Here’s a compilation of notes from the Rangers-Flyers game and past tendencies from a few key prospects who played:
Richard Nejezchleb - 6-2, 203 - W - He has a sneaky wrist shot high. He made some nice passes on the PP. He really opened up his skating as the game went on. He was defensively better than he used to be. If he can stay healthy he looks like an NHL prospect.
Dylan McIlrath - 6-5, 220 -D - His first shot attempt ended in a broken stick. His shot couldn’t find the net (he registered 1 shot on net and 2 hits). His angles were ok. His speed’s not great. His turning is not tight. He saw some time on the PK. He was losing battles behind the net in the offensive zone. He’s still not NHL ready. He played the least amount of time of any defenseman.
Oscar Lindberg - 6-1, 194 - C - Lindberg had an NHL quality snipe. He had poise and got Mason on high. He can get some points at the NHL level. But his skating, defense and draws (50%) were good. A plus 2 in this game in a losing effort with two points.
Mat Bodie - 6-0, 176 - D - He may be a bit heavier at this point. After a decent first period he ratcheted up his game as it progressed. He’s still a very good passer. He was getting mostly second PP time. He had two nice goals. His speed was evident and he took bumps with no issue. He should have a chance to play with the big club at times this season. He and Ryan Graves formed a nice PK pairing. Bodie downed a shake after the game to keep his weight up. Important for a player like him.
Ryan Graves - 6-4, 220 - D - He has improved his first pass and showed zero panic in his game. His stick handling was smooth and his skating has improved. He had a terrific game and he was ready to block shots as always.
Kirill Kabanov - 6-2, 192 - W - Too a dumb slashing penalty and then was drawing heat from the Flyers, and a few chips, as an agitator. He still skates really well. At 23, his best shot at the NHL, probably with another franchise, might be in a Sean Avery type role. He may be able to pull that off.
*Rangers head coach, Alain Vigneault was up in a suite watching the action from that perspective tonight.
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