The Rangers recalled J.T. Miller from Hartford. Miller isn’t expected to play but did practice taking the place of Derick Brassard. Daily News beat writer Pat Leonard tweeted a couple of updates.

Not to state the obvious. But any injury to Brassard would hurt the team’s chances. He centers the Rangers most cohesive line flanked by leading scorer Mats Zuccarello and perfect complement Benoit Pouliot. They are good skaters who get in on the cycle and take the body. Brassard isn’t overly physical but does a solid job recovering and moving pucks to his line mates.

Encouraging is that Alain Vigneault believes he’ll be ready for Game 1 Thursday. Unless it’s serious, there’s little doubt Brassard will play. The last thing Vigneault wants is to have to tinker with his lines. It looks like Jesper Fast will make his playoff debut. He practiced again with Carl Hagelin and Brad Richards. Daniel Carcillo subbed late for Derek Dorsett on the fourth line which would indicate he’s the odd man out.

As expected, Ryan McDonaugh participated in full practice. The one decision Vigneault has is between Raphael Diaz and Kevin Klein for the sixth spot on defense. It shouldn’t be difficult with the more physical and defensive minded Klein a better fit teaming with John Moore. Since coming over for Mike Del Zotto, he hasn’t made many glaring mistakes and is a smart positional defender. Exactly why Glen Sather acquired him.

Nothing new on Chris Kreider, who remains out. Interestingly, he led the Rangers with two goals and two assists versus the Flyers in the season series. As we’ve seen, they can’t replace his combination of size, speed and physicality. A reason Miller got called up. He adds size and a physical element. At this point, that’s the last option. Vigneault doesn’t seem to like him.