Smits shines in preseason debut as Rangers fall to Islanders 4-3
The short version
- Islanders rallied from 3-0 down to beat the Rangers 4-3 in preseason play at MSG.
- Alberts Smits, 18, played 15:29 and assisted on Taylor Raddysh's goal in his preseason debut.
- Matthew Schaefer had a goal and two assists on three Islanders power-play goals.
- Pavel Dorofeyev scored and led the Rangers with five shots in his first game with the team.
- The Rangers' season opener against Boston is one week away.
The 18-year-old defenseman logged over 15 minutes, added an assist and was on the ice for none of New York's goals against in the loss at Madison Square Garden.
The New York Islanders erased a three-goal deficit to beat the New York Rangers 4-3 in preseason action Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers built a 3-0 lead before penalties doomed them, with the Islanders scoring three power-play goals during the comeback.
The brightest spot for the Rangers was 18-year-old defenseman Alberts Smits, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, in his preseason debut. Smits played 15:29, skated mostly with Braden Schneider at even strength, and was not on the ice for any of the Islanders' goals. He assisted on Taylor Raddysh's second-period goal that made it 3-0.
Reigning Calder Trophy winner Matthew Schaefer recorded a point on all three Islanders power-play goals, finishing with one goal and two assists. Matias Maccelli tied the game with a deflection off Sean Durzi's skate and won it on a rebound at 9:29 of the third period after an Alexis Lafreniere high-sticking penalty.
Offseason addition Pavel Dorofeyev led the Rangers with five shots and scored their second goal, with J.T. Miller and Oliver Bjorkstrand drawing assists. Miller also won 12 of 18 face-offs. The Rangers open the regular season against the Boston Bruins in one week, with two preseason games remaining and a roster decision still ahead on whether Smits makes the opening-night lineup.