The Rangers had an light skate Tuesday and practice yesterday. Obviously, all four US team members were not there. Sweden's Mika Zibanejad, who missed Monday's game against the US due to illness, and Finland's Urho Vaakanainen are being eased back in after playing in the tourney. As of now, both are expected to play versus Buffalo on Saturday. Whether all four US members play is up in the air, partially due to some bumps and bruises, as well as the aforementioned illness.

New York called up a good portion of the Hartford Wolf Pack team. Brett Berard, Brennan Othmann, Jake Leschyshyn and Mattew Robertson to help have a full practice squad. Berard was up with the team earlier in the season, while Othmann, who had a cup of coffee with the parent club, has been on a roll, scoring nine goals in 11 games, could stick. Leschyshyn saw time a few years ago and is expected to be sent back down. Who remains depends on if Zib can play and if anyone else returns back from tonight's contest unable to go.

The blueline should be in good shape for the two games this weekend, as Vaakanainen should be ready, as should Adam Fox. If one or both are unable to go. It's possible Robertson gets in. Igor Shesterkin, injured in the game versus Pittsburgh just before the break, has been skating on his own at practice, but may not be ready this weekend. Jonathan Quick would start one game while Dylan Garand could see his first NHL action in the back-to-back.

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