Rangers’ Imposing Fourth Line Shines in Preseason Win Over Devils

The New York Rangers showcased their impressive fourth line during their preseason opener against the New Jersey Devils, clinching a 5-3 victory at Prudential Center in Newark. This formidable unit featured a towering trio: 6-foot-7 Dylan Roobroeck, 6-foot-5 Nathan Aspinall, and the 6-foot-9 Matt Rempe.

Coach Sullivan Praises Rempe’s Performance

After the game, head coach Mike Sullivan expressed particular enthusiasm for Matt Rempe’s performance, highlighting his pivotal role throughout the match.

"I thought Remps had a great game," Sullivan reflected. "He was really strong on pucks and did a good job protecting them."

Physical Dominance

The sheer size of this fourth line presents a unique challenge for opponents.

• Strength on Pucks: Rempe adeptly shielded the puck, allowing for effective offensive plays.
• Smart Decisions: He showcased his ability to create opportunities even when plays were stymied at the rush.

Sullivan continued to emphasize Rempe’s critical contributions, stating, "The strength to go through their defensemen to get the puck to the net is invaluable. He’s a handful for our opponents."

Speed and Agility

Despite his considerable size, Rempe’s speed has not gone unnoticed. Sullivan noted:

"He’s in great shape and is a strong skater. Bigger players can sometimes look slow, but he covers ground effectively."

Key Contributions from the Fourth Line

The fourth line made a significant impact early in the second period. Rempe used his enhanced speed to slice through two Devils players, setting up Dylan Roobroeck, who netted the rebound, pushing the score to 2-1 at the 3:11 mark.

Goals from the Rangers

The Rangers’ scoring was well-rounded, with several players adding to the scoreboard:

• Gabe Perreault opened the scoring.
• Scott Morrow, Conor Sheary, and Jonny Brodzinski also contributed goals.

Roobroeck stood out with two points, assisting on Brodzinski’s goal that made it 5-2.

Othmann’s Challenging Performance

In contrast to the success of the fourth line, Brennan Othmann had a difficult night. He played 12:30 minutes with just one shot on goal.

• Penalty Minutes: Othmann accumulated 15 penalty minutes, including a game misconduct for elbowing Calen Addison, which could lead to further disciplinary action.
• Turnovers: He struggled with puck management, adding to the challenges faced.

Goalie Standout Performances

In net, Jonathan Quick was stable, saving 12 of 13 shots before giving way to Dylan Garand, who allowed two goals on 15 shots.

Summary of the Match

The Rangers demonstrated their potential for the upcoming season with a balanced offense and strong defensive plays. Not only did Matt Rempe ignite excitement among fans and teammates alike, but the impressive performance of the fourth line sets an encouraging tone for the rest of the preseason.

For more on the Rangers and their latest developments, be sure to check out resources on NHL and the New York Rangers’ official site.