The reinforcements are coming, and they’re sorely needed.
Before the Rangers’ brutal 4-3 overtime loss to the Blue Jackets on Thursday night at the Garden, coach David Quinn said the team is “very close” to getting back three key pieces — Kevin Shattenkirk, Jesper Fast and Cody McLeod. Quinn said all three could be ready as soon as Saturday night’s game in Nashville.
Shattenkirk has been out since he suffered a left-shoulder separation Dec. 10 in Tampa. The righty defenseman was supposed to be out two to four weeks, so this is on the early side for him.