New York Rangers Preview: Preseason finale vs. Flyers

Players to watch

Filip Chytil

Despite turning 18 only a few days before training camp opened, Filip Chytil looks ready to play a role on the Rangers right now. The Czech center assisted on McDonagh’s overtime winner last night for his third point this preseason.

Though Chytil makes his share of mistakes, he also finds himself in the middle of multiple Ranger scoring chances every time he plays. His talent is too much to dismiss given New York’s dearth of centers.

Neal Pionk

At the start of camp, Neal Pionk appeared slated for Hartford. Pionk has done everything in his power to force his way onto the big club since then. His offensive skill is impressive, but his play in his own end has been solid as well.

With so many defensemen remaining in camp, it’s unclear where Pionk stands in Alain Vigneault’s pecking order. He’s too important a prospect for the seventh defenseman role, but his game looks NHL ready. If he does start the season in Hartford, he won’t be there long.

Travis Sanheim

The rookie Flyer defenseman burned the Rangers for two goals on Monday night. Philadelphia drafted Travis Sanheim in the first round in 2014. He has a wicked shot which might prove a problem for Ranger goalies for years to come.

Oskar Lindblom

Talented Swedish rookie winger Oskar Lindblom didn’t play at the Garden, but the Rangers will likely face him tonight. Philadelphia’s fifth round pick in 2014 averaged almost a point per game in the Swedish Elite League last year. Expect him to feature prominently in the Flyers’ powerplay setup.