Rangers Lose St. Louis For 2 Weeks, May Get Lundqvist Back In 1

NBC Sports – A source “close to the New York Rangers” has told Ken Campbell of The Hockey News that the club is preparing for star goalie Henrik Lundqvist to make his return next week, on March 24. The Rangers host the Kings that night (on NBCSN), with 10 regular-season games to go after that.

There hasn’t been any official statement regarding Lundqvist’s return to the Blueshirts – he’s yet to be cleared for a full practice. Still, this is the first speculation we’ve heard with a date attached, and if Hank’s return happens to be against the Kings at MSG on national television it couldn’t be scripted any better. Although it’s obviously a serious injury, this isn’t a knee, groin or anything that needs to be “tested” or handled with care. Throughout Lundqvist’s absence, it’s been said that as soon as he’s cleared he’ll be ready to play. AV will want to see #30 get in a full practice or two, so if the 24th is the target date it makes sense considering they’ve got just one game until Saturday. Perfect time to get some real side-work in. Best part about this story is that it doesn’t have to be accurate. If it takes him a little longer, so be it. Killa Cam’s doing just fine.

As for Marty St. Louis, he left the win over Florida prematurely after a Panther fell awkwardly on his right knee. He’s expected to miss 10-14 days. I assume Hayes will get bumped up to play wing with Step & Kreider while newcomer James Sheppard centers the 3rd line. No one’s been called up, so Tanner Glass will round out the forwards. Just another test for the Blueshirts dealing first with the loss of Hank, then Kevin Klein & now Marty (despite showing up on the scoresheet in just 7 of his last 24 games) – but the “next man up” mentality has rung true all year. As long as it’s all hands on deck come playoffs, it’s all good.