Offensive heroes included Noel Acciari and Lars Eller, who notched two goals apiece, and Rickard Rakell, Jesse Puljujärvi and rookie Rutger McGroarty, who each tickled the twine once.
It was McGroarty’s first goal of the preseason. Skating on a line with Eller and the rejuvenated Puljujärvi, he also collected two assists and just looked really solid all-around.
My two cents? While it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for Rutger to get his feet wet in the AHL, he has the chops to start his pro career in the NHL competing against the big boys.