Rangers coach John Tortorella launched into an unprompted defense of his relationship with Marian Gaborik when talking about the deadline trade that sent No. 10 to the Blue Jackets for Derick Brassard, Derek Dorsett and John Moore.

“I know you guys will turn it around and say we didn’t like Gabby, and all you guys talk about the relationship I have with him,” Tortorella said. “Gabby was a hell of a player and we miss him in all situations…so it isn’t that way.

“We ended up getting three or four players that solidified our core, so don’t give me any [excrement] about Gabby as far as our relationship and all that. Because it’s wrong and it’s unfair to both of us.”

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Henrik Lundqvist took the day off, the club saying that he was “resting.” No updates were provided regarding the status of Brian Boyle (right knee) or Ryan Clowe (believed concussion). Dorsett skated again in a non-contact jersey while Marc Staal worked in all drills and scrimmage situations.