Back to the New York Rangers Newsfeed

Russian rookie Vitali Kravtsov makes his NHL debut for Rangers vs. Sabres

A few days after Rangers coach David Quinn said someone in the lineup would need to slip up to create a lineup opening for forward Vitali Kravtsov, the coach decided Saturday it was time to give the 21-year-old a chance to play.

"He’s been practicing well, he's got enough time with us here, and I just thought it was a good time to get him in,’’ Quinn said, before the Rangers closed their two-game series against the Sabres in Buffalo.

Kravtsov has been practicing with the team since March 24, after his completed his COVID-19 quarantine after coming over from Russia.