New York Rangers: Four thoughts through four preseason games

Who Should Make the Team?

Good question! I’ve changed my mind on this with every game, but unless something wild happens in the preseason finale, this is the roster I would field. Yes, this is what I WANT to happen, not what I think will happen, necessarily.

Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Pavel Buchnevich

Rick Nash-Kevin Hayes-Mats Zuccarello

J.T. Miller-Filip Chytil-Michael Grabner

Boo Nieves-David Desharnais-Jimmy Vesey

Scratches: Lias Andersson

The lines allow you to roll four lines throughout the game, as Vesey provides a nice chunk of offense for the fourth line. I will get into Chytil and Andersson on the next slide.

Ryan McDonagh-Kevin Shattenkirk

Brady Skjei-Neal Pionk

Brendan Smith-Anthony DeAngelo

Scratches: Nick Holden, Marc Staal

The New York Rangers’ only responsibility is to ice the best roster possible. While I was previously hesitant about splitting up Skjei and Smith, doing so allows everyone to play on their natural sides, while also allowing the team to roll three defensive pairings. Additionally, Anthony DeAngelo gets a defensive-minded defenseman in Brendan Smith on his side.

The goaltenders will be Henrik Lundqvist and Ondrej Pavelec.