Anyone Else Buying that Kreider is “Day To Day” Bit?

Anthony Scultore Updated: May 7, 2014

Gamesmanship! It’s on full display as the Rangers prepare to face the Pittsburgh Penguins in game 4 tonight. For the first time in weeks, Chris Kreider took a full practice with his team. He was seen with a giant smile and no restrictions. He has been shooting for days and looks ready to join the lineup.

Chris Kreider getting some shots in at #NYRPlayoffs morning skate. https://t.co/URKhIhXFBo

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 7, 2014

So why is Alain Vigneault saying he is “day to day”? Because in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, any advantage, no matter how small needs to be used. The Penguins are left wondering, is he playing or not? As silly as it seems, its a tactic that dates back ages.

AV says @ChrisKreider “has been medically cleared..at this stage I’d say he’s day to day” #NYRPlayoffs — New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 7, 2014

In the same press conference, the head coach also claimed that tonight is a “must win”. He couldn’t be more right. The Rangers can ill afford to go into Pittsburgh for game 5, down 3-1 in the series.

AV notes that this is Chris Kreider’s first full day on ice with teammates. Later says “this is close to must-win”. So does he pull trigger?

— Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) May 7, 2014

While AV plays psychological warfare with Dan Bylsma, you can take it to the bank that Kreider will play. If he doesn’t and the Rangers lose, then AV will have left another weapon out of his sputtering offense. At this time of year, you don’t play it safe…you go all out!

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