With just one tune-up left tonight, here are the three stars of the preseason for Peter Laviolette’s New York Rangers.
One. Week. Till hockey. ? pic.twitter.com/8r1qumJx4S
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 5, 2023
Although they still have one home matchup left against the Boston Bruins, the Rangers preseason has been somewhat of a roller coaster. A few ups in the form of emerging youngsters. A few downs represented by the goaltending apart from Igor Shesterkin. Don’t forget about the twists and turns with several lingering injuries.
The Three Stars of the Preseason for the New York Rangers
Without being completely negative, there were some bright spots in Peter Laviolette’s inaugural Rangers’ camp. The first three players went above and beyond to solidify their spot on this roster. Now, one or two candidates might not make it to Opening Night. However, they will play under the iconic ceiling of Madison Square Garden soon enough. Here are the three stars of the preseason, and yes, you’re allowed to read each heading in Joe Tolleson’s voice.
The Third Star: #78 Brennan Othmann
Throughout the preseason, the former Flint Firebird and Peterborough Pete has answered the call at any given moment. If the team needed a goal, he was there, especially in the shellacking last week courtesy of the New York Islanders.
Two goals in two games for 7️⃣8️⃣. pic.twitter.com/fgD6x6oi4N
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 1, 2023
If they called for more physicality, he was there. Don’t think that fans forgot about the home games against the Islanders and the Devils where there were some extracurriculars after the play. Odds are that Othmann was in the middle of those scrums more times than none.
It seems that there is a good amount of pressure for Othmann to eventually make this roster. Sure, there is a great chance that he will start in the year in Hartford for the Wolfpack.
The question now is “Who gets left off of the roster to make room for Othmann and another young forward?”. I just think that Rangers fans are sick and tired of the small sample size of the preseason, and they are ready for Othmann to make the jump. After all, he is already being given the title of “What Alexis Lafrenière could have been.” Yet, through flashy skill and a strong work ethic, Brennan Othmann has earned my third star.
The Second Star: #50 Will Cuylle
Cuylle has arguably been one of the better players to watch throughout this entire stretch of exhibition games. Like Othmann, Cuylle stepped up to the plate when it was his time to shine.
The kid can find the back of the net, even in an unorthodox manner like his goal last night in New Jersey. He’s not afraid to get physical, even against guys that seem bigger than him. For example, Kevin Bahl crushed Ryan Lindgren along the boards last night. Who responded with a howitzer of his not even a minute later? You guessed it, the former second-round pick himself.
Right place + right back at it for Cuylle. pic.twitter.com/u5ENfA5tZC
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 5, 2023
Again, when looking at New York’s forward core, there seem to be too many cooks in the kitchen. Cuylle might have to start the year in Hartford, where he notched 25 goals last season. Whether he starts the year up The Merit Parkway or here in The Big Apple, Cuylle is destined for greatness. With that, Will Cuylle earns my second star.
Tonight’s First Star: #56 Erik Gustafsson
Have the Rangers finally landed on Braden Schneider’s long-term defensive partner? Well, he is only under contract for this season, but has been stellar thanks to the play of Erik Gustafsson this preseason.
Gustafsson has already played under Laviolette’s system in Washington. The staff knew what was in store when he stepped onto the ice for the first time as a Blueshirt. He has impressed by both his puck-moving ability and his skating. In addition , he knows what to do with the puck before he receives it.
Being paired on the second power play unit with Miller would be an ideal scenario. Two defensemen on a power play unit is a bold strategy Cotton, but it works for these two. I, for one, cannot be the only Ranger fan who has yelled at Jacob Trouba to shoot the puck from the blue line. Maybe the addition of the Swedish-born defenceman will benefit the organization and my voice. With his impressive play thus far, Erik Gustafsson is the first star of the 2023-24 New York Rangers preseason.
If given the chance, these three stars of the preseason has the ability to turn some heads this coming season.
Main Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
