DILEMMA: Because tonight's regular-season finale against the Hurricanes won't affect home-ice advantage, coach Guy Boucher might sit or limit the minutes of some of his regulars, including C Steven Stamkos and W Marty St. Louis.

W Ryan Malone, still getting into shape after a groin injury, and D Victor Hedman, who is healthy enough to play but has a lower-body issue, are expected to sit. Call-ups from AHL Norfolk also are possible.

That might not go over too well with the Rangers, who are battling Carolina for the final playoff spot in the East. But Boucher, who admitted the situation is "touchy," said the focus has to be on his team.

"It has nothing to do with Carolina or the Rangers," he said. "We have to care about our team. We're going to the playoffs. We're going to think of our team (today)."