Red Wings at Rangers
THE STORY: The New York Rangers were quick to drop the gloves in an attempt to return to their winning ways. John Tortorella's club did just that as Monday's spirited 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils officially secured the Rangers a postseason berth. New York will play the sixth contest of its seven-game homestand on Wednesday against the reeling Detroit Red Wings, who have lost five in a row (0-4-1).
TV: 7:30 p.m., NBCS, TSN2
ABOUT THE RED WINGS (44-25-4): Coach Mike Babcock's club was slow out of the blocks on Monday, permitting the first three goals in 15 minutes before easing to a 5-3 loss to the Washington Capitals. Injuries have decimated Detroit, which sits one setback shy of matching its longest skid of the season. Captain Nicklas Lidstrom is eyeing a Saturday return after sitting out a career-high 10 games with a right ankle injury. All-Star G Jimmy Howard missed practice on Tuesday after suffering a setback with his ailing groin. The team recalled veteran Ty Conklin from Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League.
ABOUT THE RANGERS (45-20-7): Three simultaneous fights erupted just three seconds into Monday's game with the Devils. After the fireworks, Mats Zuccarello scored for the second straight contest as New York won for just the third time in eight games. Tortorella conveniently summed up the physical game, saying that he "liked our fight and I liked how we battled. ... It's a hard-fought game against them." The Rangers lead the Pittsburgh Penguins by just one point in the Atlantic Division.
OVERTIME:
1. Detroit has defeated its Original Six rival in five straight and 12 of the last 13 meetings. The Red Wings skated to a 3-2 home win in their last meeting on Feb. 7, 2011.
2. When he hasn't been sidelined by a nagging foot injury, Ryan Callahan has been productive on the ice. The Rangers captain has nine goals and five assists in his last 14 contests.
3. Red Wings C Darren Helm will be sidelined four to six weeks with a second-degree sprain of his left MCL.