The one-game experiment of playing Brendan Smith on the wing has ended following last night’s 3-0 loss to the Senators. Vinni Lettieri is set to be recalled from Hartford in time to face the Monteal Canadiens tomorrow night in Montreal.
In his second year with the Rangers, Lettieri failed to impress in his first 14 games this year, recording no points and being sent down to Hartford to pave the way for the call-up of Steven Fogarty and then Tim Gettinger, both of whom will remain in the starting line-up.
With injuries to Vladislav Namestnikov (concussion), Mats Zuccarello (groin), Pavel Buchnevich (hand) and Cody McLeod (hand), the Rangers have had to dig deep into their ranks, and their play has tailed off as a result.
For Lettieri it represents a chance to make another impression albeit on the road where the Rangers are yet to win in regulation this season.