National Hockey League

Rangers' Staal makes season debut

Published Jan. 2, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

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New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal made his return to the lineup after a nearly yearlong absence from a concussion.

Staal, who turns 25 in January, has been out all season because of the effects of a concussion sustained in February when he was hit by his brother, Eric, a forward for the Carolina Hurricanes. He has been skating this month and was cleared for light contact.

Staal made his debut Monday against the Philadelphia Flyers in the Winter Classic.

Rangers Coach John Tortorella said on Saturday that nothing had changed and he did not expect Staal to play. Staal practiced Saturday and was on the ice for warmups before the Flyers game.

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