At this writing, the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers are just one day away from starting the Eastern Conference Final. The Rangers have had additional days of relaxation and practice after routing the Carolina Hurricanes in six games during the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They have also discovered some fresh discoveries during practice. Going into this series, the Rangers will have a choice of 16 healthy forwards.
Unless an injury occurs, it is doubtful that any of the current top six forwards will be replaced. However, the Rangers will have some alternatives as the series progresses, and the bottom six of the roster may see some changes. More than most people understand, having these extra players to choose from could have a bigger impact on this series since the Rangers are getting healthy at the greatest time of the season. As this series progresses, it will be interesting to watch what head coach Peter Laviolette decides to do and whether he makes any adjustments.In Game 1, Filip Chytil will play.
Filip Chytil missed the remainder of the series due to illness and persistent stiffness after participating in just one game during the second round against the Hurricanes, which was his first game in six months. With a concussion, he was sidelined for the remainder of the regular season after appearing in just 10 games. Chytil was participating in line rushes as a member of the third line when the Rangers resumed practice after a few days off following their victory over the Hurricanes. He played alongside Alex Wennberg and Kaapo Kakko on the left wing.
As of right now, it appears that he will be returning to Madison Square Garden for the first time since his injury to participate in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.
His return to the starting lineup will provide a bottom six that hasn’t generated much in these playoffs—especially the third line with Wennberg and Kakko—more pace and scoring potential. Will Cuylle was on the line before Chytil arrived, and between the three of them, they have only scored two goals collectively. Chytil will return to the field and bring a stronger shooting attitude to his line with Cuylle going down. Hopefully While it might take him a few shifts to get adjusted, his return to the lineup makes the Rangers a much more dangerous and deep offensive threat against the Panthers.
He might make a comeback to the starting lineup because he is a seasoned player with postseason experience and could be helpful in a restricted capacity. At six feet five, he is a powerful player as well, and the physically aggressive hockey played by the Panthers players wouldn’t push him around. In addition to being able to play in the unclean parts of the ice, he would lead from the bench. He might therefore not play against the Panthers despite the fact that he could be a valuable experienced presence due to his lack of playing time and foot quickness.
Does Blake Wheeler Have a Chance to Play?
Another player cleared after a regular season-ending injury is Blake Wheeler. He was only able to play in 54 games this season because of a leg injury he suffered in February. He played largely on the third line and occasionally on the first in those games, scoring nine goals and twenty-one points. This season, his lack of speed was cited as a serious issue because it seemed like he couldn’t keep up in the contemporary NHL. His recent leg injury might have had an even greater impact on his speed, and even if he recovers, it’s doubtful whether he will see
