Miller, Powe In; Kreider Likely; Mashinter to Hartford
Brett Cyrgalis at the New York Post reports that J.T. Miller will make is NHL debut in New Jersey tonight. Here's Miller anticipating tonight's game...
“You dream about this since you’re a little kid. I’m lucky I got an opportunity and I’m going to try and make the best of it; not over-think it and just play my game. Obviously, I’m really excited for it and it’s going to be fun.”
Cyrgalis has this quote from John Tortorella on Miller...
“As coaches, you need to understand there will be some mistakes made. And as we keep going through the process here – and it’s a little bit different in this type of year because you don’t have all the games – as we go through, we’ll make decisions as far as, do we think it’s best to coach him here and coach his mistakes here, or does he need to go back down and continue playing.”
Another player making their Rangers debut tonight will be Darroll Powe, who the Rangers acquired in a trade for Michael Rupp yesterday.
In other line-up news, Steve Zipay at Newsday says Chris Kreider skated with the team during the pre-game skate and was not one of the players that stayed on the ice late to work with the coaches. A likely sign that he will play tonight. Tortorella notes that he will check with trainer Jim Ramsey on Kreider's readiness.
With Kreider likely back and Powe getting to New Jersey today, the Rangers decided to reassign Brandon Mashinter to the CT Whale.
There were no line rushes at practice today so the line-up is still up in the air including who will be at the 6th defensive spot.
According to Blueshirts United, Henrik Lundqvist will be back between the pipes.
...looks like "Mashinter Watch" is back on.
...not that Rangers/Devils needs more juice but adding in a first round pick making their NHL debut definitely has me ridiculously excited for tonight's contest.
...i'd normally be upset with Mashinter being reassigned, but if it means a return of Kreider to the line-up I'm all for it.
...i know with Rupp being traded there's even more need to have Bickel's toughness in the line-up, but man I'd hate to see Gilroy come out.
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you heard it hear first: Miller is being showcased as possible trade bait. Rangers looking to add another big piece and go for it all.
I would love to see Boyle miller kreider as the third line but I don't think torts will do it
@Jbianco I'm with you. Would love to see Kreider and Miller together, but can't imagine Torts does that. At least nit initially.
@KevinDeLury if that's the case then why call him up? Think mashinter would fit much better in that role
Im a little surprised Mashinter got recalled and not Miller. I dont think they will keep Miller up more than 5 games with Cally coming back and losing a year if they keep him up longer. Was hyped to see Mashinter with all the blog hype recently. Still excited to Miller's game too. Hope Krieder is 100% and didnt return too soon.
@mbsport12 Agree that Mash seemed like the guy to stay, but Miller has earned it with play in Hartford. I think we'll see Mash at some point.
@mbsport12 haha, yea the blog hype had me too. I would have loved to see him, but either way I was much more excited for the call up of JT, hope he's flying tonight.
Gaborik-Richards-NashHagelin-Stepan-PyattKreider-Powe-Miller
Boyle-Halpern-AshamWith Boyle and Kreider being switched early and often
I don't think Torts wants Miller and Kreider on the same line. Here's my attempt:
Gaborik-Richards-Nash
Hagelin-Stepan-Pyatt
Kreider-Halpern-Powe
Boyle-Miller-Asham
I thought that Miller was a wing. When he played in the Junior's the commentators indicated that he was not a center and that was what took him time to get going.
@KevinDeLury In my opinion, Miller is useless centering those two clowns. But you're probably right.
BTW, Stralman scores tonight. He usually has very good games against the Devils.
@Beckfan5 I hate to see him on the fourth line also, but knowing Torts I doubt he wants to put him in too tough a situation. Remember Kreider's first few games in the playoffs last year?
@GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG @Beckfan5 Yeah, if Mashinter was sent back so Bickel could play, I'd be furious, but because it's for Kreider I have no issues.
@KevinDeLury @Beckfan5 i think youre probably right. super upset about mash but if kreiders good to go the hes the man for the job.
2 Like
Wow, what can we speculate what the lines may be?
Gaborik-Richards-Nash
Hagelin-Stepan-Pyatt
Kreider-Miller-Powe
Boyle-Halpern-Ass-ham
Interesting decisions made here I feel like. I love Kreider, but his return seems rushed almost. You bring up Mashinter, what is the worst that can happen by giving Kreider a couple more days and letting him play against the Islanders. Also, with Rupp out Mashinter gives the Rangers much needed size in what should be a very physical contest. Also, hope gilroy stays in but with this move seems like Bickel has to play.
But its finally Miller Time....
Lets go Rangers
@slapshot13j Agree that writing seems to be on the wall for Gilroy tonight. Especially against the Devils.
@KevinDeLury @slapshot13j i could have down with some sour mash tonight with a miller chaser...but oh well...
