Description: According to ESPN's Katie Strang, Ryane Clowe is hoping to re-sign with the Rangers this offseason.
Insight: Clowe missed New York's final seven games with what is believed to be a concussion. The Blue Shirts acquired Clowe from San Jose at this year's trade deadline.
Description: Brad Richards acknowledged that the Rangers could buy him out over the summer. SOURCE: ESPN
Insight: The New York center called his 2013 season "a mess." Richards posted nice stats during the regular season (11 goals, 23 assists, +8) but John Tortorella demoted him to the fourth line during the playoffs. He didn't play at all in the last two games of the Boston series. Maybe a change of scenery will help Richards turn things around.
Description: Rangers defenseman Mark Staal is questionable for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Saturday against the Bruins with blurred vision.
Insight: His vision has been improving, but it's still unlikely that he gets on the ice for Saturday's game. He scored two goals and 11 points in 21 regular season games, but hasn't seen the ice since Game 1 of the series with Washington.
Description: New York right wing Ryane Clowe is doubtful for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Saturday against the Boston Bruins with a concussion.
Insight: During the regular season he posted 19 points in 40 games and added 93 penalty minutes. He hasn't played since Game 2 of the previous series with Washington.
Description: New York center Brad Richards will be a healthy scratch for Thursday night's Game 4 against Boston. SOURCE: New York Times
Insight: Richards has seen his role diminshed this postseason and now it looks like he doesn't even have a role. This is pretty puzzling, especially considering how well Richards performed during the regular season (11 goals, 23 assists, +8).
Description: Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist acknowledged that he's been dealing with a shoulder injury but says that he has it "under control." SOURCE: The Bergen Record
Insight: Lundqvist was dominant versus the Capitals in round one but so far he's struggled against the Bruins (eight goals allowed in two games). He'll look to turn things around Tuesday in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden. Lundqvist is undefeated at home this postseason (3-0).
Description: Carl Hagelin led the Rangers to victory with a goal and two assists Wednesday against Washington.
Insight: Hagelin was quiet in Games 2 and 3 (zero points, one shot on goal, -1) but he made up for it by having a spectacular Game 4. The series is tied 2-2.
Description: New York right wing Ryane Clowe is doubtful for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Wednesday against Washington.
Insight: He's been battling a head injury for the last week and a half. During the regular season he posted 19 points in 40 games and added 93 penalty minutes.
Description: Rangers right wing Ryane Clowe is questionable for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Monday against Washington with a head injury.
Insight: He skated in Friday practice, but wore a no-contact jersey which indicates he's not likely ready to play in a game. He scored 19 points and added 93 penalty minutes to become a useful fantasy option.
Description: Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist has been outdueled by Braden Holtby in New York's first-round series against the Capitals.
Insight: Lundqvist dropped Game 2 in overtime despite making 37 saves on 38 shots. The series will shift back to New York, but unless the Rangers find their offense it won't matter where the games are played.
Description: Rangers right wing Ryane Clowe is doubtful for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Saturday against Washington with a head injury.
Insight: He skated in Friday's practice, but wore a no-contact jersey which indicates he's not likely ready to play in a game. He scored 19 points and added 93 penalty minutes to become a useful fantasy option.
Description: Rangers right wing Ryane Clowe's undisclosed injury, which is likely a concussion, will keep him out of Game 1 against Washington Thursday, according to the Bergen Record.
Insight: Rangers coach John Tortorella doesn't divulge injury information if he can help it, so we don't truly know what's wrong with Clowe. He didn't skate Thursday morning, but he traveled with the team on the trip to Washington and worked out off the ice.
Description: Vezina Trophy contender Henrik Lundqvist padded his resume by recording his second shutout of the season Saturday versus the Devils.
Insight: Another excellent performance by King Henrik (20 saves). The Rangers seem to be peaking at the right time. They'll enter their first round playoff series having won seven of their last nine games.
Description: New York left wing Rick Nash put an exclamation point on the regular season by scoring two goals in Saturday's win against New Jersey.
Insight: It looks like the Rangers will face the Capitals in the first round of the playoffs. Nash has 21 goals and 21 assists so far in his first season with the Blue Shirts.
Description: Rangers right wing Ryan Clowe suffered an unknown injury Thursday night against Carolina.
Insight: We'll let you know when we hear more, though The Record's Andrew Gross is speculating that it could be a leg injury. We do know that Clowe won't be returning.
Description: Ryan Callahan put two goals past Devils goalie Martin Brodeur Sunday in a 4-1 Rangers victory.
Insight: Callahan led the team with four shots on goal. The Rangers hold a three-point lead over Winnipeg in the race for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Description: Rangers center Brad Richards strung together a hat trick Friday in an 8-4 win over Buffalo.
Insight: Believe it or not, Friday marked Richards' first career hat trick. It took him 896 career games to finally pot three goals in the same game. The win puts New York in sole possession of eighth place in the Eastern Conference with four games left to go in the regular season.
Description: Rangers center Derick Brassard had a pair of goals on three shots Thursday against Florida.
Insight: New York's acquisition of Brassard from Columbus in the Marion Gaborik trade has gone swimmingly. He has three goals and nine points in eight games with the team.
Description: Rangers winger Rick Nash scored the game-winning goal and added two assists Thursday against the Panthers. He came in on a three-game scoring drought.
Insight: The Rangers beat Florida 6-1, so Nash's first-period goal to make it 2-0 ended up being the deciding factor. He has 18 goals, 38 points and 158 SOG in 39 games.
Description: New York left wing Rick Nash found the net twice Monday in a loss to the Maple Leafs.
Insight: Nash has scored four times on 22 shots over his last three games. He leads the Blue Shirts with 35 points in 35 games this season. Nash is also second on the team in plus/minus (+15).
Description: New York center Derek Stepan has a four-game scoring streak with six points in that span.
Insight: Stepan had a goal and an assist Saturday against Carolina. He has emerged with 13 goals and 30 points in 38 games this season and made it easier for the Rangers to trade Marian Gaborik.
Description: Rangers forward Rick Nash had a goal and an assist Saturday against Carolina.
Insight: Nash has been a tremendous fantasy asset this season, posting 15 goals, 18 assists and 139 SOG in 34 games. That's an 82-game pace of 36 goals, 43 assists and 335 SOG. Plus, he has a +15 this season after coming in at -19 last season with Columbus.
Description: Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist said his hamstring was fine and then he went out and proved it by saving 48 shots Saturday in a 4-1 win over Carolina.
Insight: Lundqvist had a 2.79 GAA and .904 SV% in January but he has recorded a 1.86 GAA and .934 SV% since Feb. 1.
Description: Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist is expected to be available for Saturday's game against Carolina. He hurt the hamstring Friday night against Pittsburgh, but played through it.
Insight: Lundqvist has rounded into form after a slow start. He has a 2.11 GAA and .925 SV% in 32 games, but his record is just 16-13-3.
Description: Derick Brassard's first game with the Rangers was a success. He piled on four points in the team's 6-1 win over the Penguins.
Insight: New York acquired Brassard at the perfect time. He's scored at least once in each of his last three games. Brassard will go for four in a row Friday night in Pittsburgh.
Description: Ryane Clowe did not score a single goal in 28 games for the Sharks before Tuesday's trade. In his first game for the Rangers, he scored twice, leading New York to a 6-1 victory over Pittsburgh.
Insight: Clowe got some reps with the power play unit and he ended up leading the team with five shots on goal. It looks like he'll be a decent replacement for Marian Gaborik, who was traded to Columbus earlier in the day.
Description: Ryane Clowe has agreed to waive his no-trade clause for a trade to the New York Rangers. The Sharks will receive three drafts picks (one conditional) in return.
Insight: Clowe has zero goals and 11 points in 28 games this season. He will likely provide depth and toughness for the Rangers but won't be a fantasy option in most leagues.
Description: Rangers center Derek Stepan is going to be sorry to see March go. After recording a goal and three assists Tuesday against the Flyers, Stepan has six goals and 15 points in 13 games this month.
Insight: Stepan was been a solid source of secondary offense in 2010-11 and 2011-12 with an average of 0.59 ppg but he has stepped his production up to 0.78 ppg in 2012-13.
Description: New York center Brad Richards has produced one goal and two assists over his last two games.
Insight: It has been a disappointing season for Richards. He has five goals and 18 points in 30 games (0.60 ppg) after putting up 25 and 66 in 82 games (0.80 ppg) last season.
Description: According to Andrew Gross of the Bergen Record, the Rangers could look to trade Marian Gaborik at the end of this season. Gross says there are "plenty of whispers" that the Rangers are "gauging the market's interest" in Gaborik due to a "growing disconnect" between Gaborik and Rangers coach John Tortorella.
Insight: Gaborik was dropped to the third line to start the third period in Tuesday's loss to Buffalo. Gross mentions that the grinding, physical defensive style Tortorella preaches does not come naturally to Gaborik. Also, Gaborik is more comfortable both on the right wing and playing on a specific line, but Torts has switched Gaborik to left wing and insisted that Gaborik plays better when he's shuffled through different lines. Gaborik only has eight goals and 17 points in 25 games this season, and all of his goals are concentrated into five games.
Description: Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist will sit out of Sunday's matinee at Washington while Martin Biron will handle goaltending duties.
Insight: Lundqvist has rounded into form after a slow start. He has a 2.24 GAA and .921 SV% in 20 games and should be back in net Tuesday at Buffalo. Biron is 1-1-1 with a 2.50 GAA in four appearances.
Description: New York center Brad Richards played well in his return to the lineup Friday against Ottawa (one goal, six shots on goal, +2).
Insight: Richards sat out the Rangers' previous two games because of soreness. He's not quite the player he used to be (just 12 points in 21 games) but Richards is still good enough to start in most fantasy leagues.
Description: Rangers center Brad Richards (back/neck spasms) is doubtful for Friday's game against Ottawa. The good news, however, is that it wasn't a concussion.
Insight: Richards has been dealing with soreness related to his neck and back after getting hit into the boards from behind Sunday against Buffalo. Richards has posted a pair of gials and 11 assists in 20 games this season and it was just 2009 that he put up 91 points for the Dallas Stars.
Description: Rangers winger Marian Gaborik's game-winning goal in overtime Thursday against the Islanders was his first since Feb. 14, also against the Isles.
Insight: Gaborik's last three goals this season have come in games against the Islanders on Feb. 7 and 14 and March 7. He does have four points in three games this month so hopefully he's getting things turned around.
Description: Rangers defenseman Marc Staal is out indefinitely with a right eye injury, but doctors are optimistic he will make a full recovery. SOURCE: The Bergen Record
Insight: Staal, who doesn't wear a protective visor, was hit in the right eye by a Kimmo Timonen slapshot this week. New York picked up defenseman Roman Hamrlik off waivers from Washington.
Description: Rangers center Brad Richards (upper body) doesn't have a concussion but there is still no timetable for his return, according to Andrew Gross of the Bergen Record.
Insight: Richards has been dealing with soreness related to his neck and back after getting hit into the boards from behind Sunday against Buffalo. Richards says he doesn't think the injury is a long-term concern.
Description: Rangers defenseman Marc Staal was hit in his right eye by a Kimmo Timonen slapshot Tuesday night and there was no update on his condition after the game, according to the Bergen Record.
Insight: Staal doesn't wear a protective visor, leaving him vulnerable to stray pucks. He was in considerable pain on the ice after being hit and we don't expect him to play Thursday against the Islanders.
Description: Rangers forward Rick Nash scored two more goals Tuesday against Philadelphia, giving him four in three games since returning from an injury.
Insight: Nash was held to two SOG after taking 15 over his last two games but it didn't matter. The winger has seven goals and 11 assists on the season and has produced at least one point in seven straight contests.
Description: Rangers center Brad Richards (upper body) is questionable to play Tuesday night after leaving the morning skate. SOURCE: Bergen Record
Insight: Richards has been dealing with an upper-body injury after getting hit into the boards from behind Sunday against Buffalo. The Rangers recalled Micheal Haley from Connecticut shortly after the skate so Richards will likely be a game-time decision.
Description: Rangers left wing Rick Nash collected a goal and an assist Thursday in his return to the ice.
Insight: Nash (four goals, 10 assists in 2013) hadn't played since February 17th against the Islanders. Thursday night's win against the Lightning snapped a four-game losing streak for New York.
Description: As expected, New York left wing Rick Nash will be active for Thursday's tilt against Tampa Bay. Nash has been sitting out with an undisclosed injury.
Insight: This will be Nash's first game in almost two weeks. He's produced 12 points so far in his first season with the Blue Shirts.
Description: Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto (hip) participated in Thursday's optional skate, according to the Bergen Record, but his status for Thursday is still uncertain.
Insight: Del Zotto has missed the last two games with a hip injury. He's the best fantasy option out of New York's top-four blueliners.
Description: Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (undisclosed) expects to play Thursday, according to the Bergen Record.
Insight: McDonagh missed Tuesday's game after being boarded face-first Saturday against the Canadiens. McDonagh is a mediocre fantasy option due to his lack of power-play time.
Description: Rangers winger Rick Nash (undisclosed) will try to return Thursday against the Lightning, according to the Bergen Record.
Insight: Nash has 12 points and 57 SOG in 14 games but he hasn't played since Feb. 17 due to an undisclosed injury. He'll test the injury in warmups before determining if he will play.
Description: Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (ankle) and Marc Staal (illness) will play Tuesday against Winnipeg.
Insight: Girardi took a slapshot off the ankle from P.K. Subban of Montreal Saturday night and Staal has been dealing with the flu. Both players figure to play major minutes with fellow blueliners Michael Del Zotto and Ryan McDonagh out of action.
Description: Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto will miss Tuesday's game with a hip injury.
Insight: Del Zotto has put up seven points in 16 games after a career-best 10 goals and 31 assists last season. He is the best fantasy option out of New York's defensive rotation.
Description: Rangers winger Rick Nash skated with the team onTuesday but isn't expected to play in Tuesday's game against the Jets. SOURCE: ESPN New York
Insight: Nash has 12 points and 57 SOG in 14 games. He hasn't played since Feb. 17 with an undisclosed injury but appears to be getting closer to a return.
Description: Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi is probable for Tuesday's game against Winnipeg. He was back at practice on Monday.
Insight: He took a shot off the ankle from P.K. Subban, who has one of the hardest slapshots in the NHL. Girardi has a goal and five assist on 37 shots this season.
Description: Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto is probable for Tuesday's game against Winnipeg.
He practiced Monday. He's been dealing with a hip injury.
Insight: Del Zotto has put up seven points in 16 games after a career-best 10 goals and 31 assists last season. As long as he participates in the morning skate, you should put him back in your lineup.
Description: Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh left Saturday's game against the Canadiens after taking an elbow to the back from Max Pacioretty that drove him into the glass face-first. McDonagh may have suffered a concussion on the play, according to the New York Daily News.
Insight: New York's defenseman are dropping like flies. The Blueshirts also lost Dan Girardi to a leg injury after he took a P.K. Subban slapshot off his right ankle late in the third period. Michael Del Zotto was already out with a lower-body injury and Marc Staal was less than 100 percent with the flu Saturday. Staal might be the only healthy player out of New York's top-four blueliners when the Rangers host Winnipeg Tuesday.
Description: Rangers coach John Tortorella benched Marian Gaborik for the entire third period after a second-period hooking penalty led to a crucial power-play goal. SOURCE: New York Daily News
Insight: Gaborik had zero SOG after getting off seven against Ottawa. Gaborik has been skating with Derek Stepan and Carl Hagelin recently with Rick Nash out but he was put on a line with Brad Richards and Taylor Pyatt while Ryan Callahan played with Stepan and Hagelin last night. The move didn't work out so well for the injury-plagued Rangers.
Description: Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi had to be helped off the ice late in Saturday's game after taking a slap shot off the ankle from Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban.
Insight: Subban, who has one of the hardest slapshots in the NHL, was only about 15 feet away from Girardi when he took the shot. With Michael Del Zotto already out and Ryan McDonagh going down earlier in Saturday's game, the Rangers are down three of their top four defensemen.
Description: Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto (hip) will miss Saturday's game. SOURCE: Steve Zipay, Newsday
Insight: Del Zotto has put up seven points in 16 games after a career-best 10 goals and 31 assists last season. His absence will mean more power-play time for Dan Girardi and Marc Staal.
Description: It looks as though Rangers defenseman Marc Staal will be active Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens.
Insight: Staal is dealing with the flu but he was on the ice for warmups. The blueliner has nine points in 16 games this season but he's only useful for assists.
Description: Rangers backup goaltender Martin Biron will start between the pipes Saturday against the Canadiens.
Insight: Biron has started just twice this month behind workhorse Henrik Lundqvist. He's gone 1-0-1 with a .928 SV% in his three appearances this season.
Description: Rangers winger Rick Nash has been placed on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury. SOURCE: Bergen Record
Insight: Nash has 12 points and 57 SOG in 14 games. He hasn't played since Feb. 17 so he'll be eligible to return in time for Tuesday's game if he's able to play.
Description: New York Rangers high-scoring winger Rick Nash will miss Saturday's game against Montreal. He's missed the last two games with an undisclosed injury.
Insight: Nash has 12 points and 57 SOG in 14 games. Although he has just three goals this season, he has scored 30 or more in each of the past five seasons and we expect he'll finish the season with a similar scoring rate.
Description: New York Rangers high-scoring winger Rick Nash is questionable for Saturday's game against Montreal. He's missed the last two games with an undisclosed injury.
Insight: Nash has 12 points and 57 SOG in 14 games. Although he has just three goals this season, he has scored 30 or more in each of the past five seasons and we expect he'll finish the season with a similar scoring rate.
Description: New York Rangers high-scoring winger Rick Nash didn't play Tuesday against the Canadiens and isn't likely to play Thursday versus Ottawa.
Insight: Nash is not expected to make the trip to Ottawa. He has 12 points and 57 SOG in 14 games. Although he has just three goals this season, he has scored 30 or more in each of the past five seasons.
Description: Rangers forward Rick Nash won't play Tuesday against the Canadiens. The team didn't reveal the reason for his absence. SOURCE: Andrew Gross, Bergen Record
Insight: Nash has 12 points and 57 SOG in 14 games, but just three of his points are goals. Chris Kreider will get back in the lineup Tuesday.
Description: Rangers right wing Darroll Powe has been placed on injured reserve.
Insight: Powe suffered a concussion Sunday in a win against the Capitals. He hasn't scored a point yet this season but he's spent plenty of time in the penalty box (13 penalty minutes in 14 games).
Description: Rangers winger Carl Hagelin extended his goal-scoring streak to four games Sunday against the Capitals.
Insight: Hagelin has five goals in his last four games and all six of his goals this season have come in February. Hagelin took four more SOG Sunday, giving him 18 over his last four games and 44 on the season.
Description: New York right wing Marian Gaborik collected a goal and an assist on Thursday but he missed a crucial scoring opportunity in the shootout, allowing the Islanders to capture a 4-3 victory.
Insight: Gaborik is now 0-for-2 in shootouts this season. Gaborik and Rick Nash are tied for the team-lead in points with 11 a piece.
Description: Rangers forward Chris Kreider will be a healthy scratch Thursday against the Islanders. SOURCE: Bergen Record
Insight: Kreider is off to a slow start with two points in seven games. He dealt with bone chips in his right ankle earlier this season and hasn't been able to get enough ice time to be a fantasy factor. Brian Boyle will return as the third-line center after three straight games as a healthy scratch.
Description: The Rangers will give Henrik Lundqvist a rest Thursday as Martin Biron will start in net against the Islanders.
Insight: Biron rarely starts in place of the workhorse Lundqvist. He won his only start this season with 30 saves on 32 chances against Tampa Bay on Feb. 2.
Description: Rangers forward Rick Nash has two goals in his last four games. His latest came Sunday against the Lightning, when he also had one assists, five SOG and a plus-4.
Insight: Nash suddenly has nine points (3 G, 6 A) in 11 games to go with 44 SOG, 12 PIM and a plus-8.
Description: Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi returned from an injury and had two assists, two SOG and a plus-4 Sunday against Tampa Bay.
Insight: Girardi hadn't played since Feb. 2. He has four assists and 22 shots in nine games and is a low-level fantasy defenseman outside of leagues that count hits.
Description: Rangers winger Carl Hagelin tallied two goals, one assist, six shots and a plus-2 differential Sunday versus Tampa Bay.
Insight: Hagelin didn't have much of a statistical impact in the first 10 games this season (2 points) but he is taking more shots than last season, if that's any consolation.
Description: Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi is probable for Sunday's game against Buffalo with what is being called a lower body injury.
Insight: The Rangers are saying that Girardi is "banged up" and day-to-day. He's averaged 26 points a season for the past five years with 100-plus shots.
Description: Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi is questionable for Sunday's game against Buffalo with what is being called a lower body injury.
Insight: The Rangers are saying that Girardi is "banged up" and day-to-day. He's averaged 26 points a season for the past five years with 100-plus shots.
Description: Rangers rookie center J.T. Miller scored his first two career goals Thursday versus the Islanders.
Insight: Miller, a 2011 first-rounder, played his first game Tuesday. He had eight goals and 20 points in 37 games in the AHL this season. He has been skating on a line with another promising rookie Chris Kreider, but neither player is likely to get enough ice time to be a factor in fantasy leagues, especially now that Ryan Callahan has returned from an injury.
Description: Rangers defenseman Marc Staal had two assists Thursday against the Islanders.
Insight: Staal only had five points in 46 games last season, when he spent most of the season outside of the top-four blueliners, but he already has six in 10 this season. Playing with Michael Del Zotto, Staal should easily duplicate his 2010-11 pace, when he had 29 points (7 G, 22 A) with 50 PIM, 116 SOG and a plus-8 in 77 games.
Description: Rangers winger Marian Gaborik scored his first goal since Jan. 26 Thursday night against the Islanders.
Insight: Gaborik had five goals prior to Thursday's game, but they all came in two games. Hopefully he can develop more consistency for owners in head-to-head leagues.
Description: Rangers forward Chris Kreider scored his first-career regular season goal Tuesday against the Devils in his first game since Jan. 23.
Insight: Kreider went right from Boston College to the NHL playoffs last season. The 21-year-old was scoreless in his first three games before going down with an ankle injury. Kreider could get second-line time with Ryan Callahan on injured reserve.
Description: Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi was a late scratch Tuesday against the Devils after starting 120 straight regular season games. SOURCE: Dan Rosen, NHL.com
Insight: The Rangers are saying that Girardi is "banged up" and day-to-day.
Description: Rangers winger Ryan Callahan will miss 10-14 days with a sublaxed left shoulder.
Insight: Callahan injured his shoulder Tuesday against the Flyers but he might miss just four games if he can return in 10 days. If his shoulder had been torn Callahan could have missed most of the season.
Description: Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto factored in on both of New York's goals in a 2-1 win over the Flyers Tuesday.
Insight: Del Zotto scored his first goal of the season and had a power-play assist, his fifth assist of the season but first with the man advantage. Del Zotto is the Rangers' best fantasy defenseman.
Description: Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist beat Philadelphia Tuesday with 26 on 27 chances.
Insight: That's more like it. Lundqvist had allowed at least two goals in all five of his starts this season prior to Tuesday. He has now won two straight while allowing just five goals over his last three games.
Description: Rangers winger Ryan Callahan left Tuesday's game with an upper-body injury.
Insight: Callahan dropped the gloves against Philly's Max Talbot and came out favoring his left shoulder. He went right to the locker room. We could be looking at a possible dislocated shoulder.
Description: Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist will get another shot at Philadelphia Tuesday after losing to the Flyers last week.
Insight: Lundqvist (2-3, .893 SV%, 3.14 GAA) has given up at least two goals in all five games this season. That's not what fantasy owners expected but we wouldn't panic just yet.
Description: Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto had a pair of assists Saturday to help New York come back from a 2-0 hole to beat Toronto 5-2.
Insight: Del Zotto is the Rangers' most-used defenseman on the power play, but all four of his assists this season have actually come at even strength. The Rangers only have two goals on 22 power-play opportunities this season (9.1 PP%, 27th in NHL); once they start picking it up with the man advantage Del Zotto should produce even better numbers. He's a must-own defenseman.
Description: Rangers blueliner Marc Staal has a goal and two assists over his first five games.
Insight: That's just two fewer points than he had in 46 games last season, when he spent most of the season outside of the top-four blueliners. Staal doesn't play on the Rangers top defensive pairing but he still gets plenty of ice time on the second grouping with Michael Del Zotto. Staal should easily duplicate his 2010-11 pace, when he had 29 points (7 G, 22 A) with 50 PIM, 116 SOG and a plus-8 in 77 games.
Description: Rangers forward Rick Nash had two assists Saturday against the Maple Leafs.
Insight: Nash (1 G, 4 A) has been known as more of a scorer than passer in his career but that's likely because he had to do everything by himself on Columbus. Now that he's skating with stars Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards he can show off his passing skills as well. That's not to say Nash hasn't been firing away at the net -- he has 23 SOG in five games and it's only a matter of time before some of those start going in.
Description: Rangers center Brad Richards had a goal, an assist, three shots and a plus-4 Saturday against the Maple Leafs.
Insight: Richards has six points (2 G, 4 A), 12 shots, four PIM and a plus-6 differential through five games. The Richards-Rick Nash-Marian Gaborik line has produced 14 points (6 G, 9 A) over the last three games.
Description: Rangers winger Marian Gaborik had four points -- two goals, two assists -- Saturday against the Maple Leafs. Since all the goals came at even strength, Gaborik was a plus-4 for the night.
Insight: Gaborik had a hat trick Wednesday against Boston and an assist Thursday at Philadelphia. This makes five goals and three assists with 19 shots in five games for the winger.
Description: The Rangers have signed forward Jason Arnott to a one-year contract reportedly worth a cap hit in the range of $1.6 to $1.7 million. SOURCE: Darren Dreger, TSN
Insight: Arnott will give the Rangers depth at the center position but won't do enough to factor into fantasy lineups. The veteran had 34 points in 72 games with St. Louis last season.
Description: Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (1-3, 3.47 GAA, .895 SV%) will start Saturday against the Maple Leafs.
Insight: Last year's Vezina Trophy winner's numbers are down but he has played pretty well in three of four games this season. If you take out his lackluster effort last week against the Penguins (4 G in 29 min), Lundqvist would have a 2.68 GAA and .917 SV%. Things should soon improve for the star netminder.
Description: Rangers winger Marian Gaborik recorded his 14th career hat trick Wednesday in a win over Boston.
Insight: Gaborik got loose on a breakaway and pushed the puck past Tuukka Rask to win the game just 27 seconds into overtime. His other two goals came in the first period. Clearly, Gaborik benefited from playing alongside Brad Richards and Rick Nash on the first line. Gaborik played with New York's second unit during the first two games of the season.
Description: According to NorthJersey.com, New York winger Marian Gaborik will play on the same line as Brad Richards and Rick Nash Wednesday night against the Bruins.
Insight: Carl Hegelin has been demoted to the second line. Gaborik hasn't scored yet this season but he does have seven shots on goal in two games. He netted 41 goals in 2011-12, good for third-best in the NHL.
Description: Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has lost his first two starts this season while allowing seven goals on 52 shots. He'll try again Wednesday against Boston.
Insight: Lundqvist has faced two tough opponents in Boston and Pittsburgh to start the season and it won't get easier with a rematch with the Bruins on the docket for Wednesday.
Description: New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist allowed four goals on just 18 shots in 29 minutes Sunday against Pittsburgh before being pulled for backup Martin Biron.
Insight: Lundqvist has had a rough start to the season, losing two games and giving up seven goals. Blame the lockout; the King isn't ready to vacate the throne just yet.
Description: New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist will start Sunday against the Penguins.
Insight: Lundqvist saved 31 of 34 shots Saturday in a loss against Boston. Lundqvist won two of four starts with a 2.28 GAA and a .931 SV% against the Penguins last season.
Description: Rick Nash had an assist Saturday in his Rangers debut.
Insight: Nash played on a line with Brad Richards and Carl Hagelin. Before coming to New York this past offseason, Nash had played nine seasons for the Blue Jackets. During his time in Columbus, Nash became the team's all-time points leader with 549 points (289 goals, 258 assists) in 674 games.
Description: Rangers center Brad Richards is probable for Saturday's game against Boston. He's dealing with the flu.
Insight: Richards is a fantasy star coming off a mediocre 66-point season (25 G, 41 A). During the previous two seasons he had scored more than a point-a-game. Hopefully he'll return to his previous production level.
Description: Rangers forward Marian Gaborik is expected to start the season at left wing after spending the rest of his 11-year NHL career almost exclusively on the right side. SOURCE: New York Post
Insight: Gaborik's 41 goals last season were third most in the NHL behind Steven Stamkos and Evgeni Malkin. If Rangers coach John Tortorella likes what he sees from Gaborik this week, he will likely open with Derek Stepan and Ryan Callahan while Brad Richards centers a line with Carl Hagelin and Rick Nash.
Description: Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto has agreed to "tentative terms" with New York and is expected in camp on Sunday. Aspects of the contract are still being hammered out. SOURCE: Bob McKenzie, TSN
Insight: Del Zotto was a mid-level defenseman last season, placing 155th overall in standard scoring Yahoo! leagues, 21st at the position. Initial reports said that a deal wasn't expected to get done prior to training camp, leaving the blue liner's status in jeopardy for the start of the season.
Description: New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist said it may take him a while to get going after the lockout. SOURCE: Newsday
Insight: Lundqvist might show a little rust at first but we're confident he'll get up to speed quickly. He posted career highs in goals against (1.97) and save percentage (.930) last season while leading the Rangers to the best record in the Eastern Conference.
Description: Rangers winger Rick Nash said he had no lingering issues from a groin injury he suffered in November while playing in the Swiss League and aggravated in early December. SOURCE: The Bergen Record
Insight: It looks like both Nash and Marian Gaborik will be available for the start of training camp. Nash scored 59 points (30 G, 29 A) in 82 games with Columbus last season but posted a poor +/- (-19). That should easily improve playing for New York this season.
Description: Recently acquired Rangers winger Rick Nash is questionable for the start of the season with a groin injury which is not considered serious.
Insight: Nash adds another big-time scorer to the Rangers lineup and could be on a high-scoring line with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik.
Description: Rangers winger Carl Hagelin's shoulder should be ready for the start of the NHL season. He was forced to leave his Swedish club because of the injured shoulder, but appears to be on pace to return on time.
Insight: Hagelin had 14 goals and 24 assists for 38 points in 64 games. He also held a top +21 plus/minus rating.
Description: Rangers forward Marian Gaborik is expected to be ready for the January start of the regular season after June shoulder surgery.
Insight: Gaborik was one of the top scorers in the NHL last season with 76 points (41 G, 35 A) and the acquisition of left winger Rick Nash should only help his fantasy value. The Rangers are expected to employ a top line of Nash, Brad Richards and Gaborik when Gaborik returns from his torn labrum.
Description: Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto is listed as questionable for the start of the season while dealing with a sore back.
Insight: Del Zotto just returned from playing in the Swiss League and said he believes he will be fine with a few days rest, according to a Craig Custance report. Del Zotto set career highs last season in goals (10), assists (31), shots (113), penalty minutes (36) and had a solid +20 plus/minus rating. When healthy he's a top fantasy defenseman.
Description: Rangers forward Marian Gaborik said Tuesday he is "happy with the progress" he is making in his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery.
Insight: Gaborik was one of the top scorers in the NHL last season with 76 points (41 G, 35 A) and the acquisition of left winger Rick Nash should only help his fantasy value. The Rangers are expected to employ a top line of Nash, Brad Richards and Gaborik when Gaborik returns from his torn labrum.
Description: The Blue Jackets have traded winger Rick Nash to the New York Rangers for Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Tim Erixon and a first-round pick.
Insight: The Rangers have been tied to trade rumors for Nash since last season's trading deadline. Expect his fantasy value to increase greatly as he fills a scoring void on a team that finished first in the Eastern Conference last season. With the Rangers, Nash should increase his scoring (59 points last season) and improve his plus/minus (minus-19 last season) while nearing 300 SOG.
Description: Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist won the Vezina Trophy at the NHL awards night on Wednesday.
Insight: Lundqvist beat out the Kings' Jonathan Quick and Nashville's Pekka Rinne for the award. The New York goaltender finished third in the NHL in wins (39), fourth in save percentage (.930) and fifth in goals against average (1.97) in 2011-12.
