Finally, the Rangers had a consistent fourth line, but it doesn’t seem like it’s going to last very long.
The pivot of that group, Boo Nieves, was forced to leave Friday night’s 2-1 overtime win against the Red Wings with what coach Alain Vigneault called a “hip pointer” injury. It happened on a hit in the first period, and despite trying to play early in the second, Nieves could go only two shifts and missed the final 33:25, as well as the 37 seconds of overtime.
“Shouldn’t be something serious,” Vigneault said.
This was the third game that Nieves started between Jimmy Vesey and Paul Carey, and the trio was creating an identity that was fast while mixing skill and grit.
“They’ve given us real good zone time and have gotten good looks,” Vigneault said after Thursday’s practice. “Jimmy had five primary chances against Carolina [on Wednesday], Boo has the great speed and is learning what it takes to be in the NHL, and Paul is a veteran depth guy who is a good skater and works hard.”
Their success also kept David Desharnais as a healthy scratch for the third straight game. Though Desharnais practiced on the wing Tuesday, that’s not where he sees the veteran making the best contribution.
“I think he’s better for us at center,” Vigneault said.
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With only one extra forward and no extra defensemen, a call-up from AHL Hartford might be logical. The energetic Vinni Lettieri has eight goals and 13 points in 17 games with the Wolf Pack, including five goals in his past eight matches.
The Rangers released their jersey for the Winter Classic, to be played outdoors at Citi Field on New Year’s Day against the Sabres. It is navy blue with “RANGERS” across it in diagonal. There is a red “NY” in a crest on the left shoulder, in tribute to this being an intrastate rivalry.
While discussing the merits of Pavel Buchnevich’s ascension to a more valuable NHL player in his second season, Vigneault had to bring up one of his growing pains. That was Nov. 4, when the 22-year-old Russian was penalized for playing with a broken stick, which he apparently didn’t know was a rule.
“We all knew about the skill set, [but] the skill set plus a more competitive nature — plus understanding all the rules,” Vigneault said. “You can’t play with a broken stick in this league, stuff like that. Once you pick up on those, you can be a good player.”
John Amirante sang the National Anthem before the game, the second time this season the longtime singer performed this season.