The exhibition game on Wednesday with the New York Islanders went as I expected it to. Neither team went full force, saving the energy (and avoiding injury, except for Brendan Lemieux who felt that–even though he’s going to sit for a 2 game suspension from the regular season–a fight was necessary to get into ) to make sure the start of the tournament on Saturday will be the strongest each team can be. Islanders beat the Rangers 2-1 so the Rangers were able to compete for the full hour.

The first period was the best for the Rangers, the Islanders didn’t pick up their standard game until the 2nd. Fast, some decent hits, and more shooting than average from the Rangers. While they had some opportunities here and there, the Rangers never found their stride. No streaks of good plays, more like the parts of the team working independently than together. Once the Islanders cinched up their defense, the Rangers couldn’t get anything done. The Islanders have a defensive system (smother) that the Rangers don’t know how to handle.

Shesterkin let one goal in on 7 seven shots and Lundqvist let one in as well. Igor’s was a pretty soft goal while Hank’s was blistering shot across that was right on the money. Really hard to stop. Both goalies looked good but the team has work to do. The penalty kill was terrific–5 for 5–but the power play did nothing of note. Panarin and Zibanejad were on the ice but hardly visible.

With the best of 5 series with Carolina starting tomorrow, whatever team plays like a team first will win. It could go either way but the Rangers have to play like they were at the end of the season or they have no chance. Kreider is back to 100% and Kakko is well-rested and looks more relaxed so these two pieces could make the difference with 2 of Carolina’s most potent defensemen injured.

I have high hopes–as I always do–for the Rangers and the long term stats are in the Rangers favor. The Rangers swept Carolina in the regular season. The Rangers are always a challenge for Carolina to beat. But this tournament isn’t a regular tournament. These teams have now played one hockey game in 4 months. There is no room for error, 3 games to win and that’s it. The pressure is high as ever because this is the Stanley Cup playoffs.

It’s a treat to have hockey back!