Chris Kreider is “good to go,” according to Alain Vigneault.

The Rangers forward, who missed two games after suffering an injury to his right hand during a fight last Saturday in Florida, has been cleared to return to action Monday against the Bruins at the Garden.

“It feels pretty much the same,” said Kreider, who had wanted to get back on the ice in time for Saturday’s loss to the Capitals. “It was just a matter of healing. My hand is OK.”

Vigneault said Sunday he would wait until watching tape of Boston’s most recent game before determining a lineup for Monday.
Kreider’s return could push Oscar Lindberg on the bench, though Vigneault said Lindberg had been “playing better at both ends of the rink.” Lindberg scored in Saturday’s defeat, but that not be enough to keep him on the ice.

Despite the fact he’s scored just six goals this season after tallying 21 a year ago, there’s no denying what Kreider’s return would mean for the Rangers.

“He’s got to play to his strength,” Vigneault said. “Anybody that’s followed Chris Kreider, you… think about the speed element, you think about the size element, the physicality he can bring, the puck protection.”

That toughness figures to be well-served against Boston, as will the continued improvement of Derek Stepan.

Even though Stepan has been back for nearly three weeks from a rib injury, he admitted it wasn’t until last week’s game in Florida that he began to feel like himself again.

“Getting hurt in the ribs is not fun,” Stepan said. “It’s tough to come back from a body part that’s connected to everything, [but]… I like where my game is starting to go.”

Lundqvist’s backup, Antti Raanta, sat out Sunday’s practice with a stiff neck and back. Vigneault said he was optimistic Raanta would be available Monday against Boston.

“I don’t think it’s serious,” Vigneault said.