Rangers News and Notes: GameDay Edition

There is no morning skate today because of the early start time (5 PM), but here are a few stories for your Sunday morning:

Steve Zipay over at Blue Notes has confirmed that Steve Valiquette will start in goal tonight against the Ducks:

Backup goaltender Steve Valiquette, 10-8 in 28 appearances over the past two seasons, will start tomorrow against the Ducks. Henrik Lundqvist, who had started the first four games of the season, would be back against the Leafs on Monday night at the Garden..

Also, sounds like Sean Avery is ready to go:

Sean Avery, who wore a yellow No. 27 jersey, looked solid on the ice, including scoring three straight on Lundqvist in one drill, said there was nothing he wouldn't be able to do on Sunday, "except play goal."

Also, Jim Cerny over at Rangers.com has a preview of tonight's game:

In their three straight wins, the Rangers have impressed Tortorella by winning several different ways. In last Saturday’s 5-2 victory at home over the Ottawa Senators, the Rangers relied on their skating and offensive skills to earn the win. Two nights later in New Jersey, the Rangers "grinded" -- to use Tortorella’s definition -- their way to a 3-2 road victory.

More after the jump.......

From today's NY Post, more on the return of Sean Avery, who was centering the fourth line in practice:

Yesterday, when Avery got into full line drills, he centered that fourth line, with Boyle sitting out.

Avery hasn't played center since his days in Los Angeles -- three years ago -- but he feels that no matter where he is, or whom he's skating with, he can be effective.

"I just play hard and play my style of game," Avery said. "So whatever is the best fit for me is fine with me."

Although Avery took Boyle's place in practice, it's hard to tell if Tortorella would be willing to sit the 6-foot-6 center from Boston College, mostly because he has been a cog in the very effective penalty-kill unit.

Finally, although this is more NHL-related, TSN is reporting that the Mayor of Quebec City and Gary Bettman have had discussions about returning the NHL to the former home of the Nordiques:

I think this would be terrific for the NHL, and for the fans up there. In 1995 my brother and I went to Quebec City for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Rangers and Nordiques, and it really bothered me when the Nordiques relocated to Colorado not long after that series. The fans up there were terrific, very passionate about hockey. It would be great of the obstacles that doomed the Nordiques (lack of English coverage of the team, economy) could be overcome so hockey can flourish in Quebec City again. Plus, I would love to see this great logo put to use.