Ryan Malone clears waivers, rejoins Rangers' lineup against Blues

Ryan Malone, who cleared waivers at noon, capped an odd day by suiting up against the St. Louis Blues Monday night.

Malone was waived Sunday and practiced with the team at Madison Square Garden Monday morning as his agent was contacting other teams.

Malone said after the morning skate that if he were in the lineup (Mats Zuccarello, who was seen limping Sunday at the training center, was scratched), he would "try to change some minds" about his spot on the roster.

Malone, who was signed to a one-year, two-way contract Sept. 11, played just 7:39 Monday night, including 2:28 on the power play, and had one shot. He is scoreless in six games.

Zuccarello, who collided with Winnipeg's Mark Scheifele in the second period Saturday but did not leave the game (and scored in the shootout), skipped Sunday's optional skate and was not on the ice for the morning skate while receiving treatment. He has played in nine games and is 1-3-4.

New look to 'D' pairs

With the Rangers missing four regulars and having added the two defense call-ups, righty Dylan McIlrath and lefty Conor Allen, the pairs were shuffled. Marc Staal was with Michael Kostka, Dan Girardi with Matt Hunwick and Allen with McIlrath. McIlrath, who had nine minutes in penalties, including a fight with Ryan Reaves, in the first period, played only 8:02. He blocked three shots. Allen played 13:03 and had no shots.

Stepan to play tomorrow?

Center Derek Stepan, rehabbing a broken left fibula suffered in a drill during training camp, has been cleared for contact and could play against Detroit Wednesday. Henrik Lundqvist is expected to start against the Red Wings. In his last three starts against Detroit, he is 3-0 with an 0.33 GAA, a .989 save percentage and two shutouts.