The wait for the 2023-2024 NHL season is almost over! Preseason has started and the oh-so-important opening night lines are being drawn up and tested.

The New York Rangers played their first game against the Boston Bruins 3-0. The Rangers lineup was almost entirely the younger players (like Jones and Cuylle) and those who were just drafted or are on the minor league teams. So it was a big tryout game as players go out to prove they’ve got what it takes for the regular season. A few guys were cut before and after the game.

While the score isn’t what you want to see, the effort was there and the Bruins new goalie was on fire. Robbed many great shots and 3 or so pipes were hit. Still, none of them went in and Jonathan Quick didn’t have a great game (he played half the game). He bungled one shot which he should have stopped the other one was more or less out of control.

Nothing that alarming to see and there are 5 more games until Oct. 12 when the regular season starts against Buffalo. Tuesday is next against the Islanders and many of the big guns will be playing along with more lineup changes. It’s time to keep a close eye on Lafreniere, Chytil, and Kakko as it’s expected to see them take more prominent roles and increased ice time under new coach Peter Laviolette.