NEW YORK -- New York Rangers forward Ryane Clowe isn't sure if he will play in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on Monday.
Clowe, who missed the first two games of the series against the Washington Capitals with an undisclosed injury, called himself a "game-time decision." Rangers coach John Tortorella does not provide lineup or injury updates during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"Obviously you guys [the media] want to know if I'm going to play," Clowe said after the morning skate at Madison Square Garden. "I'm still not sure about that."
There was, however, a small sign that Clowe could be in for Game 3. He came off the ice with the rest of the regulars who participated in the optional morning skate while Arron Asham stayed on for an extra few minutes of work.
Usually anybody who stays on for extra time after a morning skate is going to be scratched for the game that night, but since it was an optional skate it's not as clear.
"When I come back I'll feel capable of doing everything I can bring, play the style that I can play, which is physical," said Clowe, who still hasn't taken any contact in practice.
Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (eye) also participated in the morning skate and has been skating for weeks now, but there was no update on his availability for Game 3 since Staal did not speak to the media.
Follow Dan Rosen on Twitter at: @drosennhl
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