The Rangers opened the 2024-25 preseason with a road win in TD Garden against the Boston Bruins. And, as colour commentator Joe Micheletti put it last night, "If you're not visible in these games, you're gone." So, today, I will analyze the Rangers play in the preseason opener in Boston and who I thought shined the most when allowed to prove themselves.
Filip Chytil
While maybe expected out of a skilled NHLer, Filip Chytil put up a great stat line in the win. With a goal and an assist for two points, Chytil drove the Rangers' offence all night. Chytil's best moment was drawing a tripping call late in the first and then taking an opportunity from the middle of the left circle and burying a shot in the top corner of the net to beat Bruins goaltender Brandon Bussi. Chytil's assist was also a high-level play, taking the puck into the offensive zone and saucing the puck to open man Alex Belzile, who potted the game-winning goal from the outside hash marks of the left circle, using his brilliant fake shot to fool the Bruins Michael DiPietro. Chytil's presence was felt all game; Chytil took 6 of the Rangers' 22 shots, showing his willingness to take his chances. Also, Chytil won 56.3% of his draws, giving the Rangers good chances in the offensive zone and getting them out of trouble in the D-zone multiple times.
Photo Credit: New York Rangers
Victor Mancini
Victor Mancini had a strong outing in the preseason opener, scoring a goal from the top of the circle and passing to Chytil on the second goal of the game for the Rangers. Mancini had a strong presence in his preseason debut, showcasing his two-way abilities as a defenseman. After having four goals and 12 assists in 57 combined games for the University of Nebraska-Omaha and the Hartford Wolf Pack in 2023-24. Mancini will get a huge chance to shine in 2024-25 with the Wolf Pack, and the 22-year-old looks to take advantage and maybe even make the Rangers' roster in 2025-26. Mancini also earned the first star of the game, his strong two-way performance earning him the recognition.
Louis Domingue & Dylan Garand
The two goaltenders in the game showed great signs, Domingue saving 14/15 shots and all four on the penalty kill in 30:18, while Garand saved 12/13 in 29:42 TOI. Domingue finished with a .933 save percentage and Garand with a .923%. Both goaltenders faced tough moments, Domingue facing tough shots in the middle of the second right before being relieved. Garand stayed strong in the final minutes of the third as six Bruins skaters attempted to tie the game. Both goaltenders allowed goals early in their outing. However, both bounced back, with Garand notably allowing zero third-period goals in the winning effort. Both goaltenders will be in the AHL this season, with the young Garand hoping to take another step this year and prepare to take the backup role from Jonathan Quick in 2025-26.
Alex Belzile
Veteran Alex Belzile also showed up to play, scoring the game-winning goal and working his way to another strong preseason with New York. A year after scoring 50 points in 61 regular season games for the Hartford Wolf Pack, the 33-year-old winger hopes to win the 13th forward role for the Rangers and get NHL playing time. Another strong preseason could bode well for the veteran forward.
Final Thoughts
The Rangers opened the preseason strongly, but there is more work to do against the Islanders on Tuesday. The Rangers will play their first home game of the season on Tuesday, so expect to see a different lineup in that game. As training camp progresses, the roster is now down to just 47 players through 1 preseason game. As more players get cut and we get closer to the season, these strong performances may be the difference between getting assigned to the AHL and competing for an NHL roster spot.
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