Here are today’s news and links:

Rangers News:

• Larry Brooks relays word that Kevin Hayes should return to the lineup shortly after the bye week (NY Post)
• Brooks also argues that the team can’t let a hot streak in the coming weeks influence their plans for the trade deadline (NY Post)
• Zachary Ripple heard that Chris Kreider underwent successful rib resection surgery and will remain out indefinitely (NY Daily News)
• Sean Hartnett points out that with more than half of the 17-18 season in the books, who the Rangers really are remains a mystery (CBS)
• Rick Carpiniello offers eight riveting thoughts about New York’s first half of the season (MSG)
• Becky from BSB previews the two games the Blueshirts will skate in after returning from their bye (Blue Seat Blogs)
• Dave Shapiro thinks the time has come to hold Alain Vigneault accountable for his lineup decisions (Blue Seat Blogs)
• Nicholas Zararis breaks down why Jeff Gorton should have claimed defenseman Cody Franson off waivers (Blue Line Station)
• John Williams hands out report cards for Henrik Lundqvist and Ondrej Pavelec (Blue Line Station)
• Frank Curto comments on what the first half of the season taught us about the Blueshirts (Elite Sports NY)
• Michael Carroll compares the careers of various Rangers’ to famous music albums (Blueshirts Breakaway)/

Around the NHL:

• Scott Billeck reports that the New York Islanders could return to the Nassau Coliseum as they wait for their new arena in Belmont to be constructed (NBC Sports)
• Travis Yost analyzes how the Edmonton Oilers are suffering from a dearth of talented wingers to drive their offense (TSN)
• Elliotte Friedman authors another edition of 31 Thoughts (Sportsnet)
• Jared Clinton names five teams to keep an eye on as the playoff race heats up in the second half of the season (The Hockey News)
• Shayna Goldman names five players to keep an eye on as the playoff race heats up in the second half of the season (FanRag)/