Alain Vigneault and Henrik Lundqvist were noticeable absences from the Rangers’ return-to-work morning skate at the Garden on Tuesday.
The coach, delayed by weather issues on his way back from the NHL’s three-day Christmas recess, was en route to New York while his club skated, and was expected behind the bench for the 7:10 p.m. opening faceoff against the Senators.
The goaltender, however, was down with the flu and would not join his teammates, the assignment in nets going to Antti Raanta. The Blueshirts recalled 20-year-old Brandon Halverson from the AHL Wolf Pack to serve as backup.