Marc Staal and brother Eric face off

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Brothers Marc and Eric Staal faced each other for the first time this season Thursday night. Eric's high hit on Marc on Feb. 22, 2011, which some Rangers thought was dirty, triggered a concussion that caused Marc to miss training camp and 36 games. In recent weeks, Marc's game slowly has improved.

Eric, the Hurricanes' captain, has a 10-game scoring streak after his assist in the first period Thursday night.

Asked if the resurgence in his game came, at least in part, after seeing Marc return to the ice in January, Eric said: "I don't like to think so, but you never know." Before the coaching change to Kirk Muller, he said, "The chemistry just didn't seem to be there, and there were outside things with Marc."

Eric acknowledged that "it was difficult last time in New York [Nov. 11] with him not in the lineup, because I enjoy competing against him . . . That and the fact I got booed every time I touched the puck.'' The Hurricanes visit the Garden again March 13.

Scott sees time

John Scott, the 6-8 enforcer who made his Rangers debut Thursday night, has one career goal -- against Carolina Nov. 15, 2009, when he played for the Minnesota Wild.

SEE PHOTOSTop 10 Rangers playoff moments

"For a tall guy, it's a smaller rink," said Scott, primarily a defenseman, who was acquired from Chicago on Monday for a fifth-round draft pick. "I try to use my reach. You have to be a little smart."

Scott didn't expect to play but saw action on the fourth line. He said, "You want to make a good first impression . . . try to minimize my mistakes, not get in anyone's way."

Back-to-backs

SEE PHOTOSHit or miss: Rangers first-round picks since 1991

The Rangers, who play the Tampa Bay Lightning Friday night, are 8-1-1 in the second game of back-to-backs.