Jesper Fast Won’t Play in Game 2; Starting Goalie To Be Determined
Some updates from Rangers practice after the Game 1 loss to Carolina
The Rangers dropped the opening game to the Carolina Hurricanes in their best of five play-in series, which saw a surprise start for Henrik Lundqvist as Igor Shesterkin was listed as “unfit to play” and an early Jesper Fast injury due to a hit from old pal Brady Skjei that led to the winger being lost not only for the game, but at least Game 2.
Head coach David Quinn had some updates for us, the biggest of which is Fast has been ruled out for tomorrow’s game.
Jesper Fast will not play Game 2 for the Rangers. Igor Shesterkin remains TBD. Tony D'Angelo and Mika Zibanejad did not practice but will be ready. #NYR #NYRvsCAR
— Jon Lane (@JonLaneNHL) August 2, 2020
That loss leaves a big hole on the second line, and while Shesterkin’s status remains to be determined, all three goalies practiced with the team Sunday. Now, as for filling the void on that second line...
Fogarty and Kravtsov practiced today. One of them will replace Fast. #NYR
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) August 2, 2020
Steven Fogarty and Vitali Kravtsov both practiced with the main group and are the two options most likely to replace Fast, though his spot alongside Artemi Panarin and Ryan Stromecould go to Kaapo Kakko after the 19-year-old turned in a very strong game against Carolina.
Quinn wouldn't say for sure that Kakko would play in Fast's spot, but indicated that he's leaning that way. #NYR
— Rick Carpiniello (@RickCarpiniello) August 2, 2020
It’s never been boring with the New York Rangers, so why would anything change now that they’re in Toronto?
