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Rangers make changes after loss in Anaheim

Philadelphia Flyers v New York Rangers

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 06: Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on October 6, 2016 in New York City. The Flyers defeated the Rangers 4-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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The scuffling New York Rangers -- coming off a 6-3 loss Sunday in Anaheim, and with just two wins in their last seven -- are expected to have a slightly different lineup tonight in San Jose.

Up front, winger Matt Puempel is likely to replace rookie Pavel Buchnevich. And on the back end, Dan Girardi will come in for Kevin Klein.

The Girardi-for-Klein switch is no huge surprise. Both d-men have been battling injuries, with Klein only returning Sunday after an extended absence due to back spasms. Head coach Alain Vigneault told reporters that he “didn’t want to put two injured defensemen in at the same time,” so Klein gets the night off tonight.

As for the potential scratching of Buchnevich, that decision would be slightly more controversial. The 21-year-old has two goals and three assists in his last 11 games, but clearly has not gained the full trust of his coach.

Henrik Lundqvist is expected to start in goal after a tough return to the net against the Ducks.