Even in preseason games, OT winners from rookies are always fun. This time, it was Noah Laba netting the game winner on a nifty backhand to give the Rangers the preseason win. On paper last night was a total mismatch with most of the Islanders roster lining up against mostly Rangers kids and bottom sixers. Hilariously outshot 32-19, the Rangers prospects battled hard throughout and gave themselves a chance to win. Igor Shesterkin provided a nice safety net for two periods certainly helped as the Rangers made their shots count.
This recap title courtesy of @BillTouspille, you’re a gem sir!
There are no if’s, and’s, or but’s about it, Laba has earned the right to make the team out of camp. He has been noticeable in all of his preseason games he has played in. Laba has been the best rising prospect in the system for a reason. If the Rangers are serious about rewarding good play and effort, then Laba is at the top of the list to be rewarded. If he were to make the final roster, it would certainly offer a better upside than Juuso Parssinen as the 3C.
With very little NHL talent on the Rangers side, Brennan Othmann was given a lot of ice time as he tried to right his ship after a disappointing first half of the preseason. Unfortunately last night was more of the same. There was hope and optimism before the preseason started, but several prospects have now jumped ahead of Othmann on the depth chart. His need for open ice without being able to create that space is his biggest flaw right now, as he doesn’t have the space nor the ability to get free to tee up his wicked shot.
When the game is at even strength, Othmann struggles to have that elusiveness and finesse to get into open ice to receive and release pucks quickly. It’s why there have been rumblings about being a powerplay merchant. It seems Othmann will not crack the roster immediately. Without significant improvement in the AHL, there’s a chance he won’t even wear a Rangers sweater this year.
Is a trade imminent? Probably not. But there will be questions if he doesn’t at least break camp with the Rangers. It’s a shame, because he has a great work ethic and motor, he just hasn’t put it all together.
Dylan Garand, another prospect getting a long look, is clearly overwhelmed at the NHL level. That’s fine, goalies take a bit more time to develop and the Rangers aren’t pressed for goaltending. Garand will assume the full time starter role in Hartford this year after two years of splitting starts with Louis Domingue. Garand struggled, and there’s some work to be done by Jeff Malcolm to perhaps get Garand ready for backup duties next season.
Last night was likely the last game for many prospects, and it looks like two are forcing the Rangers to make tough decisions: Laba and Brett Berard. We shall see how all this unfolds as the roster cuts keep coming this week.
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