PRACTICE BUZZ: NYR GETTING READY FOR PHILLY IN GAME 1
The New York Rangers took one more skate before tonight’s opening round contest against Philadelphia.
Expectations are high for the Blueshirts and they seem driven to deliver.
Today after practice head coach Alain Vigneault was looking uncharacteristic. The dapper coach was showing some stubble and is looking to grow a playoff beard? Rangers fans are hoping for his best lumberjack look come June.
Vigneault, unshaven, says he’s growing a playoff beard. That would be a sight to see in June #NYR #ScruffyAV
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) April 17, 2014
Jesper Fast was not out for practice today, leading to speculation that Dan Carcillo would take his spot in the lineup. AV, made it clear that it was a maintenance day for the young forward and he would be in the game. Vigneault also talked about the veteran leadership in the room and highlighted Cup winners Richards and St. Louis and what they’ve been preaching to the players.
“Without a doubt those 2 players (Richards and St. Louis) have been sharing their experiences with the rest of our group”-AV #NYRPlayoffs — New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 17, 2014
The biggest news concerning the NYR playoff hopes is Ryan McDonagh is back. Mac Truck missed the last week of the regular season after a scary hit in Vancouver. The Rangers held him out for obvious reasons since a playoff seed was inevitable. Look for the Rangers MVP on defense to make a big impact early.
NOTE: Kreider is still out and Steve Mason of the Flyers will travel to NY on Friday. No word if he will play in game 2 just yet.
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