The New York Rangers kicked off their preseason with an impressive 3–2 victory over the Boston Bruins on Sunday afternoon. Filip Chytil had a standout performance, contributing two points to help guide the Blueshirts to their win.
Filip Chytil look regular-season ready
Chytil delivered a spectacular performance in the Rangers’ first preseason game, scoring two points against the Bruins. He netted a power-play goal in the first period, putting New York ahead 2–1, and later assisted Alex Belzile’s goal in the third period, extending the Rangers’ lead to 3–1 and securing the win.
It was encouraging to see Chytil perform at such a high level in the Blueshirts’ first exhibition match of the year, especially after a challenging 2023-24 campaign where he managed to play in only 10 regular-season games due to injuries, finishing with just six points. Now fully healthy and playing well, Chytil has the potential to take on a more significant role with the Rangers in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Top prospect Brennan Othmann is bringing physicality to the ice
Brennan Othmann, a forward who is 21 years old, is one of the Rangers’ best prospects. He became a star player for the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack after being selected by New York in the first round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Othmann hasn’t played much hockey in the NHL, but this coming season, that might change.
Othmann showed off his physicality in Sunday’s exhibition game, recording two hits and giving Bruins defenseman Parker Wotherspoon a huge check. Othmann compared the performance to Florida Panthers star forward Matthew Tkachuck. Rangers fans will undoubtedly become thrilled about this prospect’s potential after seeing those parallels.
The Rangers have a pair of impressive goalie prospects
Igor Shesterkin is the Rangers’ star goaltender, backed by veteran Jonathan Quick. The team has a strong reputation for developing young talent in their goalie prospect system, and that trend appears to be continuing. In their game against the Bruins, both goaltenders who saw ice time performed well. Dylan Garand recorded a .923 save percentage while allowing just one goal, and Louis Domingue was also impressive, finishing with a .933 save percentage and conceding one goal. With these performances, the Rangers have a promising future in net.
Several prospects stood out defensively
The Rangers are in the process of reshaping their defensive corps this season following the departure of veteran defenseman Erik Gustafsson over the summer. Zac Jones is anticipated to step into a regular role in the lineup, but the competition for that position is open, with several prospects vying for playing time.
Victor Mancini stood out in the game against the Bruins, contributing two points with one goal and one assist, along with one blocked shot, one takeaway, and three hits. Matthew Robertson also made his presence felt, recording two hits and one shot on goal, but he struggled with three giveaways during the game.
Looking ahead to the Rangers’ second preseason game against the Islanders
The Blueshirts will return to the ice for their second preseason game on Tuesday night, facing off against the New York Islanders. The Rangers will be looking for their prospects to continue shining and developing as they evaluate which players will make the regular-season roster.
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