The Rangers knew that speaking and understanding English was going to be a hurdle for Filip Chytil, their second first-round pick (the 21st overall) in this year’s draft. But it has turned out to be a larger hurdle for the 18-year-old from the Czech Republic than first anticipated.
Just a few days ago, coach Alain Vigneault learned Chytil was struggling to follow along during the group video sessions. Despite being able to converse and understand in one-on-one situations, he got lost in the group sessions.
So before Chytil makes his preseason debut Wednesday night against the Devils at the Garden, he will have a talk with assistant head coach Scott Arniel, and fellow Czech Ondrej Pavelec, the first-year backup goalie, will be there to help with anything that might get lost in translation.