Alain Vigneault, a coach who knows from hard choices, will have interesting lineup/configuration options when Rick Nash or Matt Puempel are ready to return to the lineup, and sooner rather than later applying to both.
At least one of the two forwards is expected to play Thursday in Dallas, in the wake of Nicklas Jensen’s post-practice return to the AHL Wolf Pack.
Nash (groin) and Puempel (concussion), both sidelined for four games since sustaining their injuries in Brooklyn on Dec. 6, took full part in practice for the first time Wednesday, before the Blueshirts departed for their two-game trip that will conclude in Nashville on Saturday.