McDonagh practices with Rangers, status for Game 3 unknown

GREENBURGH, N.Y. - New York Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh has practiced for the first time since being hurt two weeks ago.

Coach Alain Vigneault said Monday that McDonagh's status for Game 3 of the first round series against Pittsburgh at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night is doubtful. He later said that "stranger things have happened."

The Rangers split the opening two games of the best-of-7 series in Pittsburgh, playing both games without McDonagh (upper body) and the second without fellow defenceman Dan Girardi, who also was injured.

Brady Skjei replaced McDonagh and fellow rookie Dylan McIlrath filled in for Girardi, who is day to day.

The Rangers also recalled defenceman Raphael Diaz from Hartford (AHL), giving them an experienced player who can help on the power play.