Notes from practice: Shesty in goal, Kravtsov sits

The New York Rangers practiced Wednesday before heading to Philadelphia for their grudge match on Thursday.  The big news coming out of practice was that Igor Shesterkin will be getting the start and Vitali Kravtsov will have to wait to make his NHL debut.

Interim coach Kris Knoblauch provided most of the answers when he spoke after practice.  When it comes to Shesterkin he said “He is expected to start on Thursday and no problems, he’s 100% and we’re excited to have him back.”

As far as Kravtsov is concerned, Knoblauch made it clear that he is not the one who will determine if he plays or not. Knoblauch said “Whether he’s ready for the lineup, that’s not my decision. I don’t know what the timetable is for him. That’ll be Gorts and Quinny who decide that.  I assume sometime later this year, when I don’t know.”

Kravtsov being held out is no surprise. He hasn’t played in about two weeks and needs to get in game shape, plus he needs to figure out the Rangers’ system.  Playing in the KHL is different from the AHL and while the competition may be stronger, transitioning from the Wolf Park to the Rangers would be easier.

Knoblauch did seem to indicate that it may be a while before he gets into a game. If it takes a while, it will be a test of Kravtsov’s maturity since he was eager to get to New York as soon as the KHL season ended.

Ryan Strome had some words of wisdom when it came to expectations about Kravtsov. “Out team has been playing pretty good hockey right now, so if we’re going to add a bit that would be nice…it’s important that everyone take things slow, expectations slow…It’s challenging to come over and jump in in  the middle of the season, when we’ve got a  system…it’s tough to  learn on the fly.  It’s not an easy thing to do but he’s got he skill level to do it.”

Knoblauch said that he will definitely coach Thursday, but the weekend is up in the air depending on David Quinn’s availability.

Bob Plager passes away

The hockey world mourned the death of St. Louls Blues legend Bob Plager.He is best known for his time in St.Louis where he played with his brothers Barclay and Bill. However, he was also a former Ranger.

While he was a fixture in St. Louis as a player, coach, broadcaster, scout and a number of front office jobs, he actually started his career as a New York Ranger.  He played parts of three season with the Rangers starting in 1964 before being dealt to the Blues in 1967  in a trade for defenseman Rod Seiling.

East Division

The Sabres dropped their 15th game in a row, losing to the Penguins 5-2.  The way they are going  they may not win another one this season.  With the win, the third place Penguins have opened a ten point lead over the Rangers, a lead that may be insurmountable.  While the Rangers do have two games in hand, the Blueshirts have taken only four of 12 possible points in games against the Penguins so far this season and that may come back to haunt them.

With only two head-to-head meetings with the Pens left this season, if the Rangers win them both and their games in hand, they’ll still be two points behind them.

All eight East Division teams are in action Thursday.

Tonight’s schedule

Rangers @ Flyers
Islanders @ Bruins
Devils @ Capitals
Sabres @ Penguins

Wednesday’s game

Penguins 5, Sabres 2

Standings

1-  Islanders          33   21-8-4     46 points
2- Washington     31   20-7-4     44 points
3- Pittsburgh        33   20-11-2   42 points
4- Boston              28    16-8-4     36 points
5- Philadelphia    31   15-12-4    34 points
6- Rangers            31   14-13-4   32 points
7- New Jersey       30  12-14-4   28 points
8- Buffalo              31    6-21-4    16 points