Rangers' Matt Puempel: Gets in lineup Thursday

Puempel suited up for the first time in five games Thursday, skating 7:58 without a shot or a point in a loss to the Islanders.

Analysis:

His only marks on the stat sheet were a blocked shot and a minus-1 rating. Puempel's long since recovered from his concussion, but the Rangers have little room for him in the lineup, leaving him in the press box most nights; the only reason he was in Thursday was that Pavel Buchnevich traded places with him. It won't be surprising if Puempel goes back to being a healthy scratch when the Rangers are next in action Sunday versus Washington.