Get Your Motor Running – 15 Rangers Skated Today

Anthony Scultore Updated: Sep 2, 2014

Stop! Do you smell that? In between the stifling summer heat and swatting away aggressive bees – that’s the smell of vulcanized rubber. The Blueshirts will officially open up training camp on September 18th, but that didn’t stop some of the boys from hitting the ice today.

Among the #NYR skating together in NY today are Henrik, Staal, St. Louis, Girardi, Hagelin, Boyle, Brassard, Zucc, Miller, Kreider. ..

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 2, 2014

Today was also special because Ranger fans got their first glance of Dan Boyle as a Blueshirt.

New #NYR Dan Boyle in Rangers gear. pic.twitter.com/JOcgeW9HlV — New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 2, 2014

If that wasn’t exciting enough, Ranger fans saw one of the most beloved (yet frustrating) Blueshirts take the ice with the team in Alex Kovalev.

Former #NYR Alex Kovalev here at today’s informal workout at MSG Training Center “no this isn’t another comeback!” pic.twitter.com/1n4JyUSlMi

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 2, 2014

However, if you are thinking comeback – check out this tweet from Rangers website writer Jim Cerny.

Let’s just say Alex Kovalev still has a serious set of hands! Wow!! He laughed when I joked about a comeback! — Jim Cerny (@JimCerny) September 2, 2014

This is the second time the Rangers have gotten together before camp opens to get the legs going. What we have here is a hungry group that are still very bitter about losing in the Stanley Cup Final.

Henrik Lundqvist still hasn’t forgotten, but he has a “good feeling” about this upcoming season and we couldn’t agree more. From his new look pads to his resolve for winning in NY – we believe.

Henrik Lundqvist shows off his new pads (NYR)

The 2014-15 season could be filled with great thrills and new surprises. One of those surprises could be the big and talented (but slow) Kevin Hayes claiming a roster spot. Or possibly breakout seasons for players like Chris Kreider and Carl Hagelin.

Bottom line – there is a lot to be excited about when it comes to this Rangers team.