Rangers sneak past Detroit; McIlrath back to Hartford; St. Louis feeling it on the wing; #ButtGoal

Say what you will about the Rangers recent stretch, but given the fact that the team has been without its number one center (its thinnest position) among other injuries and losses for the first 12 games of the season, and is now 6-4-2, is a pretty big. Add in the rest of the rest of the Metro's struggles, and the Rangers start seems a lot better. So here ya go: morning notes time.

For the third straight game, the Rangers ended regulation tied. This time around though, they avoided the skills competition altogether, and took down Detroit 4-3 in overtime. Some recaps. [Blueshirt Banter] [NY Post] [The Record] [Daily News] [Newsday] [Blueshirts United]

Rick Nash continued his scoring tirade on Wednesday night against the Red Wings, this time using his butt. Hence, #ButtGoal. [Blueshirt Banter]

With Kevin Klein's return to the lineup, Dylan McIlrath was sent back down to Hartford. [Ranger Rants]

And even before McIlrath's demotion, the 22-year-old, former first round pick needed to prove he can be just more than a fighter in the NHL. [The Record]

Also in the category of "written conveniently before it was again very applicable," Martin St. Louis has looked much more comfortable and has been producing significantly more now that he's back on the wing. [Daily News]

Derek Stepan has been cleared for contact, and while he didn't make his season debut Wednesday night, his first game could come on Saturday. [Newsday]

Pass, pass, beautiful pass, goal. The Rangers turn a very effective cycle into a very pretty one-time goal. Systems breakdown. [Blueshirt Banter]