After monthlong injury layoff, Rangers LW Kreider returns for crucial Game 4 vs. Penguins

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Rangers forward Chris Kreider has been medically cleared to play and could rejoin New York's lineup for Game 4 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Kreider participated in the team's morning skate. Neither he nor coach Alain Vigneault will say if he will play Wednesday night.

The 23-year-old Kreider broke his left hand on March 21 and underwent surgery a week later after playing in two games. He missed the last nine games and the first 10 in the playoffs.

Vigneault called Kreider day to day."

New York trails Pittsburgh 2-1 and has been shut out in two straight games.

Kreider scored 17 goals — six on the power play — this season and could provide a boost to the man-advantage unit that has failed 34 straight times.