The New York Rangers beat the New York Islanders 4-1

May 11, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) congratulates New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) on beating the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 after game five of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Rangers defeated the New York Islanders 4-1 at home for their preseason home opener. There was a lot to take in during the game, including the newcomers and those still vying for a spot on the team. Here are a few looking to become a Ranger.

Jimmy Vesey

Jimmy Vesey signed a professional tryout contract on Friday, September 2, looking to rejoin the Rangers.

Vesey showed why he deserves to be a part of the Rangers Organization again with his skills, particularly his PP as shown in tonight’s game. He scored a powerplay goal (PPG) in the first period, giving the Rangers and the fans some positive vibes. After all, his NHL playing career started with this team. Why not give him another chance after what he did for them in the first place?

Vesey was originally traded to the Buffalo Sabres by the Nashville Predators for a third-round pick from the Minnesota Wild in the 2016 NHL Draft.

Vesey was signed as a free agent by the Rangers in 2016, which is where he made in NHL debut at the age of 23.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Jimmy Vesey #26 of the New York Rangers skates against the Dallas Stars at Madison Square Garden on November 19, 2018, in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Stars 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

In 80 games, Vesey had 27 points (16 goals, 11 assists) with six game-winning goals.

In the time Vesey spent with the Rangers, he had a total of 90 points (50 G and 40 A) with 14 game winners.

On July 1, 2019, Vesey was traded to the Sabres for a 2021 third-round draft pick.

Other teams of Vesey’s include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and New Jersey Devils.

Brennan Othmann

This youngster really has it going on with what he did on the ice. He finished the game with two assists.

In the 2019-20 season, Othmann had 33 points (17 goals, 16 assists) in 55 games with the Flint Firebirds, part of the Ontario Hockey League. He was named to the league’s First All-Rookie Team as well.

This 19-year-old was selected by the Rangers in the 2021 NHL Draft as the #16 pick. He showed what he can do. Othmann may have a long and prosperous future.

Bobby Trivigno

It appears Trivigno is taking the role of enforcer and it showed. Both Trivigno and Parker Wotherspoon received minor penalties for hooking in the second period. Trivigno had no problem getting in the face of Wotherspoon and I am sure more of that will take place throughout the season.

Trivigno signed as a free agent with the Rangers on April 1, 2022.

The best part about Trivigno is that he grew up on Long Island as a Rangers fan. To be a part of the Rangers team would probably be a dream come true.

What’s Next?

The Rangers will be playing the Boston Bruins Tuesday, September 27 at 7:00 PM ET. Will the Rangers bring the same offense and gameplay that they did against the Islanders? Will the key players like Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Artemi Panarin blow the game open and show the Bruins what they are made of? Or will the Bruins brutalize the Rangers?

I am hoping the Rangers dominate as they did against the Islanders, but anything is possible. It is just the preseason and these games don’t count, although they are still fun to watch.

What do you think will happen? Will Gerard Gallant go with the same lines? Why fix what’s not broken? However, it is still a good idea to play around with the lines to see which players click more. There may be more chemistry with one group of guys as opposed to others and this will show.

Question for Blue Line Station readers: Would you change anything after the game against the Isles? If so what and why?

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