They're Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!
15 Rangers returned to the ice at the MSG practice facility today including Brad Richards, Brian Boyle, Anton Stralman, Ryan McDonagh, Marc Staal, Arron Asham, Derek Stepan, Mike Rupp, Ryan Callahan, Rick Nash, Taylor Pyatt, Jeff Halpern, Michael Del Zotto, Carl Hagelin and Steve Eminger.
...and all is right in the world.
Marian Gaborik, Dan Girardi, Henrik Lundqvist and Marty Biron did not participate, but will be ready for camp. Gaborik is en route from Europe.
John Tortorella was also in attendance but was unable to be on the ice with the team as lockout isn't technically over.
On the abbreviated camp, Tortorella says (via Bergen Record)...
“We have to be really careful there with what we give to them, when we give it to them and how we give it to them.”
Tortorella also discussed the Rangers’ hunger for the Cup...
“I think the hunger is that they’re together again and will be a team again,” Tortorella said. “We’ve gone througha few years of trying to cultivate it. The room is good and that’s what they want to get back to. That’s all these guys know how to do is compete and that’s what they’re anxious to do. Sure, they were excited about last year, they made some good steps but right now they just want to play.”
...and we just want to finally watch them play.
Meanwhile newest Ranger Rick Nash, whose groin is completely healed, discussed today's practice session..
“it’s one thing to be out skating and wondering when things are going to happen. But it’s a lot different out there skating and knowing the season’s going to come. It seems like everybody had a little extra jump.”
Speaking of Nash, how beautiful is this sight? (via NY Rangers)...
Other notes from practice (via Sporting News): Carl Hagelin is at 100% from shoulder injury and Arron Asham wore his white Penguins helmet.
...Rangers should use amnesty buyout on Asham just for that foul.
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@Chris M let's give it a shot. I'd say: Nash-Richards-Gaborik, Hagelin-Stepan-Callahan, Kreider-Boyle-Pyatt, Rupp-Halpern-Asham. But maybe Sather brings in another free agent so Kreider might be out of lineup.
@Medvjed004 @Chris M Nash - Boyle - Callahan. Hey, it's Torts, expect a) to see every line combo b) the unexpected
@_Jack @Medvjed004 @Chris M yeah, its going to be a nightly mix of those top six with Kreider being plugged in on occasion, if he's up.
How much do you think DKNY pays to get that little patch on the practice jerseys? Who are they targeting, all the press at the practice rink?
@AnnoyingJoe @johnnyb3910 i always assumed the ads on the boards were to mimic the MSG boards as much as possible; simulate the home rink experience at practice
Also about Asham, I'm not a fan...but he's been loves everywhere he went so you gotta think we'll be glad to have him around in a bit.
Yeah I will miss Pruster and Dubi. I know there wasn't much heart for Dubi, but I liked him. As for Ashem he wears blue now so I will root for him to do well. Still don't like him but what can you do?
Prust was good, but not for the money that he was asking/got. I'm optimistic that Asham will fill a similar type of play (maybe not as energizing though).
I am not a fan of Ashem... I think hes a prick but since he is on the Rangers I hope he does well.
