Why Rangers coach was pumped after Day 1 of camp: ‘They came to play today’

Coach Mike Sullivan was the happiest person after the first day of practice at the New York Rangers' training camp in Tarrytown, New York. The Blueshirts didn't fare well last season, finishing last in the Eastern Conference and 30th overall. However, Sullivan was encouraged by what he saw from the 2026-27 team during their first practice.

"I thought it was great," he told the media. "I was really encouraged. I thought we had really good energy. It was a spirited practice. I thought the intrasquad game was spirited as well." Although they were facing teammates, there was plenty of intensity in the intrasquad game, which the Blue team won 4-1. Players like Brody Lamb, Adam Sykora, and Dylan Roobroeck scored for Blue Team, while Taylor Raddysh scored for the White squad.

Despite the physicality, no fights broke out. Rempe and Marc Del Gaizo had a heated exchange, but it remained just a skirmish. Sullivan emphasized the importance of every day in camp, given the shortened schedule and the fact that there are no non-professionals or PTOs. He praised the energy and enthusiasm of the players, and expressed his eagerness to see who can earn a spot on the team.