Rangers Roundup: Patrick Kane expects more, Wolf Pack big start, and Brennan Othmann update
Patrick Kane was acquired near the trade deadline in March because he would only waive his full no-move clause for the New York Rangers.
When the deal was made, it wasn’t to help push the team into a playoff spot. By that time, they were not only secured to make the postseason, but had a chance to win the Metro Division.
No, the Rangers brought in the second all-time American born leading scorer in NHL history to win a Cup.
“We didn’t get Patrick Kane for the last 10 games of the regular season,” Gerard Gallant stated prior to the Game 1 against the Devils. “I like where he’s at right now. He’s healthy and we’re 100% healthy. I like the makeup of our group. Let the playoffs begin and see where it goes.”
Patrick Kane expects more of himself
Kane, 34, registered 57 points in 73 games mostly with the struggling Blackhawks this season. In 19 games with the Blueshirts, he’s scored 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points.
In the team’s Game 1 victory over New Jersey, he picked up an assist on Chris Kreider’s third period power play goal.
Of course, fans are expecting more out of a superstar with three Stanley Cup rings and 126 career playoff points. Whether that’s fair or not is irrelevant because Kane expects more from himself as well.
“There’s more that I have to give. People should expect more from me,” Kane told The Post following Wednesday’s practice in Newark ahead of Thursday’s Game 2. “I think there have been some good moments, but it hasn’t really been as consistent yet. It’s always a new game and a new challenge and the exciting part of the game is that you get another chance tomorrow night to try and build that.”
NY Post
Kane also claims that he’s feeling really good health-wise but is still adjusting to playing on a team with several go-to guys.
Game 2 of the series is tonight in New Jersey starting at 7:30 pm.
Hartford Wolf Pack big playoff start
The Hartford Wolf Pack opened their best of three Calder Cup Playoffs series against the Springfield Thunderbirds with a rousing 6-1 victory.
Led by defenseman Ty Emberson and forward Tanner Fritz, who both recorded three points, the Pack can close out the series at home Friday night.
Rangers prospect forward Lauri Pajuniemi recorded two goals in the contest. Defenseman Zac Jones also scored, while both Will Cuylle and Bobby Trivigno picked up assists.
Here’s the full series schedule:
- Game 1: Wolf Pack 6 vs Thunderbirds 1
- Game 2: Fri, April 21st vs Springfield, 7:05 pm, XL Center
- Game 3: Sat, April 22nd at Springfield, 7:05 pm, MassMutual Center*
*If needed
Brennan Othmann lifts Petes in OHL Playoffs
Top New York Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann registered a goal and an assist to lift the Peterborough Pete’s to a 2-1 series lead over the Ottawa 67’s on Tuesday. Game 4 of the series in tonight.
Othmann, 20, recorded 29 goals and 38 assists for 67 points in 56 matches split between the Flint Firebirds and Petes during the regular-season. He currently has 3 goals and 6 assists in 7 OHL playoff contests to date.
The 2021 first-round pick is expected to compete at Rangers camp for a spot on the 2023-24 roster.
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