On the goal the defeated the Isles, New York Rangers youngsters Lias Andersson and Neal Pionk combined for a beauty.
- New York Rangers 1 (1-0-0)
- New York Islanders 0 (1-0-1)
- NHL, Preseason, Final, Box Score
- Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
OK, so while rookie first-rounder Lias Andersson didn’t have to do much on the New York Rangers only goal on Monday night, he still did register that first professional preseason point.
At Madison Square Garden on Monday night, Andersson found fellow youngster defenseman Neal Pionk who did the rest:
How 'bout Neal Pionk? Hey Brock Nelson, your jockstrap is still at the top of the circle. Rangers win. #NYR pic.twitter.com/sZipzmOH2K
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) September 19, 2017
(Hey, Brock Nelson, your jockstrap is still sitting at the top of the circle inside the walls of MSG.) That’s another matter for a different time.
On this day, we talk about Pionk’s wonderful move that resulted in the sloppy game’s only goal.
And yes, it was a sloppy game. Due to the league’s target on slashing penalties, the teams were rarely at even strength. In fact, there were a total of 15 power plays (seven for the Isles and eight for the home team).
Newly-acquired backup goaltender Ondrej Pavelec received the start and picked up the shutout. J.T. Miller played center in this one and alongside captain Ryan McDonagh. Others who partook in the festivities were Anthony DeAngelo, Nick Holden and Cristoval Nieves.
NEAL PIONK FOR THE WIN!!! #NYR pic.twitter.com/nUwOnCp4oY
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 19, 2017
"It was a really special feeling…I'm just trying to pinch myself to make sure it's real." – @NPionk95 on his OT winner for #NYR pic.twitter.com/VI62JVJAAw
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 19, 2017
#NYR salute the fans after the OT win over the Islanders! ?⚪️?⚪️? pic.twitter.com/L8r5eirUuQ
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 19, 2017
? @NPionk95's game winning ? in OT from all angles + #NYR celebration shots! pic.twitter.com/7ipU24wYaA
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 19, 2017
"I'm happy it went in." @NPionk95 after his game-winner in overtime for #NYR tonight against the Islanders. pic.twitter.com/4HrRbDS7MI
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 19, 2017
"I think a solid first game." – @liasandersson speaks with the media after his first #NYR game Monday night. pic.twitter.com/pZm6Vtm6Fg
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 19, 2017
Ondrej Pavelec speaks with the media following his preseason debut with #NYR against the Islanders.. pic.twitter.com/k2j0mW0Jxb
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 19, 2017
Hear what #NYR head coach Alain Vigneault thought of @NPionk95's winner, plus his thoughts on @liasandersson and much more. pic.twitter.com/bNRPJppD42
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 19, 2017
Going inside the #NYR dressing room and hear from Pionk, Andersson, Pavelec and AV after tonight's preseason win over the Islanders. pic.twitter.com/7Swl883Fx1
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 19, 2017
“I’m still trying to pinch myself and make sure it’s real." @NPionk95 lifts #NYR to OT win in preseason opener. https://t.co/DsRqicKDqq pic.twitter.com/oGGv6BATqg
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 19, 2017
Other Rangers News, Stories:
- Brett Cyrgalis of the New York Post writes about that Trump-loving bad boy Anthony DeAngelo.
- Larry Brooks of the Post explains how top pick Andersson has changed since meeting fellow Swede Henrik Lundqvist.