New York Rangers Pre-Season: Rangers Fall 2-1 In OT Against Devils
Tonight marked the start of the pre-season for both the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers. Both teams faced off in Albany, in a very fan filled arena. Henrik Lundqvist started in net for the Rangers, along with Keith Kinkaid in net for the Devils. In the first period, Petr Sykora put the Devils up 1-0, off a great feed by Adam Larsson.
Henrik Lundqvist stood tall for the Rangers in an eventful first two periods. Halfway through the second, Cam Talbot was sent in to finish off the game, and Jeff Frazee in for the Devils. Later on Andre Deveaux and David Clarkson dropped the mittens, both players got some good punches in, but Deveaux got the upper hand.
We started the third period, with the Devils still up 1-0. The Rangers had many chances to score all throughout the game, and hand a handful of chances in the third period. Dale Weise dropped the gloves with Brad Mills halfway in the second period, Weise had a the upper hand in the beginning, but lost it near the end. Shortly after, Weise was able to put the Rangers on the board with a loose puck that squirmed to the front of the net. Weise had an excellent check in the corner that led to the goal, followed with a great centering feed by Anisimov.
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Cam Talbot had a very impressive performance in the second half of the game, included his incredible glove save on Petr Sykora. He absolutely robbed
Ilya Kovalchukwith a glove save as well. With loads of chances for both teams, the game would have to be decided in overtime.
Just 45 seconds into overtime, Patrik Elias was able to redirect the puck past Talbot on a slick pass from Zach Parise. The goal was caused on a bad pass from Eminger that Weise fumbled in the slot, which led to the turnover. Overall it was a great game by the young Rangers squad to pull this game to overtime, they have a ton of potential.
The players that impressed me the most were Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky, Dale Weise, Dylan McIlrath, Ryan Bourque and Cam Talbot.
Ryan Bourque had his speed and grit on display once again tonight and he caused quite a few turnovers for the opposition. Both Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov were strong in the corners and protected the puck very well. Dale Weise also had a very physical game, along with his fight in the second period, and his goal to tie the game. Cam Talbot was simply amazing in net tonight, with multiple key saves, that kept the Rangers in the game.
Michael Del Zotto did not have the greatest of games, along with his turnovers once again. He tried multiple times to force passes, and as a result turned it over the puck multiple times.
The Rangers will face off against the Devils this coming Friday in New Jersey. We will have yet another open game thread, starting at 6:30. That game will also be on MSG.