With at least two injured regulars — right wing Jesper Fast and defenseman Dan Girardi — closer to returning, coach Alain Vigneault will have some juggling to do as the Rangers hit the last lap of the regular season beginning this weekend.
Fast, the fourth liner and penalty killer who has recovered from a shoulder injury, is expected to be cleared for a full practice on Thursday and is a possibility to return for either Friday’s home game against the Panthers or Saturday’s visit to St. Paul to face the Minnesota Wild.
Vigneault could remove veteran Tanner Glass, who has been spirited and effective in a fourth-line role since his callup on March 5, and insert Fast alongside center Oscar Lindberg and Jimmy Vesey.