Only eight Rangers took part in Tuesday's optional morning skate at the MSG Training Center, including goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. Fellow goalie Marty Biron was not present at the skate, and later it was announced by the team that he is suffering from the flu and will not be able to dress for Tuesday night's game against the Winnipeg Jets at The Garden.
To take Biron's spot on the roster, Chad Johnson was recalled from the Connecticut Whale to serve as Henrik Lundqvist's back up in the Rangers final game before the All Star break.
In 25 games with the Whale this season Johnson has posted a 10-8-5 record, 2.65 goals against average and .910 save percentage, Currently in his third season in the Rangers organization, Johnson has appeared in six NHL games, posting a 2.59 goals against average and one victory.
As for this evening's final game before the five-day break, Rangers' players say that they are focused on the task at hand, and not on their upcoming time away from the rink.
"Tonight we are going to empty the gas tank for sure," said John Mitchell. "We're going to lay it all out there, go as hard as we can, and leave everything out on the ice because we'll have plenty of time to rest and relax after the game is over. As a team we are in a good spot right now, so wherever you're going to be sitting during the break---on the beach, back at home---you're going to be thinking about that and feeling good about yourself. We'll be thinking that we have set ourselves up really good coming into the All Star break, but we'll also be recharging for a grueling finish."
Share your thoughts below on the latest news from the morning skate, as well as Mitchell's comments.
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