Rangers Vs. Flyers: Stock Report
Stock Going Way Up
Filip Chytil — I’m not sure what else I can say about Chytil at this point. There’s gushing and then there’s just overwhelming. I created this heading simply to reiterate just how good he’s been. I would make the argument that he’s been more noticeable than about 80% of the Rangers forwards, including veterans. There’s something about him — much like Pavel Buchnevich last year — where every time he’s near the puck something happens.
He made a great play to keep possession in overtime to record a secondary assist on the game-winning goal. That was his only touch to the score sheet, but there was so much more. He had two chances to score where he got robbed. A little flip pass to Rick Nash under pressure in the crease could have been finished, so should the quick touch to Chris Kreider right along the crease.
I don’t see any reason why Chytil shouldn’t make the opening night roster at this point. Even beyond the nine games, so long as he keeps getting legitimate ice time there’s something really special here.
Stock Going Up
Anthony DeAngelo — There’s a lot to like about DeAngelo’s game, and he keeps showing it off. Even on the penalty kill he looked pretty solid. Continued good work on the power play and general puck moving skills are a big plus for him here. Again: There’s no good reason why DeAngelo shouldn’t make the team out of camp. No good reason.
Pavel Buchnevich -- Two assists and another dominant performance from him. I’m expecting big things from him this year, although the reality of the situation is it will depend on usage ... again. The good news is there’s less jockeying for position up front than there was last year, and Buchnevich will have about a month to prove to Alain Vigneault that Jesper Fast isn’t a top-six winger.
Lias Andersson — The defensive game is there, for sure. There’s some really good work from him on his own end of the ice. There’s also flashes on offense, but he hasn’t shown as much flash there. I think a year in the SHL would go a long way for him, especially if he’s going to be playing a bigger role on offense. I bet he gets his nine games in the NHL (or at least a few) but he hasn’t stood out the way you’d expect from a guy who is going to make the team.
Stock Going Down
Marc Staal — I don’t know what’s going to happen here, but I know what SHOULD happen here.
