Gaborik, Callahan miss 1st practice

When designated scratches Jeff Woywitka and John Scott are practicing as top-six right wings, you know someone’s missing. T hat’s how t he R a nger s plugged the holes created by the unexpected absences of Marian Gaborik (flu) and Ryan Callahan (personal reasons) from Monday’s first playoff practice in Greenburgh.

John Tortorella wasn’t worried about the availability of his leading scorer or his captain, though later Brad Richards even replaced Callahan in his scheduled afternoon appearance on

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Crucial also to the Rangers’ first-round result will be the contributions of Derek Stepan, who spoke for the first time since Thursday’s knee-to-knee hit from Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik and said he was relieved that the injury wasn’t more serious. “I think I got real lucky,” Stepan said. “It could have been a lot worse. I’m just happy to be where I’m at now and being able to continue to play.”

The 21-year-old center did not miss a game after the hit, playing 20 minutes in Saturday night’s regular-season finale against the Capitals. He is still icing his right knee since there is a bit of lingering soreness and stiffness but said, “It’s nothing I couldn’t play through.” an NHL/NBC conference call promoting the playoffs.

The specific reason for Callahan’s absence is unknown. The good news is it has nothing to do with an injury.

Getting Gaborik healthy for Game 1 at the Garden against the Ottawa Senators Thursday night, meanwhile, is a necessity. In addition to leading the Rangers with 41 goals and 76 points, he also was their top weapon (three goals, two assists) in four meetings with the Senators, whose open-ice style plays into the strengths of the Slovakian winger.