Center Mika Zibanejad, who had a goal and an assist in Saturday’s 3-2 Rangers victory over the Edmonton Oilers, missed the morning skate and will not play against Winnipeg on Tuesday because of flu-like symptoms, the team said.
The Rangers did not recall a forward from AHL Hartford, so Peter Holland will step into the lineup in place of Zibanejad, who has 19 goals and 15 assists in 57 games this season. Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said David Desharnais will elevate from the fourth line into Zibanejad’s spot, in between Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich.
Shattenkirk’s return imminent
Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, who has missed 20 games following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, took part in the morning skate Tuesday, and Vigneault said his return to the lineup is close.