After a loss to the Blue Jackets, the Rangers prospects came out strong against the Dallas Stars prospects tonight, as they win 7-4. Here’s our recap.
Before the game, it was announced that Kaapo Kakko would not play due to his lingering illness, he is listed as day to day. Right off the bat, the Rangers prospects looked great, as they played with an edge and an overall better defensive effort. Although they were down early, their solid play translated into a nice tip in goal from Karl Henriksson at 8:29 of the 1st.
The Rangers would continue to play strong hockey, as Yegor Rykov and Adam Fox netted two goals to make it a 3-1 game. Dallas would tie it before the end of the second, but afterwards, the Rangers took control and didn’t look back.
In the 3rd, the Rangers scored four goals, including Adam Fox’s second of the game, a Matthew Robertson goal that was set up beautifully from the corner of the net by Vitali Kravtsov to a trailing Robertson who banked it in and two from forward Ryan Dmowski, in which one was assisted by Fox.
Adam Huska, who got the start in net, made 24 saves on 28 shots. Overall, he looked solid in net, making key saves on some good passing plays from Dallas. Yegoer Rykov would leave the game after an injury in the 3rd period.
There were a few Rangers that stood out that made a significant impact on the game. Yegor Rykov netted his first as a Ranger on the Power Play in the second. Matthew Robertson netted 2 points, including a goal from the pass by Kravsov mentioned previously. Karl Henriksson netted a goal and also added an assist to Rykov’s PP goal and looked tremendous on the first line all game. Ryan Dmowski came alive in the 3rd period with two goals of his own to seal the deal.
Although he did not score a goal, Vitali Kravtsov was as good as advertised. Getting two assists and being in the middle of almost every positive Rangers play, the 9th overall pick looked masterful on the ice. He was noticeable on almost every shift he was out for and contributed to more than what the stat sheet has on it.
Then there was Adam Fox. Right off the bat, Fox was clearly the best player on the ice for the Rangers. Netting 5 points, including two goals of his own, Fox was all over ice and contributed to many of the strong Rangers chances that were thrown at the Stars’ goaltender. His skating ability and vision of the ice was on display as he was able to move around flawlessly and contribute in a big way for the team this game.
The Rangers’ Prospects next game is Monday against the Minnesota Wild Prospects at 2:30pm EST.
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