Both of the Rangers’ 2017 first round picks will be in the line-up for Game 2 tonight against the Devils. Filip Chytil – pronounced HEE-tal – looks to have earned a chance to show his offensive prowess, centering veterans Mats Zuccarello and Chris Kreider.
Having just turned 18, Chytil will be thrust into the forefront in his first professional experience in the NHL. The young Czech has impressed both in rookie camp and training camp, and is considered a chance to make the opening night roster, though that could be a big ask for a kid who is still growing into his 6-2 frame.
The slightly older Andersson will be used in a more defensive role again, and one wonders whether the Rangers brass are hoping he can win a place to help solve their gap at center ice, a role that has yet to find a taker.
It’ll also be a chance to see Kevin Shattenkirk in blue for the first time. The offensively gifted d-man is said to be looking forward to the outing, and Rangers fans are eager for him to have success for the team he grew up for cheering. Veteran David Desharnais will also be making his debut, playing with bubble forwards Matt Puempel and Daniel Catenacci.
Young winger Ryan Gropp will get a shot to make an impression and try to avoid being sent back to the WHL, while John Gilmour, Adam Tambellini and Vince Pedrie will be hoping to stick around a bit longer at camp with cuts expected to come Saturday.
Andersson, along with Andrew Desjardins are the only two who return from Game 1, with the complete lineup as follows:
Kreider – Chytil – Zuccarello
Vesey – Hayes – Gropp
Puempel – Desharnais – Catenacci
Desjardins – Andersson – Tambellini
Skjei – Shattenkirk
Staal – Gilmour
Smith – Pedrie
CAR
PIT