Rangers' Kevin Klein: Closing in on return

Klein (back) has been medically cleared to play, but he still will not suit up for Tuesday night's away game against the Devils. He'll be with the team on its California road trip, meaning that he isn't likely to be ready for Wednesday's contest against the Islanders.

Analysis:

With Klein and Dan Girardi (ankle) still ailing, the Rangers will have to dig into their defensive depth for at least another game or two before getting two of their go-to defensemen back in the lineup. That could include Steve Kampfer, who has notched two points in his last five games for New York.