Chytil motivated after being scratched

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS AT SALLYBROMPTON.COM

Up until the last handful of games, Filip Chytil said he believes he was playing some of his best hockey this season.

So when he was a healthy scratch for the first time in more than two years in last Wednesday’s game at Arizona, Chytil wouldn’t say that he was surprised, but he fully understood that it was head coach Gerard Gallant’s decision.

Asked if felt even more motivated to maintain his spot in the lineup, Chytil agreed.

“Of course, this motivates me not just because I was scratched, but it motivates me to play more, play more minutes,” he said Tuesday after the Rangers’ final practice before their holiday recess. “When I play more minutes I feel more comfortable out there. When you have one or two more shifts every game, that always helps. Just motivates me to play more and even work harder.”

Gallant said he and Chytil didn’t have to have any further discussion about his benching. The Czech was back in the lineup the next game, the 3-2 shootout loss to Vegas on Friday, but he slotted in on the wing with Artemi Panarin sidelined.

The Rangers haven’t gotten much of a look at Chytil on the wing, considering he’s been deployed at center for a majority of his tenure in New York. Chytil pointed out that he hadn’t played on the wing since a game at the World Championships last year.

“He prefers center, there’s no doubt about that,” Gallant said. “Will he play the wing? He’ll play it and he’ll be happy over the wing, too. I talked to him the other day before the game, I said, ‘You might get some more time over [on the wing]. You might play with different linemates.’ He said, ‘Coach, I’ll play wherever. Put me on the ice and I’ll play.’ ”

Chytil noted that it doesn’t matter if he’s playing on the wing or at center, saying, “It’s still hockey.” While there’s minor adjustments and little habits to be wary of, Chytil said he just wants to play as much as he can.

➤ Ryan Strome missed a second straight practice Tuesday due to what the team said was “maintenance.”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20)

Now the Sun is moving through your sign your confidence will return in leaps and bounds. Only do what feels right to you and don't let friends and family members have too much influence over how you think and feel. It's your life after all.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19)

If you find yourself in a minority of one today that's a very good thing. The last thing you want to be doing now is following the crowd, because that will lead you in directions that can do you no good at all. Be willfully independent, as always.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

Something you did earlier in the year will not only pay dividends between now and the end of the week but will also remind you that causes always have consequences, in this case in a very nice way. The universe never forgets a kindness.

ARIES (March 21-April 20)

The most important thing now is that you stay active mentally. It may be tempting to switch off and relax your brain for a bit but if you do you may miss out on an opportunity to move up in the world. A busy mind brings success.

TAURUS (April 21-May 21)

It may be a pain having to spell out simple things to other people but the fact is not everyone is as on the ball as you, so make allowances and make the effort. Friends and relatives will thank you for it and you may benefit.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

You need to strike the right balance between competition and cooperation. The planets warn you may be a bit too eager to take the fight to other people at the moment, which at best will be a waste of time and at worst could cost you professionally.

CANCER (June 22-July 23)

You may be tempted to get your own back on someone who has been saying less than nice things about you, but is it really worth it? Probably not. Most likely they are hoping you will react and make yourself look bad. Don't fall for it.

LEO

(July 24-Aug. 23)

If certain people want to challenge your authority, at home or at work, that's fine, but they had better be ready for the backlash! You are not the sort to let others tell you what you should be doing, so make sure they regret it.

VIRGO

(Aug. 24-Sept. 23)

If certain people are determined to ignore the truth then there's not much you can do to help them. You have done your bit by pointing out where they've been going wrong, now you have every right to put some distance between you.

LIBRA (Sept. 24-Oct. 23)

The more other try to make you feel guilty about the fun you've been having the more you should go out of your way to rub their noses in it. Just because they enjoy wallowing in doom and gloom does not mean you have to join them.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Social events and travel plans are under excellent stars now the Sun has moved in your favor, so don't sit at home watching the telly, get out into the world and have some fun. Your confident attitude will attract new friends, and maybe a new lover!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21)

A friend or colleague may have a completely different outlook on life to you but that need not stop you from working together. Your differences could in fact be a benefit to you both as they help you see situations from every possible angle.

BIRTHDAY WEDNESDAY

There may be a tendency over the coming year to go looking for conflict, most likely just for the fun of it. For best results, channel your aggressive instincts into positive and creative areas. Sporting and other physical activities will help burn off excess energy.