Those four magic words - 'Training Camp Starts Today," signifies the true beginning of another Rangers season. As a Blueshirts fan, the past four years have been very satisfying, save for the final, final result. From the Eastern Conference Finals run in 2011-12 to the Cup Finals run in 2013-14 and President's Trophy and second ECF run last year, it's been a fun time to be a fan. But, we still are left wanting more as the Holy Grail, the Silver Chalice, the Stanley Cup has eluded our team.
Expectations are still very high for this squad, though it won't be easy. The Metro has gotten tougher, as the Penguins, Capitals and Blue Jackets have all made moves to improve their team. The Islanders should get a bit of a bump playing in Brooklyn as they draw upon a new fan base. Even if the Rangers get out of the Metro, the Atlantic Division, and at a minimum, the Lightning, still looms.
Preseason games begin next week, which is when those on the bubble will get a chance to show they belong. Camp opens with several position already decided but many still up in the air. One thing to keep in mind is that for the most part, even if decisions seem to have been made, early in the year, lines etc. will be fluid as AV likes to mix and match until around the New Year.
There are many questions but here are 13 from me as camp begins: - will Mats Zuccarello go into the dirty areas early on to show he is truly healthy? - where does Emerson Etem slot into the lineup? - same question for JT Miller and Jesper Fast. Does one play on the second line or third line or fourth line or bench? - is Kevin Hayes the third line center or second line right winger? - does Hayes' line status benefit or hurt Oscar Lindberg's shot at breaking camp? - how are Jarret Stoll and/or Viktor Stalberg deployed? Will each make the team? - is there still a role for Tanner Glass and if he will be the 13th forward, does he open the year in NY or Hartford? - will Dylan McIlrath show enough to beat out Raphael Diaz for the seventh d-man spot? - are McIlrath's and/or Lindberg's chances substantially aided by their need to pass through waivers to be sent down? - is Brady Skjei ready to break camp with the Rangers or does he need more minor league seasoning? - how frequently will Antti Raanta play? Does he get all 17 games of the front or back end of the back to backs? - who will play on the penalty kill? (See Stoll question above) - how will the power play combinations be configured? Does Scott Arniel and AV go 3-2 or 4-1? Where will Nash be utilized, on the half boards or in front?
I am sure there are lots more but here are 13 questions that intrigue me as camp opens. Settle in for what will hopefully be a fun next 10 months. Let's Go Rangers!!!