Rangers Roundup: NHL updates, opening in Hartford, signings and more
Here’s the latest news from around the league and from the New York Rangers. It’s been a busy week with a lot of discussions surrounding a return to play that will focus on a 24 team playoffs. Of course, the news isn’t all positive because unless there is some fairness to opening up, the league will continue to be shutdown.
NHL News and Notes
Earlier this week we reported and opined on the news that the leading scenario the NHL will resume with is a 24 team playoffs. However, the league believes it is still on track to open middle or later this month. Recently, Ontario said they would allow both the Leafs and Sens to open practice facilities but word from the NHL was that’s not enough to enter phase 2.
According to data compiled by TSN from local and international media reporting, approximately half of the NHL’s markets would have been permitted to open team facilities as part of Phase 2 on Friday. That number could shift to approximately 22 clubs by May 15, when local restrictions are scheduled to be eased in Arizona, California, Minnesota and Nevada. Daly said the NHL has not determined yet what would constitute that “acceptable mass” and it likely won’t be a set number. It will depend on “direct communications with local health authorities.”
TSN
Rangers Practicing In Connecticut
A report coming out of the Hartford Courant by Dom Amore indicates that the Rangers and representatives of the XL Center have had early discussions on using the facility. According to Amore, MSG officials and XL Center reps have talked about possibly using it for practice.
“We’d entertain it,” said Michael W. Freimuth, executive direction of the Capital Region Development Authority. “It’s something we’d explore.” MSG officials, though a spokesperson, declined to comment.
Hartford Courant
It is believed that NY will not be ready to allow Manhattan, Nassau or Westchester county to open by May 15th. This leaves both the Rangers and Islanders in a pickle. If Connecticut will allow it both teams could be practicing out of their AHL affiliate facilities in Hartford and Bridgeport respectively.
Grab Some NYR Gear!
Check out their great line of Rangers products here! From Jerseys to T-Shirts, Fanatics has it all!
Another Brick in the Goalie Wall (so to speak)
The Rangers yesterday announced the signing of UMass Lowell goalie Tyler Wall to his ELC. He is expected to compete for the #1 goalie spot in Hartford with Adam Huska. Both goalies are exempt from the Seattle Expansion draft as is Igor Shesterkin, all of which have 2 years or less of NHL/AHL experience.
New York currently has 6 quality goalies in their system when you add Henrik Lundqvist, Alexandar Georgiev, and Olof Lindbom to the mix.
Mika Forever!
Pre-Order this Mika Zibanejad Bobblehead Commemorating his 5 goal performance against the Caps. Use code: ForeverBlueshirts10 at check out for an extra 10% off. Buy it here.
Rangers and Jacob Trouba Send out Message of Thanks to Real Heroes
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