Nash, Del Zotto, Asham, McDonagh sidelined, but Girardi and Powe back in Rangers lineup

NEW YORK, N.Y. - The banged-up Rangers got mixed news on the injury front heading into the start of a four-game homestand.

While top forward Rick Nash sat out Tuesday night for a fourth straight game because of a suspected concussion, key defenceman Dan Girardi was in for New York against the Winnipeg Jets. Nash skated Tuesday morning and could return Thursday against Tampa Bay.

Girardi blocked a shot with his foot late in Saturday's loss at Montreal, but X-rays were negative and he didn't miss any games. Fellow defenceman Ryan McDonagh, also injured Saturday, sat out Tuesday. He is also believed to be dealing with a concussion.

Another defenceman, Michael Del Zotto, missed a second straight game due to an undisclosed lower-body injury, but forward Darroll Powe returned after a three-game absence caused by a concussion.

Rugged forward Arron Asham sat out a third straight game because of back spasms.