonight
It looked liked all he needed was that goal to build some confidence up. His overall game alone was alot better than Andersson’s last two games. I think Quinn caught on to that because he seemed to play him more at the end of the game and during that final PK than Andersson.
Lettieri has been a beast! Looks like he has really improved from last year.
Hustles, good shot, fast skater, good hands, tenacious on the puck, and mixes it up in front of the net. I can’t see how they can possibly think of cutting this kid.
It looks to me like the Rangers is a club that will score by committee. No big name superstars but 4 lines that can contribute on offense.
Its early and we only seen glimpses of Quinns defensive system, but it appears that there is more emphasis on taking away shooting and passing lanes and keeping the play to the outside. Yes, they will have their breakdowns like every club has, but I believe fans will see improvement on this year’s Blueline.
Lundqvist looked ready in his last 2 preseason appearances and after tonight Georgiev had proved himself as a capable backup.
After watching the club in preseason, I maintain my prediction that the Rangers will be in the hunt for playoffs berth.
You play Georgi 30-35 games or you send him down … the guy is more then ready to turn some heads again
Will it be 7 defenseman or 8? Shatty, Skjei, Stall, Smith, Pionk, DeAngelo plus who? Claesson, McQuaid? Both?
Did Howden do enough? With KBZ, Hayes, Zucc, Spooner, Names, Fast, Vesey, Chytil, Andersson, Lettieri. That is 12 forwards. Who gets the nod? Gonna be interesting last cuts.
To me the question regarding the roster is McQuaid, Claesson and Howden. Are these the final 3 who make the roster?
Although deserving I think Howden still goes down and they see how Anderson goes as our 4th line center for 10-15 games. I’d have Letteri center the 3rd line with Spooner and either Nam/Fast. That is unless they put Sooner with Hayes and move Chytil to 3rd line.
I think they must pair Fast’s defensive skills with Vesey’s lack thereof. Perhaps Anderson between the two makes the most sense. I still think that line will generate offense. Maybe Quinn does something bold and puts Zucc (passing) with Letteri’s (shooting). Would Nam compliment that line? That means Chytil, Hayes and Spooner together on the 2nd That actually sounds interesting!!!!