The news wasn’t all positive for the Rangers. Following their 3-2 season opening win over the Blues, they learned that new defenseman Dan Boyle suffered a fractured hand after blocking a shot. He’s expected to be out four to six weeks.

Not exactly what you wanted to hear. With Glen Sather doing the bare minimum to replace Raphael Diaz, that means Matt Hunwick goes into the lineup tomorrow with Michael Kostka recalled from Hartford. An injury to the blueline was the one concern going in. Now, the Rangers will get tested. Boyle was signed to replace Anton Stralman and run the power play. He’s out because he sacrificed for the team.

At the very least, it looks like it will be more of a challenge this year. The Rangers didn’t have many setbacks last season. Now down a top center and a top four D, they’ll have to get by. There’s enough experience to do so. But the power play might be an eye sore. I would venture to guess Kevin Klein slides next to Marc Staal leaving a third pair of John Moore and Hunwick/Kostka. Yikes.

In another move, the Rangers gave Matt Lombardi his unconditional release so he can return to Switzerland. Looks like Sather will try to fill the spot by signing a defenseman.