New York, NY (Sports Network) - New York Rangers forward Rick Nash is set to return from an 11-day absence when his team hosts the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.
The seven-time 30-goal scorer has not played since Feb. 17 due to an undisclosed injury, but went through his third straight practice on Thursday and was subsequently activated from injured reserve. The Rangers confirmed Nash would play when declaring their active list prior to the contest.
Despite missing the Rangers' last four games, Nash still is tied for the team lead with 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists) and has recorded a plus-nine rating so far this season.
New York will also have defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Michael Del Zotto back in the lineup when it faces the Lightning. McDonagh sat out Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Winnipeg with a facial laceration sustained during Saturday's 3-0 setback at Montreal, while Del Zotto has missed the team's last two outings due to a lower-body injury.
