Fast and Moore in the fold; Red-hot Penguins come to New York; Hayes' strong play

Tuesday night will certainly be a tall task for the Rangers. Still down two of their top defensemen (barring an unexpected return from Dan Boyle) and hosting Metro-leading and scorching Pittsburgh, it won't be an easy game. No Ryan McDonagh to shadow Sidney Crosby, and a Penguins power play that's leaps and bounds ahead of anyone else in the league. Here are your morning notes.

With John Moore eligible to return from his suspension, Connor Allen was sent down to Hartford, along with Ryan Malone, as Jesper Fast was recalled. There's no indication on whether Fast will play or not, and who would sit to create the spot, but one would have to assume the 22-year-old forward slots in. [Blueshirt Banter] [Ranger Rants] [Blueshirts Blog]

Coming off two difficult road losses over the weekend, the Rangers won't have much time to dwell on those missed opportunities with the first place Penguins coming to the Garden Tuesday night. [Newsday]

Sunday's loss to the Oilers may have been one of if not New York's worst performance of the season, while rookie Kevin Hayes was certainly one of the few bright spots. [Daily News]