New York Rangers defenseman Sean Durzi is expected to remain out of the lineup until after the team's upcoming five-day break as he recovers from a lower-body injury. Durzi, who has now missed seven consecutive games, was seen skating in a red non-contact jersey on Friday morning.

Durzi's injury is retroactive to Oct. 26, making him eligible to return from injured reserve at any time. However, with only one game remaining before the holiday layoff – a Monday matchup against the Canadiens at Madison Square Garden – the Rangers coaching staff is considering using the extra time to ensure Durzi is fully healthy.

"I think we’d be foolish not to consider that, right?" head coach Mike Sullivan said rhetorically. "So we have given that consideration. Obviously, it’s always going to come down to a medical decision on whether or not our medical team thinks he’s ready to play or not."

Sullivan added that Durzi himself has input into the decision-making process, emphasizing trust in the medical team's judgment. "And Durz, he has input into that as well. Those guys, I think they’re really good at what they do. We trust them, and we take their advice."

With Durzi sidelined, defensemen Matthew Robertson and Scott Morrow have been skating as the third defensive pair. The pair has seen limited action, but Sullivan noted their contributions, particularly in simplifying their game, moving pucks, and defending hard. He also highlighted Scott Morrow's effectiveness in joining the rush and contributing offensively, and Robertson's admirable job playing within his capabilities, using his mobility, size, and reach.

In other news, rookie netminder Dylan Garand secured his seventh victory of the season on Friday, stopping 27 of 28 shots in the Rangers' 5-1 win over the Canucks. The Victoria, British Columbia native played his first NHL game in his home province in front of approximately 50 friends and family members.

"Pretty special," Garand said of the homecoming. "I think I had close to 50 people here, so I’m excited to go see them quickly here. It’s pretty special. I haven’t played here since I was 19, and my whole pro career, a lot of people that support me that have never seen me play. For them to come down and watch me play tonight, and great for us to deliver a big win. It’s a really good feeling, and it was a cool night, for sure."

The Rangers are scheduled to travel home after Friday's game and will return to practice in Tarrytown on Sunday.