Avery in lineup; Rupp to have surgery
File photo of the Rangers' Sean Avery. Credit: AP
Sean Avery will make his season debut against the Canadiens on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, but the Rangers will be without two others. Forward Wojtek Wolski will miss the game with a strained groin and Mike Rupp, who signed a three-year, $4.5- million contract in July, will be gone even longer.
Rupp, 31, who has not skated since Oct. 24, will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee next week, said coach John Tortorella, who was not specific on the exact reason for the procedure or the length of time that Rupp will miss. Rupp has scored one goal in seven games.
In the first period against the Ducks on Thursday night, Wolski -- who was scheduled for an MRI -- aggravated an injury that caused him to miss five games earlier this season. Avery, who cleared waivers Tuesday, will be in the lineup in his spot.
A healthy scratch Thursday, Avery said he is excited to return to the Garden, where he is expected to skate with Erik Christensen and Andre Deveaux. With only 12 healthy forwards, however, Tortorella did not rule out another call-up from Connecticut.
The contract for free-agent defenseman Anton Stralman, who agreed to terms on a one-year deal reportedly worth $900,000 Thursday, had not been registered or completed as of Friday. Stralman likely will join the club when a decision is made on Marc Staal, who remains sidelined with concussion-related headaches.
Asked about a timeline for Staal's return, Tortorella responded, "Indefinite . . . We just don't know." If Staal is placed on long-term injured reserve, it temporarily will loosen the salary cap for the Rangers, who are 5-3-3 without the All-Star defenseman.
Henrik Lundqvist, who made 27 saves and stopped two of three shots in the shootout during the victory over Anaheim, will be in the net against the Canadiens.
Martin Biron, who missed practice because of a death in the family, was to return Friday night. Tortorella indicated that he will be available as the backup.
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