New York Rangers News: Chris Kreider OK And Some Line Changes

After taking a big and very scary hit from Brooks Orpik on Sunday evening, Chris Kreider appears to be alright, and doesn't have an lingering effects from the hit. Kreider returned to practice as he normally would and according to Andrew Gross, he looked just fine and is ready to go. I know I can speak for everyone when I say we can all breath a sigh a relief after hearing that news. The hit look brutal at first, and I'm glad Kreids wasn't seriously injured, it definitely could have been worse.

Pat Leonard also tweeted out some new line combinations from practice, and John Tortorella appears to be changing things up. The Rangers haven't been able to generate much chemistry or scoring chances over the last two games, and something needs to eventually give. Marian Gaborik will now join Brad Richards and Rick Nash on the top line, while Chris Kreider slots up to play with Derek Stepan, and Ryan Callahan. Carl Hagelin has shifted down to the third line along side Brian Boyle and Taylor Pyatt. The fourth line remains untouched, assuming Asham returns for tomorrow's game.

This was more or less expected, since this is what the Rangers finished up with against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Richards, Gaborik and Nash began to generate some scoring chances near the end of the game. Hopefully they continue to build, and chemistry eventually comes naturally. The rust has to come off sooner or later.

Arron Asham was at the practice facility for a short time this morning before he was seen leaving. It was later revealed that he is nursing a very minor groin strain, and was given the day off. It is uncertain if Asham will be ready to go tomorrow against the Boston Bruins.

We'll have more from practice later on this afternoon.