The Rangers skated with a skeleton crew at practice Saturday in preparation for the game Sunday against the Canadiens. Chris Kreider and Julien Gauthier missed practice due to injuries that will likely sideline both. In addition, three other players sat out due to the stomach bug that is making its way around the locker room as first revealed by coach Gerard Gallant after Thursday's win.
Chris Kreider, who looked to have injured his shoulder Tuesday, and on Thursday missed a game for the first time this season, is doubtful to play Sunday. With New York also slated to play Monday against the Blue Jackets, consider Kreider doubtful for that contest as well if he doesn't suit up versus montreal. Julien Gauthier has already been ruled out with an upper-body injury he sustained in a collision with teammate Sammy Blais against the Stars on Thursday. Both Kreider and Gauthier skated on their own before the team practiced Saturday morning, which is an encouraging sign for their progress, though I think it's more likely that one or both will play against Boston on Thursday.
Artemi Panarin, Vitali Kravtsov and Ryan Lindgren all sat out of practice Saturday due to the flu /stomach bug that Filip Chytil had earlier in the week. All three are expected to play Sunday. If either of the two forwards is sidelined, New York likely will go with Libor Hajek as a seventh d-man while dressing 11 forwards. If needed, the Rangers can recall someone from Hartford with Gauthier placed on injured reserve Saturday.
Jake Leschyshyn, picked up off waivers earlier in the week from Vegas, will dress Sunday. He is expected to skate on as the fourth line center between Sammy Blais and Jonny Brodzinski, who will switch to the wing. The other three lines, presuming all who missed practice Saturday due to illness, will be the same as dressed against Dallas.
The NY Post noted two interesting tidbits in columns the last two days: New York's 2-1 overtime victory over Dallas was the Rangers’ 12th comeback win of the season, which was tied for the second-most in the NHL heading into Saturday night. Last season, the Blueshirts came from behind and won 27 times during the regular season and four times during the playoffs. The team sure looks to have refound the mojo that was lacking early. Relying on wins like Thursday is dangerous, but having victories like that provide confidence when/if trailing late.
We have discussed several times how K'Andre Miller's price tag is rising. To add some context, as we know, Miller will be joined by Alexis Lafreniere and Chytil as key pending restricted free agents with the team’s cap space limited. The Rangers currently have a projected $16,069,642 in cap space for next season, according to CapFriendly, with 14 players under contract. Start hoping league revenue increases substantially, the escrow is paid back and the cap rises more than $1 million.
Good column on Miller:
K'Andre Miller breaking out on offense ahead of looming Rangers decision https://t.co/QVHktVvvnV pic.twitter.com/ZilJNkVbDQ
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) January 14, 2023