Kreider expects to be available vs. Florida

SUNRISE, Fla. — When Chris Kreider was asked who delivered the first-period hit on him Thursday night in Tampa, which got him pulled from the Rangers’ game against the Lightning by independent concussion spotters, his response drew a laugh. “Myself,” he said. Kreider said he awkwardly ran himself into the boards, and he actually felt fine at the time, passing the concussion test before the medical staff decided to be overly cautious and keep him in the locker room to start the second period. Kreider also said he felt fine Friday after he participated in practice at BB&T Center, and as long as nothing changes, he said he expects to be able to play against the Panthers on Saturday night.

Coach Alain Vigneault called Kreider “50/50” for the game, but that too seemed like a conservative estimate.

“I just want to see how he feels [Saturday],” said Vigneault, who kept Kreider off a regular line as well as both power-play units during practice as further precaution. “It’s always better in these situations to be on the safe side, and that’s what we’re doing with Chris.”

Thursday was the seventh game back for Kreider after he missed two months with a blood clot that required rib resection surgery. He said this was not related in any way — a good sign considering all the nerve involvement that occurred during his procedure.

Goalie Henrik Lundqvist is set to get his third straight start on Saturday. He was pulled Thursday after allowing four goals on 31 shots over the opening 32:35 of game time, replaced by rookie Alexandar Georgiev with the Rangers down, 4-1.

Defenseman Rob O’Gara, who came as part of the deal that sent Rick Nash to the Bruins, got his first NHL point in his 19th career game with an assist Thursday when his shot was deflected by Kevin Hayes to make it 5-3 with 2:19 left in regulation.

O’Gara had struggled in his first seven games with the Blueshirts, but played his best game thus far against the Lightning.

“He’s working hard, playing within his limits,” said Vigneault, who switched his defensive pairs for practice and put O’Gara with John Gilmour. “Working extremely hard and working on improving his skill and his game. He’s got good size, a good stick, defends well. The more he plays, the more he’s going to improve. That’s what we’re trying to do with him.”