Rangers Shuffle Lineup Against Toronto

The Rangers recalled forward P.A. Parenteau and defenseman Anders Eriksson from Hartford yesterday and according to Andrew Gross of The Bergin Record , they will be in the lineup tonight. Also joining them will be forward Aaron Voros . They’ll be taking the place of Ryan Callahan , who re-injured his leg against the Devils Thursday night, Brian Boyle , and Matt Gilroy .

Here are the lines:

Brandon Dubinsky, Erik Christensen, Marian Gaborik
Sean Avery, Vinny Prospal, Chris Drury
Jody Shelley, Artem Anisimov, Brandon Prust
Aaron Voros, Olli Jokinen, P.A. Parenteau

Callahan must be feeling a good deal of pain to be sitting out tonight’s game. Sean Avery was moved up to take his place which opened up a spot for Voros. With Enver Lisin and Boyle out as well, it allows Parenteau to get in their too.

Gilroy is not dealing with any injuries, but Gross reported that head coach John Tortorella was leery of his defense— or lack of it— during such important games and has decided to bench him. He believes Eriksson to be a better defensive option.

Henrik Lundqvist is also expected to start tonight. It will be his 12th start in 13 games since the Rangers resumed play following the Olympics. So much for Tortorella’s claim that he would try to rest Lundqvist more this season. It’s got to be done though, for this team to have any shot at making the playoffs, he might even be forced to start every game the rest of the way.

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• March 26, 2010 -- Parenteau and Eriksson Recalled from Hartford (0)
• March 23, 2010 -- Rangers Keeping Faith but Truth is Bleak (0)
• March 24, 2010 -- Post-Game: Rangers keep playoff hopes alive with 5-0 shutout over Isles (2)