The New York Rangers prospects returned Thursday for the NCAA semifinals and an OHL playoff opener. The NCAA results were rough, but the OHL outcome was better.
Malcom Spence Is a Pitbull
Any doubts about Malcom Spence should be gone after his last month of play. The 2025 second‑round pick proved he was a strong selection. He even looks like a future Steven McDonald Award winner.
Those are bold words, but Spence does every small detail needed to win. One play stood out most during Michigan’s power play.
Spence, wearing No. 27 in gold, drove to the crease and turned toward the puck carrier. The ESPN announcer called his movement a “windshield wiper” screen as he slid side to side and jumped.
His screen was perfect and helped Michigan score. Watch the middle of the ice and you can see it clearly.
Wolverines on the power play!! 🤩 MICHIGAN LEADS! 😤
📺 ESPN2 #B1G x @umichhockey pic.twitter.com/fFUC5JBCbl
— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) April 10, 2026
Spence earned a secondary assist on the goal for his only point. The screen mattered more than the assist.
He has made plays like this all month in the playoffs and tournament. These extra‑effort plays are essential for winning.
Michigan still lost a heartbreaking 4‑3 double‑overtime game to Denver. Many saw it as the true national championship matchup.
It was a heavyweight fight in a win‑or‑go‑home setting. It only disappointed Michigan fans.
In overtime, when one team dominates and fails to score, the other usually wins. Michigan controlled the second overtime with an 8‑1 shot edge at one point. Denver scored on its third shot of the period.
Spence did not score, but he delivered the little things the Rangers badly need. The freshman finished his season with 10‑15‑25.
He spent most of the year on the third line but played on the first line here. Expect a big sophomore season with Spence likely starting on the top line.
Michigan’s season ended in heartbreak, but their future remains bright with Spence.
Emery and North Dakota Fall
E.J. Emery and North Dakota had a typical Rangers start, and it cost them. A terrible first period gave Wisconsin control.
Wisconsin scored twice in 27 seconds for the only goals they needed. They dominated the first period with an 18‑4 shot advantage.
Emery was quiet with no points, two shots, and a minus‑one. He spent most of the season on the third pair but played second pair here.
Drew Fortescue did not just pass Emery on the prospect list. He blew past him.
Emery finished with 3‑10‑13, an improvement from last year. He is still far from pro‑ready and needs both remaining seasons.
It is rare for a prospect to draw this many negative reviews. The surprising part is who they came from.
Someone needs to give Emery a wake‑up call if he wants an entry‑level deal. Whispers say the Rangers are unhappy with his development.
Passmore and Barrie Win Game One
Evan Passmore set up the game‑winning goal as Barrie beat Ottawa 4‑2 in Game 1. Passmore, known for defense, made a perfect pass to Ben Wilmott for the winner.
SOFT SPOT BENNY!
Wilmott makes it three, set up by Passmore and Aitcheson.#OHLPlayoffs | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/pUMB5TvEcH
— Barrie Colts (@OHLBarrieColts) April 10, 2026
It was only his second playoff point, but it was a strong play. Passmore finished 0‑1‑1 with no shots, a plus‑one, and a roughing minor.
Game 2 is Saturday.
