The New York Rangers finally addressed some issues as they decided to shake things up with their roster.
The New York Rangers claimed Adam Cracknell off waivers earlier in the season to replace rookie Filip Chytil. As Newsday’s Steve Zipay says above, Cracknell was put back on waivers after not recording a point in the five games that he appeared in.
However, waiving Cracknell wasn’t the only Rangers move today…
Tony DeAngelo was only given one real shot to make an impression. He didn’t and now he finds himself back in the AHL.
Over the last few games, DeAngelo found himself dressed as the team’s seventh defensemen and would only see time on the power play. By doing this, DeAngelo just became useless on the roster and was better off getting consistent time with the Wolf Pack. DeAngelo only had one point in eight games and was a minus-four.
Boo is back…just in time for Halloween
Following the DeAngelo demotion, the Rangers recalled Cristoval “Boo” Nieves from Hartford to serve as the team’s fourth line center.
Nieves played in one game with the Rangers in the 2016-17 season and is someone head coach Alain Vigneault really seems to like. Boo has played well with Hartford this season, scoring three points—two goals and one assist—in seven games. Nieves gives the Rangers another legitimate center and won’t force Vigneault to dress seven defensemen anymore.
Pavelec gets the start
Ondrej Pavelec will make just his second start as a Ranger when the Blueshirts take on the Arizona Coyotes Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. Pavelec has made two appearances this season against the Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils.
Henrik Lundqvist appeared to have been injured in the Rangers loss against the Sharks but is fine and is just having a regular day off.
Key players given maintenance days
Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh and Chris Kreider were all given the day off after suffering minor injuries Monday night. All three players are expected to return to practice Wednesday and McDonagh and Kreider are expected to play Thursday night.
Other Rangers news and stories
- ESNY’s Frank Curto looks at the offseason trade of Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta’s impact on this Rangers roster.
- ESNY’s Tom Castro asks if the Rangers can improve enough to contend this year.