Who stays and who goes if Eminger plays?
Steve Eminger of the New York Rangers skates during the first period of against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden. (Feb. 9, 2012) Credit: Errol Anderson
OTTAWA -- Will Steve Eminger dress for Game 3 Monday night, or later in the first round?
Eminger, 28, who missed the last 12 games of the season and Games 1 and 2 of the Rangers' playoff series against the Senators because of a sprained right ankle, practiced Sunday for the first time in more than a week. The defenseman played 42 games this season and had two goals and three assists. He also played five postseason games with the Capitals in 2007-08. He averaged just over 11 minutes a game in his five games in March and about 13 minutes in February.
If Eminger is added, rookie Stu Bickel would appear to be the candidate to come out of the lineup. Bickel played only eight shifts overall and one minute in the third period of the Rangers' 4-2 Game 1 victory, and only 3:40 in six shifts in Game 2.
But Bickel is valuable if the physical play continues (12 fighting majors). Coach John Tortorella said, "[Bickel] got lost with all the killing of the penalties. He got lost a little bit as far as ice time."
With left wing Carl Hagelin suspended for three games, Tortorella could dress seven defensemen, including Bickel and Eminger, but it's more likely he'll give Chris Kreider his NHL debut or use enforcer John Scott, acquired from Chicago on Feb. 27.
Goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who will start Game 3, was given a day off from practice . . . The Rangers are 24-12-5 on the road. Said Tortorella: "I think road wins, and how you play on the road, helps coming into playoffs. We're very comfortable on the road."
More Rangers
