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:
(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.
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.