Rangers Earn First Pre-Season Win, Top B's 5-2

Starting with a well set-up powerplay goal by Ales Kotalik, the Rangers lead the entire game for the first time in this pre-season, and were solid both offensively and defensively in Boston this afternoon. This was the best all-around game for the Rangers this week, especially in a physical aspect, as the two teams clashed several times throughout this game, including two fights.

Rough stuff aside, the Rangers executed the forecheck very well tonight, and it lead to a good portion of the five goals that were scored. The first goal, on the powerplay, was started by defenseman Mike Del Zotto, finding the open Prospal who fed Kotalik for the one-timed goal that beat Boston netminder Tim Thomas through the legs. The second goal that was scored was all Avery, as he capitalized on a neutral zone turnover, and rushed the puck down ice, eventually letting a laser fly through the legs, once again, of Tim Thomas. Avery has been a factor in each of his last two games, which is a good sign as we approach the start of the regular season.

The third goal was one of the prettiest goals I have seen by a Ranger since the lockout, as forward Artem Anisimov undressed the Bruins defense with a dangle, cut to the net, and went backhand to forehand deking out Thomas, stuffing the puck into the back of the net for his second goal in two games. I have heard that the goal is already up on YouTube, so if you have not seen it yet, I highly recomend doing so. Anisimov has really picked up his game in the last two nights, registering four points between the two contests. I plan on seeing a lot more highlight reel goals from AA, because he has pretty much made the team.

The fourth Ranger goal was started by Matt Gilroy, who was deep, working along the boards, and fed Ales Kotalik who snapped a wrister that was deflected by Enver Lisin, for his second goal in two games.

The fifth and final Blueshirt tally came late in the game, when Dane Byers made a slick "no-look" backhand pass to set up forward P.A. Parenteau for a quick shot that banked off the post and in. Parenteau showed quick hands, receiving the pass and letting it go all in one motion. Unfortunately, the chances of Parenteau making the team at this point are slim, but he can be a great asset to the Wolf Pack as a pure goal scorer.

Also effective in the offensive zone, for the second straight game, was the line of Brashear, Boyle, and Voros. Voros, particularly, has been skating very well in these last few games, so it will be interesting to see what John Tortorella chooses to do with Aaron.

Looking at the defense, Mike Del Zotto and Matt Gilroy were superior on the blueline, and have a large chance at cracking this year's Ranger roster. Del Zotto, despite being speared by Milan Lucic, was incredible while moving the puck this afternoon, especially on the powerplay. Tortorella wants his Powerplay QB, well here he is.

Matt Gilroy was also very strong on both the offensive and defensive side of the puck, and we even saw him in deep on the forecheck several times in this game. In my opinion, Del Zotto and Gilroy are NHL ready, and should make the roster this season, but that is not my decision.

Sanguinetti and Semenov had decent games as well, but they have not opened as many eyes when comparing them to Gilroy and Sangs. I thought it was great that Rozsival and Redden sat this one out, because it gave both us fans and the coaches the opportunity to compare all of the young d-men all in one game, and it has me convinced as to who should make this team.

Steve Valiquette had a rough outing today, letting up both goals, but reliever Chad Johnson was very impressive. Johnson has a great glove hand, and it showed against New Jersey, and again tonight. I can see Johnson being the future backup for Henrik Lundqvist.

That is all for now, but I will have more tomorrow, discussing who should be cut, and who should live to see another day.

Also, if you have not yet seen, Brandon Dubinsky has been re-signed to a two year deal. Read more about that in my earlier post, below.
(Image courtesy of AP Photo)