Blowing a three-goal lead on home ice to your rivals is never okay, even in preseason. The Rangers handed the Islanders a 4-3 comeback win on Tuesday, but man, did we see something special from an 18-year-old kid. While the whole organization has to be fuming about dropping that game, the standout positive from Madison Square Garden was absolutely the play of top prospect Alberts Smits.
This Kid Is Different
Smits, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, played his first preseason game like he’d been in the league for years. He logged 15:29 of ice time and looked incredibly effective in his own end, often paired with Braden Schneider. This kid even played over three minutes on the penalty kill and wasn’t on the ice for a single goal the Islanders scored, which is wild considering they potted three power-play tallies in their comeback. He didn’t get a shot on goal, but Smits notched a gorgeous assist, zipping a pass right onto Taylor Raddysh’s stick for a redirect that put the Rangers up 3-0. Former Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox couldn’t stop raving to MSG Networks: “Crazy to think he’s just 18. He moves like a man out there. His stick is great, he’s killing plays at the blue line, and he had a great look to ‘Raddy’ there on that goal. He doesn’t look out of place at all.” Coach Mike Sullivan echoed that, saying Smits’ “physical stature, he’s big and strong” for an 18-year-old, a huge advantage for young players facing the league’s physicality.
Penalties Killed the Blueshirts
While Smits was busy making highlights, the rest of the Rangers were busy digging their own grave with penalties. After Raddysh’s goal made it 3-0, Eeli Tolvanen took an interference minor just 50 seconds later. That started a nightmare sequence: five consecutive power plays for the Islanders, bridging the second and third periods. The Islanders absolutely feasted, scoring three power-play goals. Reigning Calder Trophy winner Matthew Schaefer was a menace, picking up a point on all three of those goals with one goal and two assists. Matias Maccelli tied it up, likely on one of those man advantages. The Rangers just gave them too many chances, plain and simple.
Smits is getting a real look in training camp, practicing with the NHL group daily and getting into the lineup with what was mostly the Varsity squad. He’s set to play at least one, if not both, of the two remaining preseason games before the team decides if he’s earned a spot on the opening-night roster. If his debut is any indication, we’re looking at a future special player in this league, and fans should be absolutely hyped for what’s next.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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