New York Rangers Preview: Preseason finale vs. Flyers
By Josh Lipman
Storylines to follow
Overcrowding on the blue line
Despite a top two pairings set in stone, the Rangers have a whopping 10 defensemen left in camp. McDonagh, Kevin Shattenkirk, Brendan Smith, and Brady Skjei are givens, but the third pair remains a mystery.
Returning veterans Marc Staal and Nick Holden have done nothing to justify their spots. Holden didn’t play last night and will not take the ice tonight either.
Of the younger players, both Anthony DeAngelo and Neal Pionk are showing major talent. Ryan Graves continues to play a solid game as well.
AHL veteran Steven Kampfer is also hanging around for some reason.
Five on five scoring struggles
Through five preseason games, the Rangers have only three five on five goals. That’s a little alarming even with the crackdown on slashing and faceoffs tilting the balance of play significantly toward special teams.
The Rangers’ bloated training camp roster could explain some of the drought. But they’re carrying such a big set of forwards because their depth took a significant hit in the offseason. With Jesper Fast out until late October, at least some of these fringe guys will make it to opening night.