Lately, goals have been at a premium. Over the weekend, the Rangers scored only once gaining a split. Until that point, the offense had picked up once Carl Hagelin returned and Ryan Callahan got healthy. However, neither can be relied on consistently to finish. Even with Brad Richards’ resurgence plus improvements from Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello, the team still only possesses one legit threat. After missing 17 games due to a concussion, Rick Nash could be returning tomorrow night against the Bruins. It would be a welcome addition.

With Nash expected to return, Brandon Mashinter was sent down to Hartford. The Monster Mash added needed toughness in six games dropping the gloves twice. However, a lack of minutes led to consecutive healthy scratches Saturday and Sunday. The writing was on the wall. Even with Benoit Pouliot in Alain Vigneault’s doghouse, it was painfully obvious that he wasn’t going to be the odd man out. With Vigneault benching Hagelin for a stretch last night, he saw power play duty on the second unit. Hardly ideal for a guy who’s inconsistent shift to shift and has a penchant for bad penalties.

The question is who comes out. Personally, I’d like to see J.T. Miller stay in as he’s much more noticeable. Only 20, the second-year pro is prone to mistakes which explains why Vigneault has closely managed his ice-time. However, he can skate and brings energy. My guess is they’ll go the opposite direction and sit the kid out against a big, physical opponent. I have never agreed with that approach. Assuming Nash is back Tuesday, someone will come out.

Dominic Moore has been a welcome addition after returning. He wins faceoffs and is a dependable penalty killer. The coaching staff liked his assertive play enough to move him up to the second line yesterday. It almost worked but Moore’s goal with 2:44 left was correctly ruled by Toronto a kick. Everyone’s favorite Taylor Pyatt is starting to recover from a concussion. Once he does, Miller is ticketed to Hartford. Like it or not, that’s what the organization will do which is probably best for his development.

One of the issues facing Vigneault is what to do with Derick Brassard. A breath of fresh air after coming over from Columbus as part of the Marian Gaborik deal, he’s struggled with inconsistency which has plagued his career. That’s why the Blue Jackets gave up on him. I would’ve thought in a contract year, he’d play more inspired. Instead, Brassard has three goals and four assists at the quarter mark. That’s not gonna cut it. Vigneault at times has deployed him in a checking role with Brian Boyle and Derek Dorsett. It’s where he’s looked most effective. The trouble is he can’t produce with either.

Last year, John Tortorella correctly spread out our top three centers allowing Brassard more freedom. He even got to work with Nash. Maybe that’s what’s needed. I don’t see any reason to break up Kreider, Zuccarello and Derek Stepan. Maybe he slides Hagelin down to the third line with Brassard and Boyle allowing Dorsett to play with Moore and either Pouliot or Miller. Richards and Callahan are a good fit. Adding Nash’s scoring capabilities could work.

As far as the Justin Falk experiment, he’s been fine. But I still say Mike Del Zotto should be back in. They don’t get enough offense from the back end. It would be a mistake to give up on him. I guess we’ll have a better answer this week what their plans are.