The Rangers have placed Patrick Rissmiller on waivers, and if he is not claimed he’ll likely be reassigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack. The move would free up just under $1 million in cap room if he is indeed sent down.

Rissmiller made just his second start for the Rangers last night, in their 2-1 loss to the visiting Dallas Stars. Fortunately for New York, they don’t have to play again until Friday when they play Columbus, which will no doubt help them recover from the sprints they had to do at practice today.

To say New York was flat, would be an understatement. Despite a Rangers goal in the first minute of the game by Markus Naslund (his first goal since opening night in Prague) to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead. The Blueshirts looked sluggish as they failed to score again.

Despite all the hype, the much anticipated return of Sean Avery to MSG proved to be somewhat of a non-event. Avery barely featured at all in the game, though he did apparently have to be pried away from a confrontation with MSG’s John Giannone between periods.

The MSG faithful weren’t particularly forgiving, giving a few half-hearted boos at the beginning of the game, and then jeering each time he touched the puck as the game went on. There were also plenty of cheers whenever a Ranger hit him. Not that Avery has any problem with being seen as the villain.

As he left the arena, Avery told the NY Media he loved them, but had to go to take his team out for dinner…apparently so he can make some friends 😉

This was also another match-up between the two Lundqvist twins, with Joel getting his first shot of his career against his brother…saved by Henrik.

The Rangers “replacement” for Avery, Aaron Voros was also a non-factor, but at least one commentator didn’t mind.