Initial powerplay units from practice

Per Pat Leonard, the Rangers practiced the powerplay for an extended period of time today with two distinct units:

PP1: Marc Staal-Brad Richards, JT Miller-Derek Stepan-Rick Nash

PP2: Michael Del Zotto-Dan Girardi, Benoit Pouliot-Derick Brassard-Mats Zuccarello

Miller getting the nod on the powerplay is likely due to Ryan Callahan’s absence. Considering Rick Nash’s goal locations from last season, it’s fair to assume that he will continue to slide in at the off-wing. One of Stepan or Cally will play the off-wing on the other side (both right-handed shots), with the other sticking in front of the net. Staal and Richards will, naturally, be on the point.

It is interesting to see that Del Zotto was knocked to the second powerplay unit, after getting a lot of time on the top unit the past few years. My guess with those forwards on PP2: Go with what works at even strength.