Live from Uniondale....

Brad Richards. The big playmaking center from Dallas and Tampa, a UFA next summer, is someone that Rangers fans and critics have suggested as a potential No. 1 for the Rangers.

A little while ago, John Tortorella likened Derek Stepan to a young Richards, in preparation and demeanor, the highest praise from the coach yet on the 20-year-old.  "I don't want to jump the gun but I can...he's very similar, he's not rambunctious, he understands the hierarchy of the locker room...just very calm and understands early on, the process of becoming a pro."

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Chris Drury skated back in Westchseter today and Tortorella said "Friday is in sight", meaning a potential return from the broken index finger for the captain, who has been out since Sept. 20. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to," Tortorella said when asked about who would be scratched if Drury was back.

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Rangers were 3-3 against Isles last year. P.A. Parenteau on the top line...

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John Tavares won't play today, but is expected to make the Isles trip to Washington for Wednesday's game...He'll have a baseline test to determine the after-effects of what has been described as a mild concussion.