Devils 3, Whale 1
Last night the CT Whale lost their preseason opener to the Albany Devils 3-1 at Champions Skating Center in Cromwell, CT.
Rangers 2011 first round pick JT Miller scored the Whale's lone goal during a 5-on-3 power play.
Paul Doyle at the Hartford Courant said Miller was all over the ice and probably the Whale's best player.
Here's Miller on his performance...
"I felt good. We had a pretty tough week this week, especially early on. I was just trying to get out there and keep it as simple as possible. I didn't want to try and do too much."
Chad Kolarik, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, hit the cross bar with a shot in the second period and, according to Doyle, showed energy throughout the game.
Michael Haley was bloodied in his first of what I suspect will be many fights this season.
The Whale were outshot 34-19 and were 1-for-6 on the power play.
...tough to make an assessment without watching the game but it looks like the Whale took it on the chin tonight. Wouldn't be too worried as players like Kreider, Hrivik and Bourque were healthy scratches.
...really excited for Miller, who, if he can keep this up, is going to make a real push for a Rangers roster spot if/when the NHL season starts.
...if you've been reading the blog for awhile you know I'm not a huge Christian Thomas fan as I feel he skill set is not great enough to overcome his size and he continues to prove me right. He has been invisible in camp up until this point and couldn't muster a point tonight playing on a pretty solid line with Jean and Yogan.
The Whale are back in preseason action tonight at the Worcester Sharks.
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It sucks. I just looked at the season schedule for the Wilkes-Barre Penguins and they don't play the Whale at home this year. I may have to go to Albany if I want to see them.
And this is why we have to be able to see the game - you might not be impressed with Thomas but those watching him are. Yeah his line didn't earn a point last night but I heard great things about his play (read Cerny's recap). I'm not saying he's going to make it but I don't think you can rag on him for last night.
@Melissa (angelzeyes2521) While I can appreciate that he may have played hard, if Thomas wants to play in the NHL he needs to start scoring. Which up until this point, whether it was Traverse City, Rangers training camp or with the Whale, he has yet to do it
@KevinDeLury Fair enough. I'm not saying he is definitely going to make it (cause I'm not sure he will) but I'm giving him a couple more games before saying he may be a bust lol.
@Melissa (angelzeyes2521) Good point. Actually just read Cerny's recap and sounds like he did some good things offensively. Just need him to start finding the back of the net at the next level.
Going from nearly closing this blog to doing Whale pre-season wrap-ups....man you gotta be in pain. ....but thank you! Because of the number of Ranger hopefuls on this team it's worth following them.
@_Jack Yeah, I'm actually enjoying it. Seeing the future of the Rangers franchise in action puts a smile on my face despite the awfulness of the lockout.
