Unless Kevin Hayes encounters a setback while skating in the morning, No. 13 will return to the Rangers’ lineup for Tuesday’s match at the Garden against the Ducks. Hayes has been sidelined for the last five games with the presumed left knee injury he sustained in Detroit on Jan. 22.
“Hopefully I’m in game shape [but] you have to come back sometime,” said the improper Bostonian, who donned a Tom Brady jersey at the beginning of practice and then again in the room after coming off the ice. “The first couple of shifts I’m sure I’ll be thinking about it, but I feel good enough to get back in.