Blue Notes

Update from the skate:

For what will be the final regular-season game between the Rangers and Devils at Continental Airlines Arena tonight, the Rangers will dress just six defensemen, as Marek Malik (shoulder) did not participate in the morning skate here and won't skate until tomorrow. His status for Thursday's rematch with the Devils at MSG is uncertain.

"We just decided he should stay up there (in Westchester) and do some stuff in our medical room," said coach Tom Renney. "We'll have a good look at him tomorrow. He might be able to skate tomorrow."

That's why it's odd that no seventh defenseman---Ivan Baranka or David Liffiton---has yet been called up. Suppose one of the six pulls up lame before the game?

When asked about roster moves or personnel changes, Renney declared: "It's the same lineup as for Chicago," adding that he wasn't concerned about having just six defensemen available. "Not right now. We had a good day off. Hartford's not that far away. Geographics help us."

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It will be the team's second game without Brendan Shanahan, who is on injured reserve recuperating from the concussion he suffered in the collision with the Flyers' Mike Knuble on Saturday. He is to be re-assessed later in the week. "I know he went for a walk and a coffee yesterday, to get some fresh air," said Renney.

D Aaron Ward said the team cannot change its thought process on the ice against the Devils in Shanahan's absence. "The biggest mistake you can make is start manipulating the system," he said. "Every player is aware that we're shorthanded. There should be no surprises against this team. The question is: to what level do you replace his presence off the ice. Some other guys have to step up."

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Jaromir Jagr, who is healthy, worked out off the ice and didn't skate, but will be ready for the game. Jason Krog skated in his place with Martin Straka and Marcel Hossa. Henrik Lundqvist, who said his left shoulder was fine, will start in goal and Krog will be scratched. Colton Orr and Thomas Pock will dress. Brian Gionta (groin), who has scored some crucial goals against the Rangers, will be scratched for the Devs.

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Asked why the recent games with New Jersey have been tight, Renney said: "They force us to play close attention to our game plan. They have some weapons there that force you to be responsible with the puck. They force to you have an intelligent attack game that doesn't see three people deep and allowing your opponent to come at you the other way. I think they just make us play a respectful game of them, but not to the point where we're standing around, and let them dictate the terms. I think we just play a smarter brand of hockey becuase they're well-thought-out themselves...They force us to play more responsible hockey."