Mercogliano Blake Wheeler Returns to Rangers' Practice, but Will He Be a Playoff Option?

[Phil]

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Blake Wheeler was skating with the team for the first time since Feb. 15, when he suffered a right-leg injury following a hit from Canadiens defenseman Jayden Struble that caused him to crumble to the ice in pain. The 37-year-old forward had to be helped off the ice by teammates, with initial fears that it could be a season-ending situation.

 

Quote

Even if Wheeler is cleared while the Blueshirts are still alive, it's no sure thing that he'd step right back into the lineup. He was playing right wing on the top line with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad at the time of his injury, but Jack Roslovic was acquired at the trade deadline to take that spot and has posted five points (two goals and three assists) through five playoff games. Meanwhile, Alexis Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko are entrenched as the right wingers on line Nos. 2 and 3, and it's unlikely the Rangers would ask Wheeler to play in a fourth-line checking role.

 

https://www.lohud.com/story/sports/nhl/rangers/2024/05/06/blake-wheeler-returns-to-rangers-practice-will-he-be-playoff-option/73587257007/

[Pete]

14 minutes ago, Phil said:

it's unlikely the Rangers would ask Wheeler to play in a fourth-line checking role.

So then, no.

[RangerDanger]

This round requires speed and physicality. Not really things Wheeler is known for. I'd sooner sub in Brodz, Chyts or even Erdstrom, moving Vesey wherever the hole is, before I bring in Wheeler.

[phillyb]

Nah

[RodrigueGabriel]

Make him an honorary assistant coach. Give him something meaningful to do and start to prepare him for the other side of retirement. He can occupy the endowed Lester Patrick chair in case of emergency.

[jsm7302]

I feel as though he could collect the gloves for the dryer after each period!

[Scott]

Time for him to solidify the head cheerleaders role.  Barring a couple of injuries I can't see him actually playing. Now is definitely not the time for a mercy fuck.

 

Just say no!

 

[siddious]

24 minutes ago, Scott said:

Time for him to solidify the head cheerleaders role.  Barring a couple of injuries I can't see him actually playing. Now is definitely not the time for a mercy fuck.

 

Just say no!

 

Thankfully we finally have a coach who has a clue

[Sharpshooter]

[BrooksBurner]

Where is @The Dude? He should be all over this thread

 

Did mods suspend him

[Ozzy]

Thanks for your service, Blake.  But it's Rempe time

[SaveByRichter35]

[Costa]

If Chytil is healthy, I'm playing him over Wheeler, all day, every day, twice on weekends. 

[Karan]

[RichieNextel305]

This team is absolutely humming right now. I don’t see the point in talking about changing a lineup that’s won 5 straight playoff games. That doesn’t happen too often, whether you win the Cup or not.

 

Whats the phrase? Ah. Yes, that’s right.

 

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

 

 

[phillyb]

Just to play devil’s advocate - for whom?

If Wheeler plays tomorrow, who do you sit?

[Abe Froman]

I hope not. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[torontonyr]

"we want rempe" chants when we're down by 2

[Ozzy]

Team is 5-0 in the playoffs....let's make changes!!

 

[RangersLEETCH]

Sorry to bring this up but can anyone tell me why Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti are not announcing the games on MSG? My folks are curious. They like Sam Rosen announcing and commenting on the Rangers… 

LGR!! 

[phillyb]

I think the answer is something like, "because that's how it is" and "MSG doesn't have the rights to playoffs." Why? Because that's how it is (I think lol). 

 

[Blue Heaven]

19 minutes ago, RangersLEETCH said:

Sorry to bring this up but can anyone tell me why Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti are not announcing the games on MSG? My folks are curious. They like Sam Rosen announcing and commenting on the Rangers… 

LGR!! 

Rounds 2 - 4 is all exclusive national broadcasts

[BlairBettsBlocksEverything]

hope he doesn't play but I could think of far worse guys to have as your 'black aces'

 

even if he just helps us elevate practices I'm glad he's back skating.  and if we get into serious injury trouble (which is pretty common in deep playoff runs) he's a much better option to insert in the lineup than some hartford call up

[Blue Heaven]

I would think Chytil would be an option before Wheeler.

[BreakawayMachine]

17 hours ago, siddious said:

Thankfully we finally have a coach who has a clue

I do agree, but before the injury Lavi was forcing Wheeler all over the lineup when he was clearly out of place.