Rupp sidelined with knee problem
Mike Rupp, who has been bothered by what Rangers coach John Tortorella described as "a cranky knee" but played in all seven previous games, was scratched Thursday night. The free-agent forward, who signed a three-year contract in July, left the morning skate early.
Rupp, who hurt the knee during a preseason game in Europe, didn't skate Wednesday. He said the last time he took a day off, he felt better the following day, so this could be a concern.
Defenseman Jeff Woywitka, who also was scratched against Edmonton, didn't play Thursday night. At the time, Tortorella said he needed some video work and conditioning.
There was no further word on the condition of defenseman Marc Staal, who suffered a concussion on a high hit from his brother Eric in a game against the Hurricanes last February and is receiving treatment.
Reimer placed on IRMaple Leafs goaltender James Reimer, who practiced and was expected to start, instead was placed on IR with "whiplash symptoms," the team said. Ben Scrivens was summoned from the minors to back up starter Jonas Gustavsson, who inadvertently broke the news to the media, calling it a "concussion." Montreal's Brian Gionta clipped Reimer with an elbow on Saturday.
Thomas suspended
Christian Thomas, the Rangers' second-round draft pick in 2010 and the son of former Islander Steve Thomas, was suspended for 10 games for a stick-swinging incident. The Oshawa Generals right wing was lying on his back in the crease and hit Saginaw Spirit defenseman Brandon Archibald in the face. The ruling described the incident as a "glancing blow to the side of the helmet" that was unintentional.
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