The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading to Quebec to face the Montreal Canadiens in their third preseason game Thursday night and the roster they are bringing is full of players who could seize the opportunity that's in front of them. Of course, the Canadiens will be dressing virtually their full NHL lineup since they want to give their fans a show. Meanwhile, head coach Craig Berube will be having a lineup that is almost full of players who aren't sure where they will be playing hockey when the regular season kicks off. The good part of it is, though, that this is the time to try and impress their coach -- to do something up against a tougher opponent on-paper to maybe prevent a demotion down to the AHL or to be placed on waivers in the coming days.
For a moment on Sunday night, UBS Arena went silent as young defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson crumpled to the ice after a center-ice collision with Flyers defenseman Noah Juulsen. The 19-year-old immediately grabbed at his leg and needed help off the ice, putting no weight on it-a frightening scene for fans in his first preseason game. Fortunately, the injury wasn't as serious as it appeared.
The New York Rangers kick off their preseason today in Newark, taking on the New Jersey Devils. The Rangers are dressing a handful of NHLers, mostly bottom six players, and giving some kids and potential depth players a look in a game setting. It will be interesting to see how some of the kids who are not expected to make the team out of camp look, especially as guys like Noah Laba and Gabe Perreault are expected to be midseason call ups.
"This past year everyone witnessed how beloved and respected Marc is in the game of hockey, but the adoration goes beyond his accolades and career. Marc means so much to our team, our fans and the City of Pittsburgh because of the person he is and the example he set. The Penguins feel he and his family are most-deserving of this opportunity to celebrate this full-circle moment back where it all started in front of the black and gold faithful."