While the preseason means little, the Rangers looked good in the games I watched. Mats Zuccarello is back and looks like the Zuc of Old, King Henrik is holding court and the starting lineup is all set. Only things left on the table are the suits.
The race for 7th defenseman comes down to Dylan McIlrath and Raphael Diaz. While Diaz looked good on the power play McIlrath clearly won this battle sealing the deal by fighting Boston forward Tyler Randell (a fight he clearly won) after he made contact with Lundqvist. McIlrath had a strong camp and will easily fill the role of enforcer. It's time to see what the Undertaker can do in the NHL.
Speaking of enforcers, the race for the last forward spot is down to Emerson Etem and Tanner Glass. Glass, a veteran, is a solid penalty killer and will drop the gloves with anyone filling the role of enforcer last year. Etem has been a disappointment since coming from Anaheim in the Carl Hagelin trade. At 23 years old he still has potential and releasing Etem means they traded Hagelin for nothing. For these reasons Etem is my pick to wear a suit but with coach Alain Vigneault's unexplainable attachment to Glass anything is possible.
The only other question at this point is how well will Antti Raanta fill Cam Talbot's skates. Talbot was as reliable as back up goalies come- to the point he is now the starting goalie for the Edmonton Oilers. Will Raanta be able to handle 20-25 games to spell Lundqvist?
The Rangers head into the 2015-16 season will high expectations- much like the last two years. This is truly a Stanley Cup or bust season... LGR!!!
Take care and tight lines!
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