Rangers Roundup: Back to work against Devils, PK units, Alexis Lafreniere, and more

new york rangers ryan lindgren
Sep 27, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren (55) gets set for a face-off during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers had the day off on Wednesday after splitting back to back exhibition games (technically 1-0-1).

In the club’s first preseason game on Monday, they easily took down the New York Islanders by a 4-1 score. Jimmy Vesey, Chris Kreider, K’Andre Miller, and Zac Jones were the goal scorers with Brennan Othmann notching two assists. Igor Shesterkin and Dylan Garand combined for the win.

On Tuesday, the Rangers gave up two separate leads before falling to the Boston Bruins 3-2 in OT. Adam Fox and Alexis Lafrenière tallied with Vesey recording two helpers. Jaroslav Halak and Louis Domingue split time in the match.

Tonight, the Rangers face off against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden for game 3 of 6 on their preseason schedule. Details below:

DATEVS.BROADCAST INFORESULT
Monday, Sept. 26 (7:00 PM)   NYIMSG, MSGSN, NHLN, ESPN 98.7W, 4-1
Tuesday, Sept. 27 (7:00 PM)@BOSMSG, NESN+, NHLN, ESPN 98.7L, 3-2
Thursday, Sept. 29 (7:00 PM)NJMSG, MSGSN, NHLN, ESPN 98.7
Friday, Sept. 30 (7:00 PM)@NJMSG
Wednesday, Oct. 5 (7:00 PM)BOSTNT
Saturday, Oct. 8 (7:00 PM)@NYIMSG
New York Rangers 2022-23 preseason schedule

Expectations for tonight’s lineup should include Artemi Panarin getting into his first taste of preseason action. It’s also likely that Sammy Blais will debut after recovering from ACL surgery that ended his season prematurely.

Brennan Othmann should also be back in the lineup to build upon his two assist, first star of the game performance against the Isles. Barclay Goodrow is not expected to play, but will most likely get involved in the final two exhibition games.

Alexis Lafreniere hurt verus Boston

Defenseman Hunter Skinner’s point shot caught Lafrenière low and sent him hobbling to the bench with 5:50 left in the third period in Boston. The Blueshirt’s first overall pick in 2020 was keeled over in pain on the bench complaining about his foot. He did not play another shift.

After the game, the Rangers issued a statement saying Alexis was fine with no issues.

The Rangers are expected to practice today prior to tonight’s contest against the Devils, so we will see how he looks. It’s also possible that Lafrenière may get an extra maintenance day before hitting the ice. We will update his status later today.

Lafrenière, 21, had a solid sophomore season with 19 goals and totaling 39 points in 79 games. In the postseason, he added 9 points (2G – 7A) in 20 playoff contests.

Rangers PK Units

jimmy vesey new york rangers
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, I took a look at the New York Rangers PK and wrote that despite personnel changes, this season’s group has a chance to be better. Here’s a quick glance at how they did last season.

  • Rank: 7th
  • PK Efficiency: 82.3%
  • Shorthanded Goals For: 8
  • Shorthanded Goals Against: 2

For more details read the article here.

A look at the projected lineup, which I believe will include Jimmy Vesey, has me thinking the PK forwards will look as follows:

  • Zibanejad – Kreider
  • Trocheck – Goodrow
  • Carpenter – Vesey

On defense, the top four will get the bulk of the work with Braden Schneider likely spelling Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba from time to time.

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Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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