Some thoughts on Game 1, Game 2 preview, plus some extension news and notes on this edition of New York Rangers Blueshirt Beat.
- New York Rangers (1-0)
- Montreal Canadiens (0-1)
- Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 1
- Game 2, Fri Apr. 14, 7 p.m. ET USA, MSG
- Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Well, for at least one game, the biggest questions regarding the New York Rangers were most definitely answered. Mr. Lundqvist was back to his normal self, backstopping the Blueshirts through a slow first period, and making a game-changing stop on a Shea Weber power play opportunity.
Same goes for the defense, which seemed to be able to rewind back to three years ago as Girardi and Staal were able to flip some switches and really bring some solid, heady play. Overall, an almost perfect game played by the Rangers, receiving a massive boost from Tanner Glass on a first-period goal, and an empty netter from Michael Grabner.
As we move towards Game 2, it looks as though we will see the same lineup, so you Glass haters are going to have to hold on for one more game it seems.
Essentially same lines, dpairs for NYR at Bell Centre prax, tho Buch rotating with Glass
— Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) April 13, 2017
The old saying states, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and I don’t disagree at all with AV keeping his lineup the same.
So just as a refresher, the lineup will look something like this …
Forwards
- Chris Kreider – Derek Stepan – Mats Zuccarello
- Jimmy Vesey – Mika Zibanejad – Rick Nash
- JT Miller – Kevin Hayes – Michael Grabner
- Tanner Glass – Oscar Lindberg – Jesper Fast
Defense
- Ryan McDonagh – Dan Girardi
- Marc Staal – Nick Holden
- Brady Skjei – Brendan Smith
Goaltenders
- Henrik Lundqvist
- Antti Raanta
Alain Vigneault addressed the media after today's #Blueshirts practice, a day before the series resumes for Game 2 in Montreal. pic.twitter.com/PjgkEsqQ4z
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 13, 2017
Hear what @bssmith7 had to say after today's #Blueshirts practice in Montreal. pic.twitter.com/qUau2VaQkh
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 13, 2017
“I thought it was an awesome experience." – @19Vesey on making his #Blueshirts playoff debut last night in Montreal. pic.twitter.com/xLtmBJk3Le
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 13, 2017
"We look forward to go out there tomorrow and try and get another one." – @HLundqvist30 after today's #Blueshirts practice. pic.twitter.com/Na1vYHA8fR
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 13, 2017
Other News
The Rangers announced today that defenseman Steven Kampfer has been signed to a two-year extension worth 1.3 million. That’s $650,000 annually, so this gives the Rangers some flexibility and depth.
Extremely excited and honored to resign with the @nyrangers! https://t.co/sCTLiWMwxc
— Steven Kampfer (@SteveKampfer47) April 13, 2017
Although on the surface this may seem like a simple depth signing, many Rangers fans were pleasantly surprised by the play of Kampfer during his brief time with the Blueshirts. He was acquired midseason from the Florida Panthers in a trade for Dylan McIlrath and seems better suited for AV’s style of play.
He’s still only 28 and is a right-handed shot, which is something the Rangers severely lack in the cupboard. Kampfer is an experienced defender with over 150 NHL games to his name. This signing will likely mark the end of Adam Clendening’s time in New York. Many fans will argue Clendening wasn’t offered a fair shake, but honestly, even though you will sacrifice some offense, Kampfer offers more physicality and smarter defensive zone play.
Outside Links
- Steve Zipay of Newsday, writes about Jimmy Vesey’s playoff debut.
- Zip also talks about the Ranger’s to do list for Game 2.
- Sean Farrell of NHL.com writes an article about Tanner Glass and the level of happiness of his contributions to Game 1.
