The New York Rangers rookies got their first taste of live game action Friday when they skated to a 4-3 shootout win against the Philadelphia Flyers at PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, home of the Flyers AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Prior to the start of the game, the Rangers named Brennan Othmann, Brett Berard, and Matthew Robertson captains of their rookie squad. The three prospects have experience playing in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack, and assumed leadership roles at both development camp in July and this week at rookie camp.
Each of the “veterans” played a hand in the victory.
The Rangers young guns got off to a quick start, dominating play and striking first thanks to a power-play goal by Adam Edstrom on a rebound, assisted by Othmann and Robertson. However, the Flyers rookies then took control, tying the game at one, and grabbed the lead on a 5-on-3 power-play goal from highly-touted prospect Matvei Michkov in the second period.
Edstrom came right back, scoring another rebound goal courtesy of a blast by defenseman Case McCarthy. New York took the lead in the third period when Kalle Vaisanen tipped home a pass from Adam Sykora to make it a 3-2 game. The Flyers, however, tied it with just 14 seconds left in regulation.
The Rangers rookies eventually found a way to win when Othmann scored the only goal of the shootout.
The rookies will face-off again Saturday at 5 p.m. The contest will be streamed on the Flyers web site.
Related: Rangers rookie camp: ‘Explosive’ Adam Edstrom eyes NHL job
3 takeaways from Rangers vs. Flyers rookie game
Here are the three biggest takeaways from the Rangers 4-3 win in their rookie game against the Flyers on Friday.
Adam Edstrom most noticeable player, will contend for roster spot
Of all the Ranger prospects expected to stand out and impress, it was Edstrom who stole the show in this one. With each of his goals scored on a rebound opportunity, Edstrom showed his ability and willingness to put his 6-foot-7 frame in the tough areas to score dirty goals.
Aside from his two rebound tallies, one after an Othmann blast on the power play, and one from a McCarthy point shot, Edstrom was noticeable all over the ice. His 11 games of NHL experience really showed playing in a game with the majority of players yet to make their NHL debut.
The 23-year-old forward was physical all night, and his skating really stood out as well. He even generated a grade-A chance by completely burning a Flyers defenseman and driving to the net with the puck, almost coming away with a third goal. He also nailed the crossbar midway through the third period.
If this performance proves anything, it’s that Edstrom will certainly be in contention for a roster spot when training camp begins, likely battling Matt Rempe and Jonny Brodzinski for one of the final two forward spots on the opening-night roster.
Dylan Garand making serious push to be No. 3 Rangers goalie
Dylan Garand had a great night between the pipes for the Rangers rookies. The 22-year-old goalie faced multiple high-danger chances from Michkov and the rest of the Flyers rookies throughout the night, and made some very timely saves. While the Flyers ultimately tied the game late, Garand kept them in it throughout regulation, overtime, and in the shootout, where he stopped all three shots, including an attempt by Michkov.
The first two goals that Garand let up came on a deflection that was near-impossible to stop, and on a two-man disadvantage. Hard to blame the goalie for either of those goals against. The tying goal came after a slew of Flyer chances, and after New York failed to score on the empty net. While it was just one rookie exhibition game, Garand looked like he was playing at a higher level.
Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick are set as the 1-2 punch in goal for the Rangers again this season, but don’t be surprised if Garand gets the first call-up rather than veteran goalie Louis Domingue.
Entering his third season with Hartford, and coming off two excellent runs in the Calder Cup Playoffs, Garand should receive the bulk of the work with the Wolf Pack this season. Eventually, Garand will earn his NHL debut. If Shesterkin or Quick go down with injury, Garand may be the next man up.
Related: Rangers goalie prospect Dylan Garand promises ‘my time will come’
Matvei Michkov destined to be thorn in Rangers’ side for years to come
It was a big surprise earlier this summer when the 2023 No. 7-overall pick announced he would be making the transition to North America ahead of schedule from his native Russia. Expectations are through the roof for the talented 19-year-old, and it appears Michkov looks like he is ready to contend for a spot in the Flyers lineup. He was all over the ice against the Rangers rookies, generating chance after chance, whether it was finding space to get a shot, or by making a nifty play to set up a teammate.
Michkov wasn’t afraid to get creative in this contest. At one point, he tried to score from a poor angle to the side of Garand, but the Ranger netminder was up to the task. He then tried to do a Michigan-like pass from behind the net, similar to the viral Trevor Zegras/Sonny Milano goal from a few years ago. Clearly, Michkov is not lacking confidence.
Michkov scored an impressive goal during Philadelphia’s 5-on-3, tucking the puck in between the post and the skate of Garand from behind the Rangers net. It was certainly a glimpse into the future, as Michkov should be in Philly’s opening-night lineup. There’s certainly a world in which the likes of Adam Fox, Shesterkin, and Co. — rather than a group of prospects — are defending Michkov when the Rangers first meet the Flyers this season the day after Thanksgiving.
