The reinforcements are coming, and first in line is veteran defenseman Raphael Diaz.
The Rangers were planning to call up Diaz from AHL Hartford and have him at practice Monday as they prepare for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Penguins on Tuesday night at the Garden. With the first two games in Pittsburgh split, it is unlikely Diaz would go right into the lineup, but coach Alain Vigneault is looking forward to having the depth with his team.
Diaz, 30, played part of the 2013-14 season with the Blueshirts — including four playoff games — but left for the Flames last season.