LAS VEGAS — Jimmy Basie, 31, returned to the Rangers' lineup Saturday night against the Golden Knights after sustaining an injury in the previous game.
It wasn't Vesey's first time watching from the press box this season, but it was the first time in eight games.
“Take it one day at a time,” Vesey told the Post after the Rangers' morning skate. “Good luck. I think we've had some good moments this year. More good moments than bad. As far as how many guys are here, lineup decisions, things like that, that's just the way it is. Just showing up every day. and work hard.
“I don't want to hurt anybody. It takes away from you feeling like you're a part of it in a way. I'm happy to be here on the road with the guys, but I definitely want to play.”
After signing as a free agent out of Harvard and spending the first three seasons of his NHL career in New York, the second-time Ranger is facing the reality of where he fits in the lineup. He said he knew.
After missing the first 10 games of the season with a lower-body injury, Vesey has six health injuries.
“It's tough, I talked to him about it,” head coach Peter Laviolette said. “It's hard to tell guys they're going to be in and out of the lineup. He can play any night. Going back to what I said, we have 13/14/15 forwards here. There are 12 spots. Just make it harder.
“He's a good player. He's a valuable player for us when he's in the lineup. Sometimes he makes decisions based on personnel, who he's playing, what he needs in the game. Like a center. It could be a penalty killer, it could be a power play player, it could be a player that I think needs a little more defense, it could be a player that I think needs a little more offensive power.Jimmy was fine. He works hard every day. He's a professional.”
Filip Sitil suffered an upper body injury for the second straight game.
Czech center Chris Kreider, who is on injured reserve himself with an upper-body injury, both participated in the morning skate at T-Mobile Arena.
Kreider will be eligible to return Tuesday when the Rangers play the Avalanche in Denver.
Center Bo Groulkus has been recalled to AHL Hartford and will accompany the Rangers on the road.
“Phil is not available tonight so we have another center on the road,'' Laviolette said of the reason for the recall. “It was to make sure we had coverage while we were on the West Coast, and we wanted to make sure we had depth in the center.”
