BOSTON — The Rangers’ organizational depth hadn’t been tested through the first seven of weeks of the season, through which the club lived large and healthy.
But now it will. Derek Stepan is sidelined indefinitely with broken ribs he suffered on Friday on a late hit from Matt Beleskey during the second period of the Blueshirts’ 4-3 defeat to the Bruins.
Kevin Hayes will slide back into the middle, as he did when Stepan left the match after the second period. Viktor Stalberg, a healthy scratch, will rejoin the lineup. Emerson Etem, who got 13:31 on Friday, will get a chance for an extended run.
But the Blueshirts, at the minimum 12 healthy forwards, will be obliged to make a recall from the AHL Wolf Pack before long.
Tanner Glass, assigned to Hartford on Oct. 21 after clearing waivers, is an option. So are Jayson Megna and Ryan Bourque. Center Adam Tambellini could be in the picture if the Blueshirts believe the first-year pro can handle top-nine responsibility.
The Rangers have five games in the next nine days and eight in the next 15 beginning Saturday.
Henrik Lundqvist, who said “there is no question that is a penalty” about the hit on Stepan and who will back up Antti Raanta against the Flyers, has allowed 13 goals on 132 shots over his past four games (including one shutout) for a 3.39 goals-against average and .902 save percentage. …
Rick Nash scored on a dandy move alone in front for his sixth goal in four games that gave the Blueshirts a 2-1 lead at 5:05 of the second period.
The Rangers, 16-5-2, have lost two straight for the second time this season and are 2-3 over their past five matches.