Morning After: Devils defeat Rangers, 2-1

Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The New Jersey Devils defeated the New York Rangers 2-1 last night to open up the NHL preseason for both teams at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey

Well, it’s great to be back giving feedback to a hockey game again. It’s been way too long. It’s also great to be able to talk about the Ranger game, rather than the Stanley Cup finals.

Sure, the Rangers lost to the Devils 2-1. But it was the first preseason game and a good bunch of the guys dressed last night we will never see when the season opens up on October 3.

Cory Schneider stole the game, and kept the Devils firm at a 1-0 lead through two periods. The stick save he made on Brad Richards during their powerplay was magical, and he’s going to be a guy that steals games for the Devils, when the Devils can’t get their offense going, which could be a problem with them. He’ll be a guy that will allow them to win the 1-0, 2-1 games easily.

The first goal that Tendby scored, was a total defensive break down by the Justin Falk, Aaron Johnson pair. But it didn’t help that Chris Kreider looked lost, and didn’t help and cover Tendby. If there was a stick on him, I’m sure it would of been scoreless during the Henrik Lundqvist era of the game.

Annoyed, frustrated can’t even begin to describe what I felt about Rick Nash last night. Sure he had a little over of 19 minutes of ice time and 5 shots, but he still seemed slow and sluggish and lost at times out there. Really held back the line with Kreider and Brad Richards. He did pick up his game during the third period, but last night Nash reminded me of his playoff self. Yes, I understand it was the first preseason game, and he needs to get his legs back, but he should of at least showed some sort of effort.

Marc Staal looked extremely comfortable out there last night, and it’s a good sign to see him skate with such ease and without hesitation.  It’s good to see because it was real worrisome going into the offseason knowing that we didn’t know the status of his eye, until late July, early August. His visor is really long, and darkly tinted (hat tip to Oviechkin?) but, I’m happy to see him back. It’s going to take awhile for him to adjust to some things, but did he not look good last night or what?

Brad Richards is also someone who has a lot to prove, and I feel that he’s going to be fine. He’s going to do fine and I think it’s going to be a bounce back season for the “should of been bought out” Richards. Yes, from a business standpoint he should of been. But it’s good that he wants to go out and prove everyone wrong. It’s good that he wants to prove everyone that last year was a fluke, and that he’s a better player than he showed. But, this will be his final year in a Blueshirt.

Dominic Moore, welcome back! He scored the Rangers lone goal, and he played a solid two way game. Good to see him back on the ice. He’ll get another chance at it tonight when the Rangers face off against Philly.

Also, speaking of Moore, John Moore has legs! Reminds me of someone else rushing through on a powerplay skating end to end. And yes, I know Micheletti was comparing him to McDonagh yesterday, but I was thinking more a particular number 2. 

The Rangers face off against the Flyers in the second half of their back to back tonight at 7PM on MSG. Check in later for pre and post game analysis.

Below, check out cocah Alain Vigneault’s reaction to the teams first preseason game: