Rangers Reflect on Break and Upcoming Challenges
Some might think that the three-week Olympic break, along with 11 days of being off the ice, is just postponing the inevitable for the Rangers in a tough season.
When the season kicks back off on February 26th, the roster freeze will be lifted, and the trade deadline on March 6th could change things for the team in New York.
That said, the players are focusing on the short term. They welcomed the break as a necessary mental and physical reset.
Will Quill, who spent part of his time off in Toronto, shared his thoughts after practice with non-Olympic teammates. “I think in any long season, a break is beneficial. It’s demanding on the body. I mean, playing 82 games is quite the grind. We just want to recharge and come back feeling fresh,” he remarked.
Brennan Osman, splitting his time between Florida and Ontario, saw the break as a chance for the Rangers to see the last 25 games as a fresh start.
“This year has had its share of ups and downs for everyone,” Osman commented. “I don’t think anyone anticipated being where we are now at the beginning of the season. It’s a good opportunity to take a step back, reset a bit, and not get too caught up in our current situation. This feels like a fresh start, and I hope we can flip the negatives into positives after this break.”
He continued, “Even a five-day break is valuable; it really helps.”
Heading into the shutdown, the Rangers had only managed three wins in their last 18 games, putting them in the last spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 22-29-6.
Unfortunately, they lost 2-0 at home against the Hurricanes, marking their ninth shutout of the season and the seventh at Madison Square Garden.
Just days before the roster freeze took effect, the Rangers traded their leading scorer, Artemi Panarin, to the Kings. In return, they received forward Liam Greentree and a first-round pick in 2024, along with a conditional third-round pick.
Coach Quill noted that several factors contributed to the team’s struggles.
However, he also expressed optimism. “I feel like I can play with more execution, speed, and passion. We’ll see what happens. This break should give us a boost,” he stated.
Since their first practice in Tarrytown, the Rangers have already had two positive tests.
Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin, both of whom were recovering from lower-body injuries sustained in a January 5th overtime loss to Utah, were seen on the ice wearing full-contact jerseys. Quill described their first skate as “good” and “competitive.”
Coach Mike Sullivan, along with players Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, and JT Miller, are currently in Milan, while Adam Edstrom is absent for personal reasons.
“It’s nice to see familiar faces again… The group camaraderie is important, and it feels good to have them back healthy,” Osman remarked.
The Rangers are set to resume their season against the Flyers, beginning a four-game homestand.
Additionally, Brett Berard and Brendan Brisson were called up from Hartford ahead of Tuesday’s practice.
