John Davidson makes news about the Rangers
By Steve Paulus
New York Rangers President John Davidson made some news on a Zoom call
There was some New York Rangers news made Thursday as John Davidson had a Zoom call with the media. Davidson had some things to say that will be very interesting to fans of the Blueshirts.
Davidson made an already controversial situation even more newsworthy when he talked about the Rangers goaltending situation. According to Dan Rosen of nhl.com, Davidson said that the goaltending situation will “be a battle.”
It’s the first time anyone in team management has broached the issue of who will start in the qualifying round, a topic that has been the subject of endless discussion among fans and the media. Complicating matters is that Henrik Lundqvist has been dominant throughout his career against the Hurricanes, including this season.
A lot will depend on how the goalies look in training camp.
Kaapo Kakko’s health
Another issue Davidson addressed is Kaapo Kakko’s health. Blue Line Station noted earlier this week that Kakko has Type 1 diabetes and could be at risk of complications if he is infected with COVID=19. According to Rosen, Davidson said that the team will heed the advice of their medical staff when determining if he will play.
Some NYR news: JD said on a Zoom call today that they'll listen to the medical staff to determine if it's safe for Kaapo Kakko to play. He has Type 1 diabetes. I'm told that doesn't put him at risk for infection, it puts him at a higher risk for complications if he is infected.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) May 28, 2020
Kakko has been on the ice working out in Finland and there is no doubt that he would want to play, but keeping him healthy has to be the team’s priority.
Kaapo Kakko is working out in Finland. pic.twitter.com/5uyt4zGGRG
— Blue Line Station (@BlueLineStation) May 25, 2020
Lemieux’s suspension
Rosen also reported that Davidson addressed the status of Brendan Lemieux. He was suspended by the NHL for his ill-timed hit on Joonas Donskoi in the last game played by the Rangers before play was suspended.
Following a hearing today, the DOPS has determined that Brendan Lemieux will be suspended for his hit on Joonas Donskoi Wednesday night. The precise parameters of the suspension will be determined and announced once resumption of play guidelines have been established.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) March 13, 2020
This is Lemieux’s second suspension, both for hits to the head. In November 2018 when with the Winnipeg Jets, Lemieux was suspended two games for a dangerous hit to the head of the Panthers’ Vincent Trocheck. It’s very possible that he could miss the entire qualifying round. . Rosen reported that the team is prepared to replace him on the roster.
Lias Andersson?
Larry Brooks of the New York Post tweeted that Davidson said that he and David Quinn have been in contact with Lias Andersson, but there is no word on whether they would invite him to the training camp for for the qualifying round when it is rumored that rosters will be expanded.
JD also says that he and David Quinn have both spoken to Lias Andersson but that NYR have not yet determined which players to invite to camp to complete tournament roster...
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) May 28, 2020
Odds of winning
In other news, the New York Post reported that the Rangers have better odds of winning the Stanley Cup than the New York Islanders. According to the William Hill sports betting website, the Rangers odds of winning it all are 40/1 while the Islanders are 60/1. The Rangers’ odds actually improved from 50/1 since the article was published yesterday.
The Boston Bruins are the favorites to win it all at 11/2 with the Vegas Golden Knights second at 6/1.
Related Story. The Rangers have a chance & that's what counts. light
The moneyline has the Rangers as the underdogs in the qualifying round at +130 while the Hurricanes are -150. Though Carolina is the favorite, their odds to win the Cup are worse than the Rangers at 50/1.