McIlrath, Lindberg Shined On Broadway For New York Rangers

In last night’s 3-2 preseason win over the Boston Bruins, more was at stake than an exhibition match. Jobs were on the line, and one more game to prove their worth.

For two hopefuls, they may have just done enough. The night belonged to prospects Oscar Lindberg and Dylan McIlrath.

The night started out right for Lindberg and the Rangers, when he was named the team’s Top Rookie in Training Camp:

This preseason, he recorded two goals and two assists (along with an assist in a second period goal). He’s been the main topic of conversation amongst the Rangers community as a player to watch to make the Opening roster. With very few mistakes committed by the 23-year-old, he may have done enough to earn a roster spot.

New York Rangers

However, Lindberg’s award presentation seem to be the only highlight the Rangers fans would see in the opening period. A quick goal by the Boston Bruins with less than a minute into the game would put the team in a early hole.

That was, until the second period.

Lindberg lent a hand to the tying goal. After a pass to

, the Rangers captain let loose a shot on goal that found it’s way through traffic. Rangers

, another player who has impressed and may get a roster spot, and

provided road blocks for the Bruins goalie:

In the last minute of the same period, the Rangers would connect again for a goal to push their lead to 2-1. Miller’s skill with the puck was nasty, and to finish it off by putting it in the back of the net was icing on the cake:

The Rangers pushed their lead to two goals in the third. This time by way of the power play unit.

got the keeper, as he backhanded the puck in front of the net. Helpers went to

and

, in an excellent display of puck movement and finding the open man:

Despite the Bruins tallying one more goal, Henrik Lundqvist was in prime form all game. the score could have easily been more, if it were not for the King. He stopped 39 of 41 shots, and most of those were high-percentage chances.

However, it was another day at the office for Lundqvist, who has looked to be in mid-season form in his starts this preseason.

As mentioned before McIlrath may have done just enough to earn a roster spot with tonight’s performance. He impressed in the physical department, registering five hits on Bruins players, including a sequence of hits in his own defensive zone. He layed out the punishment on Bruins bad guy Zac Rinaldo and a retaliatory hit on Tyler Randell, where he earlier made contact with Lundqvist. Both players ended up dropping the gloves for a dance.

I don’t envy head coach Alain Vigneault or his staff on the players decisions they will be making these next three days. All the players have made it tough to choose which ones to keep.

Let the fallout begin!