Fans Favorite will get one final chance to prove himself this preseason as the New York Rangers take on the New York Islanders in their last exhibition game. With Artemi Panarin out due to a lower-body injury, he will step into Panarin’s top-six role, playing alongside Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette emphasized the opportunity for him, saying, “Tomorrow is an opportunity for him… it’s an opportunity for him to go out and continue to make a mark in training camp.”
The Rangers’ No. 16 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, previously played with Panarin and Filip Chytil in another preseason game against the Islanders, but admitted to some nerves during the experience. He acknowledged that playing with such high-caliber teammates was a learning moment, saying, “I hold myself to a pretty high standard, and I thought there were a few times where I was bobbling the puck a little bit.”
This next game presents a crucial opportunity for him to show he can handle top-line responsibilities and secure a spot on the Rangers’ roster.
Brennan Othmann trying to prove himself to Rangers
With the competition for the New York Rangers’ final roster spots intensifying, Brennan Othmann’s opportunity to play alongside Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere is crucial for him to demonstrate his readiness for the NHL. As the only player on the Rangers to participate in all six preseason games, Othmann has recorded one goal and three assists in five exhibition contests. However, his performance has been described as inconsistent, with both ups and downs throughout the preseason.
Head coach Peter Laviolette acknowledged Othmann’s mixed performance, stating, “Like a lot of players, I don’t think everything has just been peaks the whole way… There are things that we talk to and show and want him to get better at, but there’s also been some good things that he’s done.”
To make a strong impression in the final game, Othmann will need to overcome any lingering nerves from playing with high-caliber talent. Since the last meeting with the Islanders, he has shown improvement, highlighted by an impressive unassisted breakaway goal against the Boston Bruins. In that game, he stripped the puck from the 6’6″ defenseman Nikita Zadorov, showcasing his skill and determination, which contributed to the Rangers’ 5-2 victory.
Othmann’s ability to deliver in this final exhibition game will be pivotal in his quest to secure a spot on the Rangers’ opening night roster.
Brennan Othmann also made an impact in the Rangers’ recent 5-4 victory over the New Jersey Devils, where he recorded two assists. His physical play has been notable, including a fight during the game against the Bruins, which showcased his willingness to engage physically and contribute beyond just scoring.
Despite this progress, Othmann’s path to making the opening-night roster remains uncertain. If Artemi Panarin returns to health in time for the season opener, it could significantly alter the need for an additional forward, potentially sidelining Othmann.
As it stands, Othmann appears to be the frontrunner for a roster spot, particularly compared to other candidates like Brett Berard. His experience of participating in every preseason game, combined with this second chance to play alongside elite players, puts him in a favorable position. However, he must continue to address any lingering nerves or confidence issues he faced in earlier preseason games.
Coach Peter Laviolette emphasized Othmann’s talent, stating, “He’s a talented player that can make plays and put up points,” but also noted that the evaluation process for him is ongoing. Othmann’s performance in the final exhibition game will be critical in shaping his future with the Rangers.
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