The Bright Future of Broadway

Russell Hartman Updated: Sep 21, 2017

Blueshirts fans should be smiling. Why? Well of course the Rangers beat the Devils last night in overtime which is always an amazing thing but if these past two preseason games have taught us anything it’s that the future is bright on Broadway. The talent the Rangers possess is something to get excited for.

Cautious Optimism

Now it’s safe to say to remain cautiously optimistic when it comes to this team but you just can’t help but finally feel some excitement in the young prospects within the organization. These past two preseason games have been decided by rookies that were recently acquired by the team and the rookie group this year has looked great.

First on Monday night against the New York Islanders, the Rangers entered overtime locked in a 0-0 tie. Both teams had great chances throughout the game but this game had the feeling that it was going to need a big play to finish it off and boy did we get one.

Neal Pionk put Brock Nelson in the spin cycle with a nifty move from the blueline and sniped a shot past the Islanders goaltender to end the game in overtime. It was an absolutely spectacular play and even though it was a small sample size it was nice to see someone like Pionk have the confidence to pull off a move like that.

👀 @NPionk95's game winning 🚨 in OT from all angles + #NYR celebration shots! https://t.co/7ipU24wYaA

— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 19, 2017

Just two nights later in a fierce battle with the New Jersey Devils that saw the teams enter overtime tied at 3, another rookie would step up and show that he too wanted his big moment at the Garden. During a powerplay in overtime, Kevin Shattenkirk and Mats Zuccarello set up a pretty passing play to rookie Filip Chytil who buried a one-timer past the Devils goaltender to end the game and send everyone home happy.

#ChytilMania invades The Garden! #NYR https://t.co/uZyL1HtQu5

— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 21, 2017

Not to be understated is the play of Lias Andersson who looks like he belongs on this roster to the start the season. Whereas Chytil is more of a skilled player, Andersson seems to play a great two way game and can adapt to any role he is given. Both would be welcome additions to this roster either this year or in the years to come. We may not see Chytil, Andersson or Pionk on the roster this year but you can be sure we will see them in the seasons to come.

The picks of Andersson and Chytil were originally bashed by fans and even some analysts but they’ve been doing their best to silence their critics during this camp and preseason and at the very least they’ve shown they deserve to be given every chance possible to succeed.

Shatty’s Debut and More…

Now is Kevin Shattenkirk a rookie? Not at all but his play needs to be talked about because he picked up three assists in his debut and looked to have all the poise and skillful play we were promised when we he was signed. His presence on the blueline is going to be a something to behold this season.

So what does this all mean? Well this offseason has been an offseason of change for this Rangers club. Gone are Derek Stepan and Dan Girardi and with them, spots open up for players to step up. Leadership roles need to be filled. With players like Pionk, Andersson, Chytil, and even Anthony DeAngelo who has looked good in action this week, the Rangers have prospects to be excited for, prospects who us as fans can get behind and prospects who aren’t just going to be throw in for trades anymore.

The addition of Shattenkirk to this blueline will benefit us for years to come and the continued development for players like Jimmy Vesey, Kevin Hayes and Mika Zibanejad will be great t and if all the pieces into place within the next few years… well… let’s not let our thoughts get there yet. The future is bright on Broadway everyone; it’s time to get excited.