Rangers face many blue line questions — including Sean Durzi’s health

The New York Rangers are facing major questions on their blue line as defenseman Sean Durzi manages physical issues during a five-day break. Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed Durzi is battling through physical challenges after he took his third maintenance day since October 21. Durzi was also separated from regular partner Marcus Pettersson during Monday's loss to the Los Angeles Kings.

Sullivan previously praised the Durzi-Pettersson pairing's rush defense, but reunited Pettersson with Braden Schneider while placing Durzi alongside 18-year-old Alberts Smits. The Rangers' defensive struggles follow a season-ending injury to goaltender Igor Shesterkin, with Joonas Korpisalo poised to soon become the team's fifth goaltender used this season.