Rangers forward Reilly Smith makes return to Pittsburgh in opener vs. Penguins

PITTSBURGH – New Rangers forward Reilly Smith wasn’t especially choked up to play his first game in a Blueshirt Wednesday in PPG Paints Arena, the building where he played last season as a Pittsburgh Penguin.

“It's a team that I know a little bit about, systems wise, and I have some comfortability in that building,’’ Smith told Newsday a few days ago when asked about opening the 2024-25 season against the team that traded him to New York over the summer. “So it's a nice way to kind of turn the chapter quick.’’

Smith admitted he didn’t have a good season in Pittsburgh, where he scored 13 goals and 40 points in 76 games after helping Vegas win the Stanley Cup the year before. The Penguins traded him to the Rangers July 1 after the Rangers decided not to sign a free agent wing to fill the hole on the right side of the Mika Zibanejad-Chris Kreider line, but opted to trade for one instead.

The Rangers hope the 33-year-old Smith, who had 213 goals and 513 points in 840 games in his 12-year career, will fit seamlessly with Kreider and Zibanejad.

“We're looking for some chemistry with that line,’’ coach Peter Laviolette said at Wednesday’s morning skate. “Three good players that all can think the game the same way. They've been together since the start of the camp. We haven't wavered from that. For me, it was a real good pickup.’’

During the preseason, the trio had flashes where they moved the puck well and created chances, but the actual production wasn’t high. Kreider had three goals and two assists in three games, but Zibanejad and Smith only had one assist each.

Smith said he is “optimistic’’ the line will produce in the regular season.

“I don't think we're getting enough odd man rushes or touches with the puck,’’ he said. “Preseason can kind of be tough because obviously you're trying to just get your own game back to where it needs to be after a long offseason … And chemistry doesn't occur overnight. I think we’ve got to keep on working on that.’’

“I think the important thing for us is our ability to read off each other, off-puck, to create turnovers,’’ Kreider said. “That's the way you generate offense in the NHL … I think that we're half-step here, half-step there from doing it consistently.’’

Laviolette: Igor is focused

With the news having broken Tuesday that goaltender Igor Shesterkin had reportedly rejected an eight-year, $88 million contract offer, Laviolette said he doesn’t think Shesterkin will be distracted by his contract negotiations.

“I think Igor is focused on hockey,’’ Laviolette said. “I don't really get into that stuff and what's written. We’ve got a group that came out here to play a game today and that's what we're focusing on.’’

Lindgren skates with team

Injured defenseman Ryan Lindgren skated with the team for the first time since he was hurt in a preseason fight with the Islanders’ Scott Mayfield two weeks ago. Lindgren wore a green (no-contact) jersey and a full face shield.

“It's opening night,’’ Laviolette said when asked why Lindgren, who is on injured reserve, made the trip. “I mean, if somebody's able to practice with us, then we want them practicing with us, as opposed to staying behind. It's great to have him out there. It gets him back in the field of practice. And so, that's the start of the process, the journey back.’’

Chytil's goal: Play all 82

Filip Chytil, who missed the last 72 games last season with what was never officially identified as a concussion, was asked what his goals are for this season.

“My personal goal is to play 82 games (for the) first time in my life,’’ he said. “I know when I'm healthy, I can produce. I can play my game. I can make a difference in big games.’’

Blue notes

Rookie D Victor Mancini, on getting the news that he had made the team out of training camp: "I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Obviously, this is something that you've been working for since you're a little kid… But you know, this is only the beginning, right?" . . . F Jimmy Vesey (lower body), who is on long-term injured reserve, made the trip as well, and was spotted riding a stationary bike while the team was on the ice . . . Sam Rosen, the team’s TV play-by-play man who is retiring after this season, was named the recipient of the 2024 Lester Patrick Trophy for outstanding service to hockey in the United States.

By Colin Stephenson

colin.stephenson@newsday.comColinSNewsday

Colin Stephenson covers the Rangers for Newsday. He has spent more than two decades covering the NHL and just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.