NYHN Daily: Islanders Shutout Rangers, Chara Leadership & More

The New York Islanders took the ice for their first preseason game on Sunday and came away with a 4-0 win over the cross-town rival New York Rangers. Even though it was preseason, there was a lot of positives that came out of the win. Veteran defenseman Zdeno Chara fills a position the Islanders needed to fill, but his presence at camp is immeasurable. These stories and more in today’s daily links!

The New York Islanders opened the preseason with a 4-0 win over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Brock Nelson, Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck and Ross Johnston each scored in the win, and Ilya Sorokin and Jakub Skarek split time in net. The game was the first glimpse the Islanders’ coaching staff had to see some of its new additions in game action, including Aatu Raty, Erik Gustafsson and Richard Panik. Here are five takeaways from the Islanders’ preseason win over the Rangers. (NYI Hockey Now)

It’s been hard to miss Zdeno Chara on the ice at Northwell Health Ice Center over the past three days. Even next to some of the New York Islanders’ bigger players, Chara still towers over them. However, Chara’s presence has loomed large over training camp for more than just the fact that the 44-year-old stands at 6-foot-9. The hulking defenseman is expected to play a big role on the Islanders on the ice and off of it. (NYI Hockey Now)

Islanders second-year netminder Ilya Sorokin had never played in an NHL preseason due to COVID-19. He did not disappoint in his first preseason game, as he looked like he was in mid-season form. He made tough saves look easy, as he was calm and in control. Sorokin will be sharing the net this season with Semyon Varlamov, but after taking major strides in year one, we should expect to see more minutes for the youngster. (Newsday)

Boston Bruins forward Steven Fogarty took a Dylan McIlrath elbow directly to the head in the preseason game against the Washington Capitals. McIlrath was given a major penalty and ejected from the game. While Fogarty was more likely heading back to the AHL, you never want to see plays like this. McIlrath should be expecting a call from George Parros of NHL Player Safety. (Boston Hockey Now)

After the Penguins were eliminated by the Islanders in the postseason last year, Marcus Petterson called out his own play, saying that he failed to take a step forward. He was harder on himself than most fans were, and now is looking to take those strides this season. He worked extremely hard in the offseason and seems prepared for a solid season. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Incredible news out of Philadelphia as Oskar Lindblom remains cancer-free says head coach Alain Vigneault. He seems to be getting back to his old self and his old game, using his physicality again to make plays. The Flyers will need a strong season from Lindblom, but at the end of the day, it is about him staying healthy. (Philly Hockey Now) 

The Florida Panthers had a day on Sunday as they swept their two preseason contests against the Nashville Predators. Head coach Joel Quenneville ran with the lines that had been on display during training camp. After a busy Sunday, the players will not report on Monday, and will take a maintenance day before hitting the ice again on Tuesday. (Florida Hockey Now)

The Washington Capitals didn’t get the result they wanted in their preseason opener against the Boston Bruins, falling 3-2 in a shootout. However, several players capitalized on their opportunities in the Capitals’ first exhibition game, giving head coach Peter Laviolette a lot to consider as skaters compete for vacant spots on the roster. In the loss, Hendrix LaPierre showed off his speed, Connor McMichael still proved his worth, with Justin Schultz, Martin Fehervary and Trevor van Riemsdyk standing out on the backend. (Washington Hockey Now)

When deciding to bet on a Stanley Cup champion prior to the start of the regular season, sometimes going with your hometown favorite could be disastrous, financially speaking. For example, you would not want to risk your hard-earned money on the Detroit Red Wings to be hoisting the Cup, because well that is not realistic. But thanks to some wild prop wagers at BetMGM, it’s possible to bet the Red Wings to win the 2021-22 Stanley Cup and still cash the bet. (Detroit Hockey Now)

The Golden Knights were hit with a double whammy Sunday night as they not only lost their first preseason game but also lost one of their top offensive weapons and leaders in Mark Stone to a freak injury. The belief is that the injury is not anything serious, but stitches were needed following a deflected puck that caught him in the side of the head. (Vegas Hockey Now)

The San Jose Sharks went one for two on Sunday, as the first squad lost 6-3 to the Anaheim Ducks, while the second group defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2. Here is the summary of both contests. (San Jose Hockey Now)

The Vancouver Canucks fell to the Seattle Kraken, in the first preseason game for the newest NHL franchise. The Kraken had a handful of regulars in the lineup, while the Canucks saw young players take the ice. When asked who stood out, Green mentioned Rathbone, forwards Phil Di Giuseppe and Danila Klimovich, and goalie Arturs Silovs who played the first two periods in net. The not-so-good list included summer acquisition, centreman Jason Dickinson. (Vancouver Hockey Now)

Shane Pinto scored 25 seconds into overtime as the Ottawa Senators defeated the Winnipeg Jets by a score of 3-2 in their first preseason game. He made a great play to read the ice, before beating goalie Eric Comrie down low. (TSN)