The Rangers play their fifth of six preseason games Friday against the Blackhawks. With the roster cut down to 34, New York, as are most teams, are in their final evaluation for their 23 man rosters to start the season. The Rangers have several decisions to make, with many of the bubble suiting up Friday. I will focus on a few names from the below lineup that I believe have interesting story lines surrounding them. Forwards Chris Kreider-Derick Brassard-Mats Zuccarello Anthony Duclair-Marty St. Louis-Rick Nash Jesper Fast- JT Miller- Lee Stempniak Ryan Malone- Kevin Hayes-Tanner Glass
Defense Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh Marc Staal, Dan Boyle Michael Kostka, Matt Hunwick
Goalies: Henrik Lundqvist (start) Cam Talbot (backup)
Anthony Duclair - if you need me to tell why he is a story line, you clearly have not been paying attention the past few weeks
Martin St. Louis - a story line because he is being used at center the next two games. St. Louis volunteered to move when Derek Stepan was injured. Originally, coach Alain Vigneault declined to accept that offer, but now that no one has really stepped up to fill that second line center role, St. Louis gets a shot. We know that St. Louis can be a playmaker and facilitator but can he handle faceoffs and directing the attack, rather than just creating within the offensive zone?
J.T. Miller - started off camp very strongly but has regressed a bit lately. A strong game tonight and/or Sunday would go a long way to clinching a roster spot, likely as the third center
Jesper Fast - shown better speed and strength, taking the coaches advise and recommendation to heart. To me, he has earned a roster spot on the bottom-six, based on his play in all three zones. If he has a solid game in the next two contests, he likely will lock in a roster spot.
Lee Stempniak - another veteran on the bubble. If he makes the team, it may be on the fourth line, though he battling several others to earn that spot. Matthew Lombardi was able to skate Friday and could play Saturday, so it may be between those two for one spot or Malone, as noted below.
Ryan Malone - missed time with a hip flexor injury, but gets into his second pre-season game. Showed in the first he can score on the PP, and while he isn't slow per se, for this system, he clearly is a step behind. His physical presence, size and willingness to stand in front of the net could earn him a roster spot.
Kevin Hayes - has had an up-and-down preseason. I think he could use time in the AHL, and if Duclair gets a spot, Hayes could be a roster casualty. That may depend on Stempniak, Malone and Lombardi, because their status may drive what happens to Hayes, but I think he could be on the outside looking in. A good game tonight could changes management's mind.
Mike Kostka/Mike Hunwick - a matched set, as one looks to be in place to get the seventh defenseman slot. Kostka may have a slight edge but nothing is finalized.
These are those not playing Friday, who likely will play Saturday and are on the bubble as well:
Ryan Haggerty - strong early, mild regression recently. In the mix for a bench spot or possibly a fourth line role, but likely to start year at Hartford
Marek Hrivik - not mentioned a lot, but has been one of the better Rangers in camp, based upon expectations coming into it. A long shot to break camp, but he could turn heads with a solid game Saturday.
Oscar Lindberg - a good game Saturday, could seal a spot. Battling with Lombardi, Miller, Malone, Mueller and Stempniak
Chris Mueller - possible 13th forward, who has had a pretty good camp.
Given the Sabbath and Yom Kippur, there won't be a blog Saturday, but should get on up Sunday. I should post blogs Monday-Wednesday, then I am out for the Jewish Holiday and Sabbath, Thursday-Saturday. If anyone wants to step in and post a blog, please let me know and we can have an off-line conversation about it.