Rangers’ Noah Raba Set for Possible Return

Noah Raba appears to be on track to make his return to the Rangers’ rookie class.

Just a week after being called “weekly” due to a lower-body injury, the center was back on the ice for Saturday’s full practice.

If everything goes smoothly, Raba might be ready to play in Sunday’s game against the Panthers at Madison Square Garden. Coach Mike Sullivan noted, “He skated as hard as he could. Let’s see how he reacts to it.”

Raba, who has been sidelined for five games since getting injured against the Devils on March 18, is feeling a bit optimistic this season. In 65 games, he tallied nine goals and 12 assists, along with 98 hits and 42 blocked shots, contributing significantly on the penalty kill.

To make room on the roster, the Rangers assigned center Juuso Parsinen to AHL Hartford. Parsinen had only played in 20 games this season and recorded two goals and one assist.

In net for Sunday’s game, Igor Shesterkin will return, supported by rookie Dylan Garland, who recently earned his first career win.

Garland has started two games with an impressive 1.44 GAA and .954 save percentage, stopping 63 of 66 shots faced. Remarkably, he became the second Rangers goaltender in a decade, along with Shesterkin, to earn points in his first two starts.

Sullivan mentioned he still needs to consult with general manager Chris Drury regarding Garland’s role in the final nine games of the regular season. “We have two healthy goalies, so we want to take advantage of that,” Sullivan commented. “Dylan has played really well, which is encouraging for us. He’s a good young goalkeeper.”

Another consideration is Jonathan Quick’s health. The 40-year-old veteran, who sustained an upper-body injury last week, participated in Saturday’s practice but hasn’t been cleared to return yet.

In a recent game, Johnny Brodzinski scored two goals against the Blackhawks, marking his third multi-goal game of his career and breaking a 20-game goal drought. This was just his eighth game since February 5.

Sullivan praised Brodzinski, stating, “He’s been in and out of the lineup, but he knows his role. He works hard even when he isn’t playing, and he’s prepared to make an impact.” Sullivan added, “He’s been a positive influence on the younger players with his great attitude.”