“It’s not unrealistic to think you can win the Stanley Cup. The first step is BELIEVING.”-Glen Sather

In the second part of John Giannone’s MSG exclusive with Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather, he was asked about the difference in philosophy with new coach Alain Vigneault. Slats emphasized a more skating and attacking style without many set break outs. Most notably, he thinks a more aggressive game is better suited for their defensemen. Already we’ve seen a difference with Marc Staal, who’s scored on consecutive nights in Alberta. Staal also jumped in and nearly scored late in the second period in an exhibition Edmonton leads 4-2.

Sather also felt getting on the road for the camp in Banff was good for team chemistry. It’s a chance for players and coaches to get acclimated. All part of gelling. A word he used when pressed further about the 10-11 players he spoke to who felt winning the Stanley Cup is a realistic goal, To summarize, he said a lot of things have to go right including team bonding, playing like one unit and most importantly, health. He was quick to point out that injuries to Staal, Ryan Callahan and Carl Hagelin hindered last year’s team.

It’ll be interesting to watch how this team develops. With Callahan and Hagelin practicing minus contact, we still don’t know if they’ll start the season. There remains a log jam at forward with two preseason games remaining including a Vancouver reunion with former coach John Tortorella. In the first part of Sather’s interview, he had some pointed remarks on unsigned center Derek Stepan. It was basically a message to his agent that he needs to lower his demands. There’s no way he’ll get $3.5 million. However, if it becomes $3 million that’s doable. With the club facing important decisions on vets Arron Asham, Taylor Pyatt and Darroll Powe, much depends on the status of Callahan, Hagelin and Stepan.

Vigneault and the coaching staff must determine which kids might be worth keeping. Jesper Fast and goal scorer J.T. Miller have made strong cases. Miller’s first game has been impressive. He scored a goal by driving the net to finish a play set up by Asham and Chris Kreider, who looks better on the kid line. Kreider’s also been used up front on two power plays. An experiment Vigneault wants to try. A noticeable difference from the last coaching regime. Players are stopping in front while the points are getting shots through. A positive sign.

Another rookie who hasn’t looked out of place is Marek Hrivik. He possesses good speed and plays aggressive. Thus far, he looks more polished than Oscar Lindberg and Danny Kristo with both likely ticketed for Hartford.

As for the D, it’s a work in progress. Vigneault knows what he has in the top six with Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi and Staal the anchors. With Staal showing no ill effects from his eye, that’s very encouraging. Mike Del Zotto remains an enigma but is still vital due to the offensive skill set he possesses. Anton Stralman and the ever improving John Moore round it out. After that, it remains a mystery. Nobody’s stood out. Justin Falk is supposed to be the seventh D but needs to show more. Stu Bickel has played himself off the roster and Tommy Hughes clearly needs work. That leaves Conor Allen, who at times hasn’t looked bad. He’s a better skater than Falk and seems to play with poise. Would they really consider him? We’ll have to wait and see.

Marty Biron made some strong saves early. The Oilers got their first three goals on deflections including two beauties from David Perron. The other came from Taylor Hall after Kreider left the box. None can be considered softies but Ben Eager’s shorthanded goal following another 5 on 3 failure went short side. Not great. Cam Talbot still is getting half a game. Guess they want to take one more look.

A lot remains unsettled. Once we get through the weekend, there should be many questions answered.