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With defensemen Staal and McIlrath out, Rangers recall Skjei

Brady Skjei, Joe Morrow

New York Rangers’ Brady Skjei (76) tries to get past Boston Bruins defenseman Joe Morrow during the third period of the Bruins’ 4-3 shootout win in an NHL preseason hockey game in Boston on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

AP

The New York Rangers are banged up on the blueline, but they’re positioned well enough from a postseason standpoint that they can find the bright side of this situation.

To be more specific, those injuries to Marc Staal and Dylan McIlrath inspired the emergency recall of Brady Skjei, who may or may not have made progress since his last cup of coffee with the Rangers.

He hasn’t been able to score in three games with New York, last playing in February (and two December contests). Still, as a first-rounder from 2012, there’s the tantalizing proposition that Skjei could provide a boost. Perhaps even during the playoffs?

Even if Skjei ends up in a depth role, that could be a great help for the Rangers. That’s assuming that he’s made some strides this season - and that he can gain Alain Vigneault’s trust - of course.

The Rangers next play against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday. We’ll see if he gets another taste of NHL action then.