VANCOUVER – Rookie defenseman Nils Lundkvist was set to be a healthy scratch for the second straight game Tuesday night, and the third time this season, as Rangers coach Gerard Gallant opted to play veteran Jarred Tinordi against the Canucks.
Libor Hajek was set to be a healthy scratch for the 10th time this season. He has not yet played in 2021-22.
Gallant was asked Tuesday if Hajek, 23, needs to play a game at some point, or be sent down to AHL Hartford.
"Hajek's made our team out of training camp,’’ Gallant said. "He's one of eight defensemen and, you know, it's tough on the guy, but he comes to work every day.