The Rangers have recalled forwards Chris Kreider and Brandon Mashinter from Hartford. Also coming back up is goalie Cam Talbot. Going back down are Darroll Powe and Jason Missiaen.

In six games with the Wolf Pack, Kreider has two goals and two assists with 16 penalty minutes. Both his goals have come on the power play. After failing to establish himself during preseason, the 22-year old ’09 first round pick went down to Hartford and played better. Now, he gets another opportunity to prove he’s an NHLer. At 6-3, 230 he possesses the size, strength and speed. It’s just a matter of being consistent at the highest level. In 23 games with the Rangers last year, he struggled putting up two goals and assist. Despite sitting out a few games and going back down, he got into eight postseason games scoring this nifty overtime winner against Boston. The Rangers are hoping to see more of that with a struggling offense that’s scored just 11 goals in their first seven games.

By recalling Mashinter, they add toughness to what’s a soft roster minus Ryan Callahan. Mashinter has five assists for Hartford along with seven penalty minutes. His penchant for bad penalties makes him a risk. However, this team clearly needs more energy. Mashinter can provide that finishing checks and sticking up for teammates. He must stay disciplined or his stay will be brief. After how they were pushed around yesterday and over the first seven resulting in a 2-5-0 record, I like this move. With some players clearly not pulling their weight, the organization can’t stand pat.

After getting into games this weekend, Talbot is back. He’ll backup Henrik Lundqvist. In Saturday’s 3-2 win over Providence, Talbot made 39 saves improving to 4-0-1 with a 2.49 GAA and a .924 save percentage. It looks like he’s ready. With Marty Biron deciding to retire, Talbot will backup Lundqvist. Alain Vigneault has repeatedly said that he needs a second string goalie who can make 15-20 starts. We’ll see if Cam can live up to expectations. Otherwise, the Rangers could be in the market for a goalie. Do I hear Ilya Bryzgalov? Let’s hope the universe stays away from MSG.