GREENBURGH — The hopes of New York Rangers fans for signing Connor McDavid as a free agent next summer were dashed last week when McDavid agreed to a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers. As the Oilers arrived at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, the Rangers shifted their focus from McDavid’s potential future as a teammate to the challenge of stopping one of the league’s most dynamic players.
Defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, who has faced McDavid many times during his tenure with the Los Angeles Kings, shared his respect for McDavid’s extraordinary skills and speed. “You’ve just got to respect his skill, his speed,” Gavrikov said during the Rangers’ morning skate. He stressed the importance of being aware of McDavid’s position on the ice, emphasizing the need to contain both him and fellow superstar Leon Draisaitl, who is known for his remarkable shooting abilities.
J.T. Miller, who also has a history of competing against McDavid while playing for Vancouver, echoed Gavrikov’s sentiments. He described the challenge of facing McDavid as one that revolves around disrupting his movement. “If he doesn’t have to stop, you’re going to pay for it every time,” Miller stated, highlighting the importance of making it difficult for McDavid to gain momentum on the ice.
The challenge for the Rangers is amplified by the presence of both McDavid and Draisaitl on the Oilers roster, creating a potent offensive threat. Rangers Coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged the difficulties posed by the dynamic duo, noting that while their collaboration can be dangerous, it also presents opportunities for opponents to strategize against a more concentrated attack. “Do you load the top six, or do you balance your team out?” Sullivan pondered, recognizing that this decision can shape the effectiveness of both teams.
Gavrikov, who joined the Rangers this summer to strengthen their defensive line alongside Adam Fox, is expected to face significant matchups against McDavid. However, Sullivan described the pairing of Gavrikov and Fox as “a work in progress.” They have faced challenges in their initial outings, with their statistics indicating an ongoing adjustment period. Nonetheless, Gavrikov humorously noted Fox’s near hat trick against Pittsburgh, suggesting progress in their synergy.
In other team updates, with Vincent Trocheck sidelined and defenseman Carson Soucy on injured reserve, Sullivan maintained the same lineup that recently fell to Washington in a tightly contested match. Miller addressed the Rangers’ struggles to score in their first two home games, emphasizing the importance of consistency in their approach and the belief that goals will eventually come.
As the Rangers prepare to take on the Oilers, they embrace the challenge ahead, recognizing it as an opportunity to rise to the occasion against one of the NHL’s most formidable opponents.