A day after Phase 2 of the NHL’s “Return to Play” plan officially began, the Rangers reopened their practice facility for voluntary small-group workouts Tuesday.
Among the limited group of players participating in on-and-off ice workouts at MSG Training Center were Brendan Smith, Brendan Lemieux, Chris Kreider, Marc Staal, Adam Fox and Phillip Di Giuseppe. Rangers president John Davidson and general manager Jeff Gorton were also seen entering the facility. Davidson entered the facility wearing a mask with a dog head on it, far different from the red, white and blue striped mask he wore for the Blueshirts as their goalie.
The Islanders reopened their practice facility in East Meadow on Monday.
Phase 2 guidelines ensure players remain in the same groups of six or fewer in order to limit potential exposure to contracting the coronavirus. Players must be tested for COVID-19 at least 48 hours before entering the facility and twice weekly, per the NHL’s 22-page memo released at the end of May.
Artemi Panarin is among the Rangers who are known to be in the area but weren’t reported to be at the facility Tuesday. Panarin was awaiting his coronavirus test result and is expected to be on the ice Wednesday.
Igor Shesterkin’s agent, Rick Komarow, told The Post that the rookie netminder will continue training in Florida for the time being.
The league informed players last month that the third phase would not take place until at least July 10.