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Rangers Continue Winning Ways in Pre-Season

by Patrick Hoffman on 09/25/09 at 07:26 AM ET
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The New York Rangers won their third straight pre-season game last night by defeating Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals by a score of 3-2 at Madison Square Garden.

The Blueshirts got solid performances from Henrik Lundqvist (he’s already in mid-season form), Matt Gilroy (named best Ranger rookie in training camp), Marian Gaborik (he NEEDS to stay HEALTHY), Chris Higgins (clutch game winning goal with just 1:10 remaining) and Brandon Dubinsky (his usual hard-working self). Big performances from these players during the regular season could help the Blueshirts go a long way come playoff time.

It was also interesting to see the fan’s reactions to tough-guy Donald Brashear, who racked up 12 minutes in penalties. In his first fight of the game, the crowd booed as he lost to Caps’ enforcer Brandon Sugden but cheered him later on during their second bout in the third period. Don’t be surprised if that’s the way it is all season for Brashear.

It really is something else to watch Gaborik, isn’t it? He’s got a lot of speed, soft hands, a great shot and the puck seems to follow him around in big-play situations. If Gabby can remain healthy this season, do not be surprised if he posts in the 30-40 goal range and the 70-80 point range. When he’s healthy, he’s one of the most talented guys in the National Hockey League and there’s no reason why he cannot be a star on Broadway.

Lundqvist was in mid-season form tonight as he had solid rebound control, looked great going post-to-post, has quick feet and looks primed and ready for another big season. The statistics (I know they don’t mean much in pre-season) show that as he has a 1.59 goals-against average and a .942 save percentage.

Defensemen Matt Gilroy and Michael Del Zotto continue to impress and have shown the team and its management that it can handle big minutes. One would expect Gilroy to be up with the team all season while Del Zotto will more than likely get a look from coaches and management in nine regular season games before deciding whether or not to send him back down to juniors.

I know folks, it’s just a pre-season win and in the scheme of things, they do not mean much. However, what’s important is that the team is starting to develop a style of its own and one that can certainly win hockey games, which is what it’s all about, right?

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 Tags: New+York+Rangers, Washington+Capitals,

Comments

Brashear actually had 14 PIMs, because he took 2 stupid penalties in addition to the fights.

Posted by K24 from NYC on 09/25/09 at 08:26 AM ET

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Patrick has a tremendous passion for hockey. Besides covering the Rangers and the NHL for Kukla’s Korner, you can also find Patrick’s work over at RLD Hockey, Rangers Tribune, and TheGoodPoint.com.

Prior to writing for the above mentioned outlets, you could find Patrick’s musings at hockey web sites/outlets such as TheHockeyNews.com, The Fourth Period, Spector’s Hockey, Hokeja Vestnesis, Blueshirt Bulletin, SNYRangersBlog.com and many more.

For questions, comments and hip checks, feel free to e-mail Patrick at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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