With the Rangers preparing for tonight’s second preseason match against the Islanders, they don’t know when they’ll have Artemi Panarin for a tuneup. He didn’t practice due to an “upper-body injury.”

A bit later, Filip Chytil left today’s practice early with his own upper-body injury (UBI). So far, that’s three players who have the dreaded injury that drives fans nuts. Mika Zibanejad skated in a no-contact red jersey on Monday. We’ll see if he gets into an exhibition game this week.

Whatever it is, apparently, Peter Laviolette’s high intensity workouts are a change of pace from Gerard Gallant. From the looks of things, they’re going at a higher tempo during practice.

Having strong conditioning will be important during the long 82-game schedule. Especially if they want to reach their goal. That would be not just making the playoffs. But actually going further than 2022-23.

If it takes more commitment, fine. Sign me up. Laviolette isn’t here to mess around. He preaches accountability and his strict system, which includes establishing a forecheck and playing tighter defensively. Areas that the Rangers want to improve on. Those are good characteristics to be successful.

Stephanie is correct. It’s a different approach than what they were used to under Gallant. He was more hands-off, letting players have optional skates. A stark contrast from Laviolette, who’s more hands-on. It should make for an interesting storyline to see how the players respond to tougher love.

J.D. had a good wisecrack. He’s always good for a few laughs during the season. Although you do wonder why so many Caps dropped like flies last year. From reading something the other day on his former team, it sounds like they’re glad he’s gone. At least if you believe Evgeny Kuznetsov. Maybe he wasn’t the right fit for that roster. We’ll see how they do under Spencer Carberry.

As for the current Blueshirts, there are spots up for grabs. Even if it isn’t many, Laviolette must continue to assess where players fit the best. That’s why he’s taking a closer look at Alexis Lafreniere at the right wing. It’s an important year for the former 2020 top pick. Whether it’s at his natural position or on the opposite side, it’s time for him to take the next step in his development.

The same can be echoed for Kaapo Kakko. He took a positive step in his fourth season by hitting 40 points for the first time. He was one of the team’s most consistent players in the first round disappointment last Spring. Hopefully, he can do more than drive play by Finnishing!

The Islanders’ roster looks set for tonight. It includes regulars Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, J.G. Pageau, Pierre Engvall, Cal Clutterbuck, Scott Mayfield, Ryan Pulock, and Hudson Fasching and Ross Johnston. Semyon Varlamov will play the first half.

The Rangers haven’t released their lineup yet. No big surprise. I’d expect to see Kakko, Vincent Trocheck, Chris Kreider, Ryan Lindgren, K’Andre Miller, Adam Fox, and Igor Shesterkin. Barclay Goodrow, and hopefully, we get to see Brennan Othmann.

I’ll have more later.