UPDATE: Kreider Could Play If Series Goes Seven
Rangers hope to see Kreider’s smile soon (Getty Images)
Chris Kreider is skating, he is working out, he is itching to play. Even though he is still wearing a soft cast, he is listed out indefinitely.Now here is where it gets interesting. When they made the decision to for the rookie to have surgery, they did so believing he could be available at some point in round 1 if they needed him. The Rangers felt that they could beat Philadelphia or Columbus without him in the lineup, so they elected to have the procedure done.
Recently, Brett Crygalis of the NY Post pressed Alain Vigneault on his availability, to which he dodged the question saying; “At this time, like I’ve said all along, it’s indefinite. Until it changes, that’s what it is for now.”
This week on ESPN Radio, Michael Kay had the head coach on as his guest. When they asked about Kreider, AV gave them this:
“No, not at this time, he is still indefinite. He started to skate, is working out and hopefully at sometime we will have more information for everybody.”
That sometime may just be game 7 if the Flyers can somehow find a different level to compete with the Rangers. So for now, the Blueshirts will play it cautious as they are humming on all cylinders.
What this injury has shown is that NY has depth. And even though some think his injury exposed a weakness, I feel it highlighted a strength. Jesper Fast has stepped into the lineup and provided the Rangers with excellent third line work. He has shown poise beyond his years, and if he should falter, future-star JT Miller or veteran Daniel Carcillo are ready to step in.
Pretty good work by the old-timer upstairs. Nice job Slats.
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