Chris Kreider, Brandon Mashinter recalled from AHL

Feeling the need for more offense, size and toughness, the Rangers have recalled Chris Kreider and Brandon Mashinter from Hartford.

On a day that started with the retirement announcement from goaltender Martin Biron, with the corresponding callup of Hartford's No. 1 goalie Cam Talbot to back up Henrik Lundqvist,  there were four other moves, but the Kreider and Mashinter transactions will have the most immediate impact on the lineup.

The Rangers have scored two goals in the past two games, and Kreider, who had two goals and two assists with the Wolf Pack, has another opportunity to show that he belongs in the NHL.

The top prospect did not have an impressive camp, and was taken aside by  Rangers president and Glen Sather during the pre-season schedule and presumably was read the riot act. We'll see if he responds.

With the Flyers game in Philadelphia coming up on Thursday, and a trip to Detroit to close out the nine-game road odyssey to start the season, Mashinter, who is not afraid to drop the gloves with heavyweights, will take the place of Arron Asham, who was assigned to Hartford last week.

The Blueshirts are without Rick Nash (concussion, indefinitely), Ryan Callahan (broken thumb, 3-4 weeks) and Carl Hagelin (shoulder rehab) for another three games. And the remaining 12 forwards did little to rattle Devils G Cory Schneider in the 4-0 loss on Saturday.  Kreider brings speed and talent, however inconsistent, and should play in the top six. The 6-foot-4 Mashinter will probably be deployed in front of the net on a lower line.

Darroll Powe, who played 8-plus minutes in NJ and was a minus-2, and G Jason Missaien were returned to the Pack.

The Rangers were off today and will practice Monday.

Possible lines? I might go...

Richards-Stepan-Kreider

Miller-Brassard-Zuccarello

Pyatt-Boyle-Fast

Mashinter -Moore-Dorsett

Healthy scratch: Pouliot

I'd also guess that Michael Del Zotto will be back on the third pair, with Justin Falk taking a seat... We'll see