Mark Messier, who was scratched from the Ranger lineup Saturday at Hartford with a bruised thigh, practiced with the team today and was expected to play Tuesday.

Wayne Gretzky was back in the Ranger lineup for the second consecutive game after missing the previous 12 with a protruding disk in his neck.

In the Ranger lineup, coached by Emile Francis, were players like Vic Hadfield, Jean Ratelle, Rod Gilbert, Brad Park and Ed Giacomin.

Domi, absent from the Ranger lineup more than half the games this season, took the time to whip up the crowd as he made his exit.

So today, Mike Richter pronounced himself ready to return to the Ranger lineup in time for Wednesday night's game against the Florida Panthers at Madison Square Garden.

Ian Laperriere, as it turns out, is in the Ranger lineup.

Back in the Ranger lineup was Ulf Samuelsson, the defenseman who suffered a knee injury Oct. 25 but recovered more quickly than expected.

The Ranger lineup is still infused with enforcers and tough guys, including Kocur, Adam Graves, Jeff Beukeboom and Jay Wells.

Just as one Swedish forward gets ready to come back to the Ranger lineup, another replaces him on the injured list.

The remaining five players - the nucleus of the Ranger lineup - will be coming aboard in the next few days.