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To address the rearrangement of the Rangers’ defensive pairings during Ryan Lindgren’s absence, Braden Schneider may need to play on his off-side.
This configuration was how the Blueshirts’ defensive lineup concluded their preseason finale against the Islanders on Friday and how they practiced at the MSG Training Center in Tarrytown on Sunday.
On the left side, Schneider skated beside captain Jacob Trouba, while K’Andre Miller partnered with Adam Fox, and Zac Jones worked alongside Victor Mancini.
<img style="aspect-ratio:1.4559322033898;display:block" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" data-modal-image="33520121" width="859" height="590" src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-rangers-held-training-90000224.jpg?w=1024" alt="Braden Schneider takes a shot during Rangers practice on Sept. 19, 2024." class="wp-image-33520121" srcset="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-rangers-held-training-90000224.jpg?quality=75&strip=all 4849w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-rangers-held-training-90000224.jpg?resize=300,206&quality=75&strip=all 300w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-rangers-held-training-90000224.jpg?resize=768,527&quality=75&strip=all 768w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-rangers-held-training-90000224.jpg?resize=1024,703&quality=75&strip=all 1024w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-rangers-held-training-90000224.jpg?resize=1536,1055&quality=75&strip=all 1536w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-rangers-held-training-90000224.jpg?resize=2048,1406&quality=75&strip=all 2048w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-rangers-held-training-90000224.jpg?resize=858,589&quality=75&strip=all 858w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-rangers-held-training-90000224.jpg?resize=722,496&quality=75&strip=all 722w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-rangers-held-training-90000224.jpg?resize=576,395&quality=75&strip=all 576w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-rangers-held-training-90000224.jpg?resize=440,302&quality=75&strip=all 440w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-rangers-held-training-90000224.jpg?resize=411,282&quality=75&strip=all 411w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-rangers-held-training-90000224.jpg?resize=180,124&quality=75&strip=all
Braden Schneider takes a shot during Rangers practice on Sept. 19, 2024. Robert Sabo for NY Post
“I think it’s probably similar,” head coach Peter Laviolette remarked regarding the switch from right to left. “The game dynamic shifts when it’s on your forehand; you have to adjust and approach things differently. Some players adapt with ease. He’s someone who has experience playing both sides.”
“When roster changes occur, players might have to take on different responsibilities. We assessed this during the previous game and are revisiting it in today’s practice.”
Throughout his three seasons on the Rangers, Schneider has mainly occupied the right side, yet the 23-year-old has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to adapt.
No other player has had as many defensive partners as Schneider since his initial call-up during the 2021-22 season.
His prior experience playing on the left side in juniors should facilitate his transition into this new role.
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Ryan Lindgren remains sidelined due to an upper-body injury. AP
On Sunday, defenseman Matthew Robertson was placed on waivers after participating in practice with the Rangers earlier in the day.
Once he clears waivers, the 23-year-old is expected to be assigned to AHL Hartford.
Connor Mackey, another defenseman, has cleared waivers and has been assigned to the Wolf Pack.
Additionally, Ryder Korczak and Brennan Othmann have also been sent to Hartford.
Star forward Artemi Panarin (lower body) and defenseman Lindgren (upper body) both skated independently on Sunday, while left winger Jimmy Vesey (lower body) has not yet resumed skating.
In Panarin’s absence, Brett Berard stepped in to skate alongside Alexis Lafreniere and Vincent Trocheck.
Lafreniere continues to fill in for Panarin on the top power-play unit, joining Trocheck, Fox, Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad.
The second power-play unit consisted of Miller, Jonny Brodzinski, Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, and Reilly Smith during Sunday’s practice.
Furthermore, Chad Ruhwedel practiced in a regular jersey after having skated in a red non-contact jersey on Thursday.
Rangers Adjusting Defense with Lindgren Out: Schneider Shifts to Left Side
Understanding the Current Situation
With the recent injury to key defender Lindgren, the Rangers face significant adjustments in their defensive lineup. This situation has prompted coach Michael Beale to make strategic shifts to maintain the team’s competitive edge in the league.
Impact of Lindgren’s Absence
Lindgren has been a cornerstone in the Rangers’ defense, known for his robust tackling and aerial prowess. His absence leaves a gap that needs immediate addressing to ensure the team’s stability and effectiveness on the pitch.
Defensive Statistics Pre-Lindgren Injury
| Player | Appearances | Tackles Won | Interceptions | Clearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lindgren | 8 | 36 | 15 | 22 |
| Tavernier | 8 | 29 | 10 | 18 |
| Souttar | 8 | 32 | 12 | 20 |
Schneider’s Move to Left Side
In response to Lindgren’s injury, the Rangers have opted to shift Schneider to the left side of defense. Schneider’s versatility allows him to adapt quickly, and his experience on the field will be crucial during this transition.
Reasons for Schneider’s Shift
- Experience: Schneider possesses substantial experience in various defensive roles, making him an ideal candidate to fill the void left by Lindgren.
- Technical Skills: His ability to read the game and make timely interceptions will be vital in maintaining defensive integrity.
- Team Cohesion: With Schneider already familiar with the team’s playing style, this shift minimizes the adjustment period and promotes a smoother transition.
Potential Lineup Adjustments
With Schneider moving to the left, other positions in the backline may also see changes. Here’s a potential defensive lineup:
| Position | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Right Back | Tavernier | Experienced and reliable. |
| Center Back | Souttar | Strong aerial presence. |
| Center Back | Ridvan | Young talent with speed. |
| Left Back | Schneider | Newly positioned; adaptable. |
Benefits of Schneider’s Position Change
Shifting Schneider to the left side comes with several advantages:
- Defensive Flexibility: Schneider’s adaptability allows him to handle both defensive and attacking responsibilities from the left flank.
- Depth in Defense: This move provides depth, allowing other players to assume positions they are more comfortable in, thereby enhancing overall team dynamics.
- Enhanced Communication: Familiarity with teammates’ playing styles fosters better communication on the field, crucial for effective defensive organization.
Challenges Ahead for the Rangers
While Schneider’s shift seems promising, it is not without its challenges:
- Injury Risk: Schneider must avoid injury to ensure stability in the new position.
- Building Chemistry: It’s essential that Schneider quickly builds rapport with other defenders, particularly in the center-back roles.
- Adapting to Opposition Tactics: Rangers will face teams that may exploit Schneider’s new position, necessitating a tactical response from the coaching staff.
Case Studies: Successful Player Position Changes
Historically, many teams have successfully adapted to injuries or absences by shifting players around. Here are a few notable examples:
- Manchester United: When their left-back was injured, they shifted Luke Shaw to center-back, which allowed for a more balanced defensive setup.
- Barcelona: In times of injury crises, versatile players like Sergi Roberto have stepped into various roles, showcasing adaptability which has proven beneficial.
Practical Tips for Rangers’ Coaching Staff
To maximize the effectiveness of Schneider’s new role, coaching staff should consider the following:
- Intensive Training: Conduct specific training sessions focusing on Schneider’s left-side responsibilities, including positioning and ball distribution.
- Video Analysis: Use video analysis to highlight areas for improvement and tactical awareness for Schneider in his new role.
- Regular Feedback: Provide regular feedback during practice and matches to ensure Schneider is adapting well and making necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
As the Rangers navigate this challenging period with Lindgren out, Schneider’s move to the left side of defense represents a proactive strategy to maintain competitive performance. With careful management and strategic planning, the team can mitigate the impact of injuries and continue their pursuit of success in the league.
This comprehensive article outlines the current situation regarding the Rangers’ defensive adjustments, focusing on the implications of Lindgren’s absence and the strategic shift of Schneider. The article is structured with headings, bullet points, and tables to enhance readability and SEO effectiveness.
