Rangers get Gaborik back, but Rozsival sidelined

GREENBURGH, N.Y. - Marian Gaborik returns to the Rangers' lineup Thursday night to boost the offense, but they'll also have a new defensive hole to fill. On the day that the team's most talented forward declared that his separated left shoulder was "good to go" for the home game against the Sabres, coach John Tortorella said defenseman Michal Rozsival will miss seven to 10 days with an ailing right shoulder.

"He's been playing through a really bad shoulder for quite a while and it's gotten to the point now where he just can't handle it and he's worried about hurting the club, so he's out," said Tortorella, calling it a strain that, as of now, would not require surgery. "People boo him, people moan about him not shooting the puck. He's had problems shooting because of this shoulder and he's stuck it out. He's always stuck it out and played through some injuries. But it's just gotten so bad he needs to strengthen it."

The absence of Rozsival, who is averaging more than 23 minutes of ice time, comes at a time when the Rangers will play six games in the next 10 days and the top four defensemen are playing heavy minutes. No. 5 defenseman Steve Eminger will take Rozsival's spot and team with Michael Del Zotto. Marc Staal will be partnered with Dan Girardi, and Mike Sauer will pair with Matt Gilroy, a healthy scratch for five games.

Gaborik, who scored 42 goals and 86 points last season, has missed 12 games and also wants to make up for lost time. After practice, he told Tortorella he was ready to return. "I'm feeling pretty good," Gaborik said. "It's tough to watch, guys are working hard out there and you can't really help, it's frustrating." Although his shooting is fine, he said players cannot replicate game contact in practice. "But I feel confident enough to jump back in. I can't wait forever."

"I like the way he came to me," Tortorella said. "He wants to play. I've stayed away from him. I think the players feel more comfortable talking to trainers about stuff like that."