A few quick training camp notes from a variety of news sources, including the Post, NY Daily News, and Record:
Coach Alain Vigeanult said that Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis recorded two of the three best conditioning off-ice times.
St. Louis appearing on that list comes as no shock, as we all know he is a workout fiend. In addition, after last year's trying season, including the contract issues, trade and tragic passing of his mother, the ice and games is a respite for him. St. Louis has noted he is savoring every moment as he gets older and I think we all would have been more surprised if he wan't in phenomenal shape.
Nash though is what stands out. Since coming to New York, we have noted how he looks heavy and out-of-shape, so it's a major positive to see how he made good use of the short summer to get into better shape. The proof of those changes will be on the ice, but he at least is a better position to use his talents now that he is in better shape.
Vigneault singled out improvements made by JT Miller and Danny Kristo
All those messages of needing to be a better professional and in shape seem to have gotten through to Miller. He showed up early and in-shape to camp. The preliminary word is that the issues of the past appear to be the case this year, boding well for him to earn a roster spot, despite all the additional competition in camp. Kristo may have a harder time at earning a role, but he too at least has gotten off to a strong start in that endeavor.
(Kevin) Hayes critiqued his own game by saying he has to work on his play in the defensive zone but that nothing in Vigneault’s system is “too dramatic” of a change to what he’s used to. He said in the Traverse City tournament he felt he played well because he had the puck a lot and protected it well. Hayes said he feels he can skate “pretty well,” that he’s “not overly fast but definitely not slow.”
The Rangers’ coaches also like how Hayes not only has a big body but tends to make himself big on the ice, creating and protecting space for himself.
Miller and Hayes could be battling for one spot, especially with Matthew Lombardi and Lee Stempniak in camp. Miller has the inside edge, having played in the system last year, but Hayes may have more offensive upside. It's possible both make the team, especially since can move to wing, which give AV additional flexibility.
These are the current current combinations in training camp, with the first scrimmage today at 11AM and pre-season games Monday against the Devils and Friday against the Blackhawks.
Team A: Ryan Bourque, Dan Boyle, Jesper Fast, Tanner Glass, Carl Hagelin, Steven Kampfer, Michael Kostka, Chris Kreider, Danny Kristo, Matthew Lombardi, Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan Malone, Ryan Mantha, J.T. Miller, John Moore, Chris Mueller, Sam Noreau, Mackenzie Skapski, Marty St. Louis, Marc Staal, Derek Stepan, Petr Zamorsky
Team A line combinations: Chris Kreider-Derek Stepan-Danny Kristo, Ryan Malone, Matthew Lombardi, Marty St. Louis, Carl Hagelin-J.T. Miller-Ryan Bourque, Tanner Glass-Chris Mueller-Jesper Fast.
Team B: Conor Allen, Mat Bodie, Chris Bourque, Derick Brassard, Cedric Desjardins, Anthony Duclair, Dan Girardi, Ryan Haggerty, Kevin Hayes, Marek Hrivik, Tommy Hughes, Matt Hunwick, Kevin Klein, Oscar Lindberg, Ryan McDonagh, Dylan McIlrath, Dominic Moore, Rick Nash, Lee Stempniak, Cam Talbot, Nick Tarnasky, Mats Zuccarello
Team B line combinations: Rick Nash-Derick Brassard-Anthony Duclair, Marek Hrivik-Oscar Lindberg-Lee Stempniak, Chris Bourque-Kevin Hayes-Mats Zuccarello, Nick Tarnasky-Dominic Moore-Ryan Haggerty.
The second game is Wednesday, after which, we likely will see a healthy amount of cuts with the season starting October 9. The combinations will be mixed and matched the first two games, after which, AV has said he will work on units and duos for the final four pre-season games. One pair that will remain together is Brassard and Zucc, meaning that Stepan and Kreider likely will be grouped as well. That said, Stepan is sitting out Sunday's scrimmage because of a foot contusion he suffered while blocking a shot Saturday. The team is likely just being cautious early in camp and hopefully Stepan is only out a day or two. If he goes beyond that or it turns out the problem is worse, then I can see worrying a bit about it.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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