GREENBURGH, N.Y. – Even though they haven’t been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, the Rangers know it is time now to start looking toward the future. So, on Thursday, with 19 games remaining this season, the organization promoted defenseman Libor Hajek from Hartford (AHL). Hajek is expected to be in the lineup Friday when the Rangers host the Montreal Canadiens at the Garden.
“He’s a guy that’s continued to get better down in Hartford,’’ Rangers coach David Quinn said Thursday after practice. “They’ve done a great job with him. He’s earned this opportunity. The guy can skate. I really liked him in training camp.