By: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings
NEW YORK, NY – The New York Rangers first tasted Madison Square Garden Ice on Tuesday night, taking a 4-2 victory over the rival New York Islanders.
They raced out to an early 3-0 lead in the first five minutes. Rookie Brennan Othman, who’s expected to be in Hartford with the Wolf Pack, made a strong impression with a physically initiating play in an early hit behind the net on the Islanders’ Sebastian Aho.
Othmann had no points or shots but was involved every shift. Jake Leschyshyn had a tremendous blind backhanded pass to set up Ranger newcomer Blake Wheeler’s goal.
Dylan Garand, who played the second and third periods in net in relief of Igor Shesterkin, stopped nine of 10 shots. He gave up a goal to Bridgeport Islander Arnaud Durandeau, who beat him a few times last season.
Rookie Matt Rempe had a solid second-period bout, shiner and all, against a tough customer, Ross Johnston.
Ex-Pack goalie Keith Kinkaid was injured in the New Jersey Devils pre-season opener in Montreal, and the Devils play the Rangers on Thursday night.
Ex-Pack goalie Brandon Halverson returns to North American hockey from Germany DEL-2 for one more chance with Dallas Stars on a PTO training camp deal aiming for a spot with Texas Stars (AHL). Still, he signed an agreement with the Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL), who he started with last year.
Bridgeport Islanders and former NHL goalie Corey Schneider opted to retire last season rather than go to Europe and play out his career.
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