Mar 3 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers center Brad Richards (19) is checked by a trainer during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden. Rangers won 3-2 in shootout. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

It’s moment we’ve been waiting for all day. Patrick Kaleta will get a 5 game suspension for his crosscheck to Brad Richards.

Personally, I think that’s fair. The punishment in this case fits the crime. I was very upset with Kaleta, but I think the NHL made the right decision. You just wonder though how much this decision was based on the lack of injury on the play (Richards later returned to the game). Brendan Shannahan is well known to take injuries into account when he comes up with these decisions. Makes you wonder what would have happened to Kaleta if he broke Richards neck.

Rangers got the proper revenge last night though by scoring twice on the ensuing power play.They got the two points and that’s the bottom line.

Also, Larry Brooks alluded to this, but maybe now the Rangers will toughen up their game a little bit. No they don’t need to add a goon for toughness, but maybe all of the players themselves will take matters into their own hands and play more physical.

Be sure to follow me on twitter @Bluelinestation

Rick Nash’s name has popped up recently in trade rumors. Will he end up on Broadway? (Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE)

Katie Strang tweeted today that Richards is centering Gaborik and Nash today at practice. 

Steve Zipay tweeted that the other lines at practice are: 

• Carl Hagelin, Derek Stepan, Ryan Callahan
• Chris Kreider, Brian Boyle, Taylor Pyatt
• Arron Asham, Jeff Halpern, Mike Rupp

Interesting these are the lines, but let’s remember that Tortorella is not running today’s practice (He can’t have contact with players yet) and he might have other plans for the lineup. I personally do not see this “super line” of Nash, Richards, and Gaborik happening once Tortorella takes charge. Save those kinds of lines for the All-Star Games. I think it’d be best if the Rangers split up Nash and Gaborik. It would certainly be harder for teams to stop our two biggest goal threats that way.

Be sure to follow me on twitter @Bluelinestation