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Line changes, especially Kravtsov, the story of last two Rangers practices |
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The line shuffle we saw for Thursday's practice were the combinations rolled out Friday. Rangers twitter is handling thise marvelously well, sarcasm dripping. On defense, Ryan Lindgren has not practiced the past two days, though as of now, the concern level for his availability Opening Night is minimal.
Coach Gerard Gallant was not happy with the effort in Wednesday's game. Evidence of this was in video shown from practice by the beat writers of the team running gassers. To further show his displeasure, the lines from Wednesday and prior were shuffled again.
The Kid Line was broken up with Kakko Kaapo, who scored twice Wednesday, moved back up to the first line with Zib and Kreider. Jimmy Vesey, who had gotten a whirl at that spot, is now on the second line with Panarin and Trocheck. Barclay Goodrow now is with Laf and Chytil on the third trio.
New York's fourth line is one that is not a surprise once Gustav Rydahl was sent down and Jonny Brodzinski placed on waivers Wednesday for the same purpose. Sammy Blais is with Ryan Carpenter and Ryan Reaves. Personally, I feel Rydahl earned a spot and his demotion was solely because he is waivers exempt, unlike Carpenter.
Now comes the "fifth" line, which is where the fun arises. Vitali Kravtsov was not good Wednesday nor has he taken a hold of the spot next to Panarin and Trocheck. He admitted to his poor game after the contest vs. Boston. In response to that poor play and maybe to light a fire underneath Kravtsov, he was dropped to the extra trio yesterday and today. I understand the rationale, don't agree with having Kravtsov down that low, but get it. But past history and seeing what happened to certain other prospects results in all of us having the hair stand up on the back of our neck as to if anyone will be lost. Kravtsov has to pass through waivers to be sent down, which means he is here to stay, will be traded or end up back in the KHL. Hopefully this is a momentary blip and he refinds his game to take that line position.
Dryden Hunt and Julian Gauthier, both on the bubble of making the team, are not helped in their endeavor by sliding to that bottom trio. Waiver exemptions may play a role or a trade to move one or both could occur, as each player's spot may depend on if New York carries 13 or 14 forwards. Cut down day will certainly be interesting.
Jacob Trouba, who didn't practice Thursday, was back on the ice today. Some swapping of pairs has occurred with K'Andre Miller getting a turn next to Adam Fox, something we have advocated before previously, while Trouba is paired with Libor Hajek, who is battling for a roster spot. Unless something radical occurs, Hajek looks to be a lock for the seventh d-man slot. Lindgren is expected to play Tuesday, but I would be surprised if he is paired with Trouba.
Zac Jones all but looks to be a lock for the sixth d-man role opposite Braden Schneider. Hajek is still in the mix, but he appears better suited to filling the back up role. Matthew Roberston is in Hartford while Mark Bartkowski will likely join him on cut down day if not claimed.
As a reminder, I am out of pocket this Sunday night to Tuesday night this week and next for the remainder of the Jewish holidays. This info is being posted at the bottom of almost every blog over the next few weeks so that everyone remains in the loop.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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