Morning Skate Notes: Rempe Returns, K’Andre Miller a Game-Time Decision
Zac Jones will slot in if K’Andre Miller is unable to go tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Rangers did not have a full practice this morning but did host an optional skate. Worth echoing that the term “optional skate” does not mean the players get to choose whether or not they prepare for the game. They’re still required to be there and have a number of things they can do off the ice to “warm up” for the game ahead.
It’s common to see guys who get a lot of ice time not skate during optional practices this time of year, that doesn’t mean they’re not at the rink doing video, having meetings, stretching, and getting ready for the game tonight.
— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) April 7, 2025
This isn’t just an #NYR thing, still have to find… https://t.co/VX2ASyAHFo
First big update to the lineup, Matt Rempe, who has missed the last four games with an upper-body injury, will rejoin the lineup tonight. Who he will be replacing, has not been made clear but it’s reasonable to assume it will be Brett Berard. This was made more clear as he was skating with the rest of the scratches later on in the on ice session.
Brett Berard among last #NYR players in the ice, along with de Haan, Pärssinen and Aube-Kubel.
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 7, 2025
Looks like Berard is coming out for Matt Rempe.
K’Andre Miller, who did not practice over the weekend (illness) is being labeled a game-time decision. Zac Jones, is expected to be the replacement if he is unable to go. Igor Shesterkin will make his third consecutive start which tracks knowing that the Rangers officially need to win out to try and catch Montreal in the wildcard race.
#NYR Matt Rempe is in today vs. Lightning, per Peter Laviolette.
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 7, 2025
K’Andre Miller is a game-time decision and Igor Shesterkin is in goal.
In case there was an uncertainty, Head Coach Peter Laviolette and the team are “disappointed” to be in this position. He also stressed the need to “win hockey games.” While the need to win games is there, Laviolette doesn’t view this as an opportunity to take more risks with the lineup which is perhaps exactly why this team has had the results they have had all season long.
I asked #NYR Peter Laviolette if he feels he can take more risks with the lineup and if it feels like there is nothing to lose with them being 6 points out:
— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) April 7, 2025
“I don’t view it the way you’re viewing it — I view it that we’re in a situation tonight where we need to win a hockey…
While the team didn’t execute any line rushes in their formal practice on Sunday, it does sound like the lines will be different, for better or worse. (It’s going to be worse, isn’t it?)
No consistent line rushes yet for the Rangers, but judging by jersey colors and how they've lined up so far, I could see all the lines going in a blender for next game.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) April 6, 2025
The team did emphasize working on special teams over the weekend but made no real personnel changes, most notably to the top unit. Doing the same thing over and over again despite the results is often directly associated as the definition of insanity but why take risks when the season (and the coaches job) is in serious jeopardy, right?
Nevertheless, we should be in for an interesting outing tonight as the Rangers host the Tampa Bay Lightning.
