The New York Rangers are about one week into an eventful training camp. Here are some highlights of the week so far.
When one door closes—even temporarily—another one opens.
In this case, Jasper Fast is doing well and on target to return in late October. While that’s good news, it leaves the New York Rangers with at least one open position until he returns. Head coach Alain Vigneault has the option of keeping both of the team’s first-round draft picks this year, Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil, with the team for opening night and maybe a few weeks beyond.
Vigneault said b/c Fast won't be ready for the start of the season, it's possible both Andersson and Chytil could be on team at beginning
— Justin Tasch (@J_Tasch) September 22, 2017
Speaking of Chytil, the supremely talented teen scored his first preseason goal—a game-winner—off of a beautiful pass from Mats Zuccarello in overtime against New Jersey.
#ChytilMania invades The Garden! #NYR pic.twitter.com/uZyL1HtQu5
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 21, 2017
Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk had a great first preseason game as a New York Ranger in which he registered three assists in a 4-3 overtime win over the New Jersey Devils.
.@shattdeuces finished with three assists in his #NYR preseason debut. Hear what he had to say following the game. pic.twitter.com/y1UnAQyl2d
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 21, 2017
Last but definitely not least, rookie defenseman Neal Pionk showed off some nifty moves to sink the New York Islanders in overtime. The Rangers won the game 1-0.
ICYMI @NPionk95's ? move and OT winner for #NYR! pic.twitter.com/NUTfv3uk3J
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 19, 2017
Plenty has gone on so far, but there are a lot of decisions yet to be made and plenty of work to do before the regular season begins.
The search for the last center position is ongoing. Will the Rangers keep Nick Holden or trade him if they believe Pionk (or someone else) can be the seventh defenseman? Can the Rangers be gutsy enough to keep three rookies—Andersson, Chytil, and Pionk—in the lineup on Opening Night?
This training camp has been far from boring. Two games are on tap for this weekend: Tonight at the New York Islanders in Bridgeport, CT and tomorrow at the Rock against the New Jersey Devils.
