The Rangers begin a three-game road trip in Dallas, facing the Stars. Following tonight's game. New York takes on Colorado tomorrow before heading to Arizona on Saturday. The lineup today will be the same as it was against the Devils with Igor Shesterkin between the pipes.
Game Preview:
#NYR Preview - Mar. 10 at Dallas pic.twitter.com/ul3lvSMLZv
— NYR Stats & Info (@NYRStatsInfo) March 10, 2020
The focus yesterday at practice was no surprise, defense. The team's own and neutral zone play was an abomination against the Devils and not that much better versus the Flyers. Having to spend so much time this late in the season on these aspects is more than a bit concerning. A refresher, yes, but detailed coverage should not have to be stressed so extensively.
David Quinn after practice yesterday:
"Everybody committing to playing defense, everybody understanding what we're going to have to do and what our recipe is for success - really, that's what it comes down to." - Coach Quinn pic.twitter.com/RugkpOCZIh
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 9, 2020
The good news portion of the program is that Chris Kreider was on the ice this morning skating. Injured on February 28 blocking a shot, Kreider's projected timeframe for return was 4-6 weeks. Quinn said yesterday that Kreider was walking without a limp and his being on the ice is a good sign, but doesn't mean he will be back before the end of the month at the earliest.
Walked in a little early for the morning skate and saw this: That’s Chris Kreider. pic.twitter.com/TdfgRjmn6y
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinSNewsday) March 10, 2020
Well, good morning. pic.twitter.com/1EvVXaATt9
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 10, 2020
Per Larry Brooks, the Rangers inch closer to signing K'Andre Miller. Look for New York to sign Miller to an entry level contract that begins next season while getting the defenseman to Hartford on a PTO (Professional Try Out) agreement for the remainder of the current AHL season, which is 15 games, and potential playoffs.
As Brooks added, the 6-foot-4, 207-pound, 20-year-old Miller also struggled for Team USA in the World Junior Tournament, but did improve on both sides of the puck over the season’s second half. Miller finished with 18 points (7-11) in 36 games after having recorded 22 points (5-17) in 26 games as a freshman. Defensively, he needs work, which is why having him in Hartford for at least 15 games to at least learn the system and for the team to identify areas of weakness is a win-win for both sides.
"The ball is rolling for K'Andre to be a Ranger." Well, a Wolf Pack. Latest on the talks. https://t.co/fQDohyP15e via @nypostsports
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) March 10, 2020
Yesterday, the Blueshirts reached a contract agreement with Michigan State senior free-agent center Patrick Khodorenko, who is immediately reporting to the Wolf Pack. The 6-foot, 200-pound, 21-year-old, born in Walnut Creek, Calif., recorded 33 points (16-17) this year and a sum of 120 points (54-66) in his four seasons with the Spartans.
OFFICIAL: Rangers have agreed to terms with free agent forward Patrick Khodorenko on an entry-level contract.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 10, 2020
Details: https://t.co/UuObuRnAje pic.twitter.com/xSYeaf5X8c
Adam Herman had a good look at what Khoderenko could bring to Hartford and down the road. At a minimum, he helps the team's depth at center, which is lacking. At best, if he continues to improve his skating, which he has done since getting passed over in the 2017 draft, maybe he blossoms into a bottom-six player, an area of need for the Blueshirts.
TSN is reporting that the Rangers are "closing in" on NCAA free agent Patrick Khodorenko. Some very quick thoughts on his game and why I think it would be a decent enough signing. https://t.co/yWFwowix1u
— Adam Herman (@AdamZHerman) March 9, 2020
You're going to like what you see. 👀
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 10, 2020
Welcome to the Rangers family, Patrick! https://t.co/BcxyRFC2Kk
In addition, Hartford added two players to the fold the last two days. Today, they signed Mike O'Leary from Notre Dame to a Standard Player Contract. Yesterday, the team inked defenseman Zach Giuttari, formerly of Brown University.
#HWP Transaction
— Ricky Milliner (@Milliner06) March 10, 2020
Hartford has signed forward Mike O’Leary to a SPC (Standard Player Contract).
The 22 year old spent the last 4 seasons with Norte Dame. He registered 57 points in 151 games. pic.twitter.com/WWUnhNTOnQ
[NEWS] Wolf Pack sign defenseman Zach Giuttari (@zachgiuttari) to ATO.
— Hartford Wolf Pack (@WolfPackAHL) March 9, 2020
📰 https://t.co/RwtcOggkhu pic.twitter.com/KtxS58ijae