First-round pick Alberts Smits tallies assist in telling Rangers performance

Source: New York Post

The Rangers gave Alberts Smits an unobstructed runway to fill a vacancy on the third pair, and the 18-year-old is preparing for takeoff. Smits was a standout in an otherwise frustrating 4-3 loss to the Islanders in their second exhibition game of the preseason Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. Not only did he register the primary assist on the Blueshirts’ third goal, but the Latvian defenseman was sound defensively against an NHL-heavy Isles lineup.