More afternoon hockey: Blueshirts/EV Zug, 2 p.m. on MSG

As we noted here yesterday, G Martin Biron gets the start in Switzerland as the Rangers close out their exhibition season. Reports from Munich say Rangers have cancelled morning skate (wise idea, an awful lot of travel lately), so no lineups yet.

Haven't heard anything about Marc Staal and I'm guessing he will be placed on IR before the season opener on Oct. 7 in Stockholm.

Today, the question on D is whether Mike Sauer, who sprained his right shoulder in Philadelphia last Monday, dresses.  Upfront, it's the status of Sean Avery (scratch) and Wojtek Wolski (groin, day to day). Final cuts have to be made by 3 p.m. Wednesday, and coach John Tortorella said he wants to keep just 13 forwards. I expect they will keep seven D, with both Stu Bickel and Brendan Bell sticking.  Scott Stajcer will remain as an emergency (3rd) goaltender through the two games.

Two names I recognize on Zug roster: Ex-NHLers Glen Metropolit and G Jussi Markkanen

See ya later...don't forget to follow here and at twitter.com/stevezipay for breaking news, game coverage and commentary...