Tonight was “Kid Night” at Madison Square Garden and the Rangers showed the depth of their organization in this preseason. Of the newbies, those who really stood out for me were Artem Anisimov, Dane Byers, Brandon Dubinsky and Michael Sauer.

Defense

Dan Gerardi is the smart, steady, reliable young defensemen we met last season. Poor Kaspar. if this game is any indication of the level of his play, I’m afraid he will have to go back to Hartford. But, considering what a good game young Michael Sauer had that isn’t a bad thing. A spot should be open for one of these kids to win. Marc Staal did not impress nor did Hutchinson but they made no glaring errors either. Jason Strudwick blocked shots and mentored the young defensemen. All in a days work for Struddy.

Offense

With a capital “O” for offense, Ryan Callahan showed he is the same passionate and gifted player we saw last season. He’s a keeper but that was expected. Brandon Dubinsky is the most impressive player I have seen this preseason and he was a most impressive player last preseason, too. Dawes has to play huge to trump “Dubi” for a foward spot.

Hugh Jessimen and Francis Lessard were not really noticeable. Dane Byers got himself noticed by scoring the first goal. No one was really looking at veterans Avery, Betts, Hollweg, Shanahan or Straka. Avery, Betts and Straka had decent games. Hollweg was Hollweg. Shanahan looked like a dinosaur. But I’d cut Brendan some slack. He is 38 and needs more time to shake the rust off. By opening night, he’ll be back up to speed.

That leaves Artem Anisimov. He played 16 minutes and had 4 shots on goal, the most shots of anyone. He didn’t score a goal and he didn’t get a point but Artem made his presence felt. He’s crafty, stealthy and you get the feeling that he will always be buzzing the net and creating havoc down low. Michael Nylander who?

Where does Sather find the diamonds in the rough like Mike Smith?

What most impressed me was the cool, crisp passing by the young Rangers.

Goal

Steve Valiquette was merely pedestrian while Montoya made a good argument to be declared backup. But, would it serve for a young talent like Montoya to sit around night after night playing understurdy to Henke? Al will be sent to Hartford to continue playing and Big Steve will stay on Broadway to ride the pine as Lundqvist’s reliever.

There you have it. Night 1 of the preseason and the Ranger’s future looks so bright I have to wear shades.