Welcome to the 2017-18 season, Rangers fans!!!!
1. 
2. And you’re not officially ready for the start of a Rangers season until you watch AJ Castiglia’s season intro video:
3. Looks like my barrage of “Zuccarello for alternate captain” calls were finally answered…
OFFICIAL: @zuccarello36 will wear an "A" for #NYR this season! #ZUUUUUUUUUUCC pic.twitter.com/K8qF9Nrlha
— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 4, 2017
Why was this an easy decision for AV? Because Zucc can inspire his team by doing this…
As well as this…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5MzYvwZzts
I couldn’t be more excited by this announcement because not only is Zuccarello the heart and soul of the Rangers, it gives me a reason to post one of my favorite all time gifs…
4. In some positive injury news…
https://twitter.com/stevezipay/status/915614892261916672
Here’s Fast on his recovery from offseason surgery…
#NYR forward Jesper Fast gives an update on his condition following Wednesday's practice. https://t.co/FKBvCczOAm
— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 4, 2017
Similar to Dominic Moore, Jesper Fast is a player all winning teams employ. A guy willing to do all the dirty work in the defensive end as well as on the penalty kill, while also being able to score in the big spot.
Fast is expected to be back in the line-up by the end of the month.
5. And just in case Fast has a setback, it sounds like the Rangers have a backup plan…
Vigneault said Desjardins is basically an insurance policy: "As long as he wants to be around and we say he can be around, he can be."
— Justin Tasch (@J_Tasch) October 4, 2017
I have no idea what that means as the Rangers haven’t offered Desjardins a contract and according to NHL.com he’s not on the club’s opening night roster. Basically, he’s not really on the team, but he’s still going to show up every day, practice and not get paid. What is this, Kramer working at Brandt-Leland?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU6m5UqLx9M
6. While Desjardins might not be getting a contract, a couple of former Rangers are…
BREAKING: Jaromir Jagr signs a 1-year deal with the Calgary Flames: https://t.co/hfjk6VzhHa pic.twitter.com/bz8LouG7Nx
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 2, 2017
I know a lot of Rangers fans (myself included) hoped for a reunion with the future Hall of Famer, but let’s be honest, there’s literally no room for him on the roster right now. And that’s before Fast returns from injury. I’m just happy we get yet another season of the “Mulletted One” in the NHL.
BTW, how fantastic is this?
The Flames logo is basically the Jaromir Jagr of NHL logos. pic.twitter.com/uesHqDZNJq
— Sean Tierney (@ChartingHockey) October 2, 2017
7. And if that’s not enough to make you a closet Flames fan…
.@CortexBusiness Transaction Alert: The #Flames have signed forward Tanner Glass. https://t.co/vWj7wYsJ2O
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) October 3, 2017
Figured I’d post Glass’ first fight in his first game as a Flame since it’s likely the only fisticuffs Rangers fans will see all season.
8. I shit you not, if the Flames sign the recently waived from San Jose man crush of mine Brandon Mashinter, I’m changing the name of the site to The Calgary Flames Blog.
9. So far, so good on the decision to send Lias Andersson back to Sweden…
https://twitter.com/aj_ranger/status/915273125822124032
Nice to see Frolunda doing their part preparing Andersson to become a Ranger by not coming to his defense after he was crushed following the goal. Must be something about the Frolunda/Rangers connection. Right Hank?
The 7th overall pick also added an assist during the game.
10. The Rangers’ European Sean Avery is at it again…
https://twitter.com/TheDraftAnalyst/status/915243456569778176
A kid who plays with an edge and isn’t afraid to go to the front of the net to make a play. He’s got fan favorite written all over him.
11. theScore’s NHL team simulated the 2017-18 regular season using EA Sports NHL 18. And guess who won it all?
12. Sounds like Rick Nash has taken Filip Chytil under his wing (NY Post)…
“Just kind of showing him the ropes,” Nash said. “[Sunday] night in the room, I explained to him that after dinner we all go to the hospitality room and hang out, watch TV, watch football. Made sure he was aware, came down and hung out with us. Things like that you wouldn’t get the opportunity to do back in Tarrytown, we can do here.”
I love the leadership from Nash, but let’s hope someone else mentors Chytil once the Rangers hopefully qualify for the postseason.
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