Islanders 5
Rangers 1
Nowhere near the bar-room brawl that games in the regular or even the exhibition seasons used to be between the two New York hockey teams, last night’s preseason opener between the Rangers and Islanders was a showcase of the new NHL.
It was more study hall than fight club, as both teams felt their way around the new rules, and not a single glove was dropped.
After a 5-1 Islander win at the Coliseum, it was evident the Rangers have a lot of work to do before the real games start in October.
It was clear that teams will live and die by the power play. It was apparent there will be more time and space in the offensive zone, and that scoring chances will be aplenty. And it was unmistakable that the hook and tug (once staples of the game) are endangered species.
“I think it’s going to be a lot easier to score the goals,” the Rangers’ Jaromir Jagr said.
Referees Dave Jackson and Chris Rooney whistled 17 penalties. and the Islanders capitalized on the power play early en route to the first win of any kind against their cross-town rivals since March 25, 2003.
The Rangers had a hard time adjusting to the new rules and were sent to the box for 11 penalties, with four stick infractions charged to rookie defenseman Marc Staal. Two of the Ranger penalties were for too many men on ice.
“It’s all part of the leaning curve,” Ranger coach Tom Renney said. “We didn’t do some things very well, quite frankly.”
Kevin Weekes started in the Range goal and looked rather uncomfortable as the Islanders zipped three of their first four shots past him for a 3-0 lead before the game was six minutes old.
Alexei Yashin, named captain of the Islanders earlier yesterday, zapped his first shot of the game past Weekes (four goals against on 17 shots) 2:18 into the first period. Newly acquired Alexei Zhitnik scored his second goal of the game at 5:22 of the first.
“I think the Islanders adjusted a lot quicker than we did,” Jagr said.
Jamie Lundmark potted the Ranger goal, while the Isles got goals from Jason Blake and rookie defenseman Chris Campoli.
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Isle rookie Robert Nilsson registered an assist skating on a line with Yashin and Miroslav Satan. … Rick DiPietro (14 saves) started in net for the Isles and was relieved by Garth Snow (seven saves) midway through the second, while Weekes came out for Henrik Lundqvist (16) during same stoppage. … Isles named Mark Parrish and Brad Lukowich assistant captains. … Rangers won shootout 2-0 on goals by Jagr and Martin Straka.