The New York Rangers had a surprising participant at Monday's practice as injured captain Ryan McDonagh skated in a full-contact jersey on the team's fourth pairing alongside recent call-up Raphael Diaz.

"It made everybody feel good to see him out there," said veteran defenseman Dan Boyle. McDonagh has been out of the lineup since breaking his hand during an April 4 game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Head coach Alain Vigneault said it's doubtful the blue-liner will play in Game 3 on Tuesday, but added that "stranger things have happened."

He also admitted he has "some decisions to make" with his defense group prior to the game, according to Jim Cerny of BlueshirtsUnited.com. There's speculation that the 30-year-old Diaz may draw into the lineup in place of rookie Dylan McIlrath.

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