Dylan McIlrath (right knee) to be out ‘a couple weeks’

BUFFALO — Defenseman Dylan McIlrath’s right knee was re-evaluated Tuesday, and the rookie’s injury — sustained in the first period of Sunday night’s Islanders game — will keep him out “a couple weeks,” coach Alain Vigneault said.

McIlrath, the 10th pick in the 2010 draft who has appeared in 31 games this season, earned a spot in training camp. In June 2012 at development camp, he dislocated his left kneecap and had surgery, setting his progress back.

Brady Skjei, 21, was called up from Hartford to step in for Marc Staal, who has back spasms and did not skate, but feels better. Whether Skjei sticks “depends on how Marc feels in the next couple days,” Vigneault said, and how close the Rangers are to the salary ceiling.

Skjei, who started with Dan Boyle, played 17:38, including 1:35 shorthanded. “I thought he played well,” Vigneault said. “We had him out there toward the end. You can see the big body, skates well, moves the puck. I’m very pleased with his progression. He came in and helped us tonight . . . There’s a chance we’re going to need him down the stretch.”

Henrik, Rick progressing

Both Henrik Lundqvist, who missed his third game with neck spasms, and Rick Nash, out since Jan. 22 with a bone bruise in his leg, “had real good days,” Vigneault said. “All the information from our medical staff is that [Lundqvist] should be ready by the weekend . . . the spasms were almost gone.” The Rangers visit Detroit Saturday afternoon and are home Sunday for a matinee against the Penguins. Nash, who has not participated in a full practice, might on Thursday or Friday, and could possibly return next week.

Blue note

J.T. Miller, restored to the top six after being benched against the Islanders for much of the second half of the game, played 14:15, with six shot attempts, three hits and won two of three faceoffs.