The New York Rangers got a big boost to the team, a welcome one ahead of the second game of a back-to-back, and the good news is long overdue. For most of the season the team has dealt with various ailments, but this afternoon the defense is once again back at full strength.
Rangers activate Will Borgen off injured reserve
Borgen had missed the Rangers' last five games, and with him back in the lineup the team's defense improves significantly.
Thus far Borgen's logged 304 minutes at 5v5, and he's posted a line that includes a 65.76 GF%, a 48.18 CF%, and a 58.12 xGF%. The opposition is generating just 0.97 goals against per 60 minutes which is quite impressive. Borgen is averaging 18:38 a game which is the most of his career, and he's been a very steady presence on the team's second pair to start the season.
Scott Morrow relegated to healthy scratch
The corresponding move to make room for Borgen was scratching Scott Morrow who now joins Urho Vaakanainen in a luxury box near press row. Matthew Robertson has established himself in the Rangers' lineup, and a return to Hartford could be coming soon for Morrow with the defense back at full strength.
That could change in the future if the Rangers were to decide to move on from Braden Schneider, as he's a young defender who hasn't had the greatest start to the season, but interestingly enough he's been sought after in trades in recent years.
The Rangers have a tough schedule coming up, and they will be tested by facing some of the league's top teams. Borgen being back gives the Rangers what they need to compete, and the hope is that the team can remain healthy and get back to playing a shutdown defensive game which has been instilled by Mike Sullivan.