Team C picked up their second scrimmage win, and are the only team of the three that has actually registred a win at this point. The Kid Line, and in particular Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere picked up two of the three goals, with the first goal of the contest coming from Dryden Hunt. Team C wrapped up the game 3-1 – Vincent Trocheck with the only goal for Team B.
Not only did Hunt score a goal, but he’s made an early impression on Gerard Gallant. Battling just to remain on the roster after being a healthy scratch for most of the playoffs, and now facing increased competition with a few additions to the roster, Hunt will likely be one of the guys that will be playing a bit harder during the preseason.
While Hunt was catching the coach’s attention, on-ice conversations between Artemi Panarin and Vitali Kravtsov have caught that of the writers covering camp. Given the first opportunity to play the right wing spot on the second line, Kravtsov was seen getting direction and guidance from his fellow Russian at several points.
Panarin also talked to the media about how he felt he went too simple in the playoffs, and hurt his ability to contribute to the team. He wants to get back to the player he was in Columbus, an interesting comment given that he’s been pretty effective during the regular season for the most part with the Rangers.
PIT
CBJ
NJD