May 8, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Ryane Clowe (29) celebrates a goal scored by left wing Carl Hagelin (not pictured) on Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) during the second period in game four of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Clowe did not practice today after being hit from behind by Jason Chimera.  No update on Clowe’s injury but it appears to be a hand injury rather than a concussion.  A concussion however is what Darroll Powe appears to be suffering from.  Powe was once again not skating with the team but more of the usual no updates from anyone on his status.  Marc Staal was on the ice for practice but no word yet on if he will play in Game 6.

Anton Stralman and Aaron Asham have been given the day off for “maintenance”.

Chris Kreider appears to be the front runner to step in and play for Clowe if he isn’t ready to go tomorrow afternoon which seems to be the case.

Updates will follow if the team releasing anything

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April 30, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) handles the puck as Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green (52) defends during the first period in game two of the 2012 Eastern Conference semifinals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

In Game 1 we saw a different Chris Kreider then we saw during the regular season.  Kreider was part of the offense, did some hitting, and played an all around solid game.

In Game 2 we saw Kreider watching the game from the Press Box and the insert of Dorsett.  Dorsett brought a more physical game but seemed to be out of shape at times and did not play with his head.  A few key turnovers and two stupid penalties put the Rangers in a bad spot.

The debate between who should play should be a short one in my opinion.  Dorsett has been cleared of his broken collar bone just in time for the playoffs on a team he had not played with and gained any chemistry with as of yet.  Its a tough spot for anyone to be put in.    Having a lack of conditioning and being thrown into the playoffs, down a game does not help the situation.  Kreider has been playing a full season on and off at the NHL level but he has playoff experience and showed he can excel.  I am not completely knocking Dorsett after only one game.  This is playoffs and after a NHL leading 52 goals in April, don’t fix whats not broken.  Kreider should be in there and Dorsett should be the first guy in the lineup to replace an injury.

Correction from earlier. No gear here for likely scratches Kreider, Newbury, Hamrlik, Gilroy

— Pat Leonard (@NYDNRangers) May 6, 2013

Good to see Torts doesn’t agree with me.  Come on Torts!!!

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