Who will make the opening night roster?
The preseason is hours away, and it’s time for us to predict who will make the opening night roster. There are plenty of competitions worth following, and this will be one of the most interesting preseasons in recent history. Considering all of this uncertainty, determining who will make the opening night roster is a difficult task.
However, John Williams and I are up to the task. Let’s take a look at who we think will make the opening roster for the Rangers. Please note: this is who we THINK, not necessarily who we want. Also, please note we both predict Henrik Lundqvist and Ondrej Pavelec will be the goalies to make the team.
Brandon Cohen:
Forwards:
Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Mats Zuccarello
Rick Nash-Kevin Hayes-Jimmy Vesey
Michael Grabner-J.T. Miller-Pavel Buchnevich
Boo Nieves-David Desharnais-Bobby Farnham (Jesper Fast is hurt)
Scratches: Matt Puempel
Explanation:
The lines are in tune with what Alain Vigneault typically looks to do, and what he’s shown thus far this preseason. The prediction here is that Bobby Farnham makes the roster because of #grit (unfortunately) and Boo Nieves impresses enough to get an opening night wing spot.
Lias Andersson will not impress enough to make the opening night roster, while J.T. Miller will do enough to start the season at center.
Defense:
Ryan McDonagh-Anthony DeAngelo
Brady Skjei-Brendan Smith
Marc Staal-Kevin Shattenkirk
Scratches: Alexei Bereglazov and Nick Holden (though I believe Holden will be traded, I cannot assume this)
Explanation:
*Heavy sigh.* Alain Vigneault has provided me with zero reason to believe he will play McDonagh and Shattenkirk together. I see Vigneault looking to cover his lesser-talented defensemen (DeAngelo and Staal) with greater-talented defensemen (McDonagh and Shattenkirk) in an attempt to roll three defensive pairings.
I sure hope I’m wrong.
Bereglazov will make the team because of his out clause, and Holden is a plug-in for Kampfer. The rest start in the AHL.
Related Story: Preseason preview: What to watch for
John Williams:
Forwards:
Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Pavel Buchnevich
Rick Nash-J.T. Miller-Mats Zuccarello
Michael Grabner-Kevin Hayes-Jimmy Vesey
Boo Nieves-David Desharnais-Matt Puempel
Scratches: Bobby Farnham
Explanation:
We’ve seen in the past with Alain Vigneault that he likes to mix and match pairs of forwards together and then try to figure out the third linemate on the fly. Based on what we have seen in the past, I am going to guess that Kreider and Zibanejad, Hayes and Vesey, and Nash and Miller will be those pairs.
We have seen the KZB line show flashes of excellence before, so Buchnevich would seem to be an easy fit there. Both Zuccarello and Grabner will bring a speed dynamic to each of their lines.
As far as the fourth line, Fast will take Puempel’s slot when he comes back from injury, but until then, the combination of Nieves-Desharnais-Puempel can be sneaky good together. Desharnais, and to a lesser extent Puempel, both have flashed offensive prowess before, and Nieves is the type of guy who is good at the little things and doesn’t mind doing the dirty work.
Defense:
Ryan McDonagh-Kevin Shattenkirk
Brady Skjei-Brendan Smith
Marc Staal-Nick Holden
Scratches: Anthony DeAngelo, Steve Kampfer
Explanation:
I think Vigneault has done stupid things before regarding personnel decisions, but he can’t possibly screw up the potentially potent combo of McDonagh and Shattenkirk, can he? I don’t think so. Skjei and Smith were so good together in the postseason that I don’t think you can rationalize splitting them up.
The third pair is where it gets tricky.
I don’t see any scenario where Marc Staal isn’t in the starting lineup opening night unfolding, so for better or worse, he’ll be there. Holden, on the other hand, I believe will be traded. If he’s still there, though, he will be in the lineup too.
Next: Five things Vigneault needs to fix this season
DeAngelo is a guy who I don’t see Vigneault being too fond of, due to the combination of his NHL experience (or lack thereof) and his defensive ability (also, or lack thereof). And a bit of a bold prediction, Alexei Bereglazov won’t make the team out of camp and will accept a spot on the Wolf Pack’s backend instead of opting out to go back to Russia.