They needed to win again on Sunday against the eighth-place Rangers, but even that wouldn't have assured them of a return to the postseason with six days and three games left.
Staal's return came at a critical time for theRangers, who were in desperate need of a win after losing the first two games ofthe series in Washington and mustered only one goal in the process.
Instead of paying with cash, Rangers have some sponsors who actually provide goods and services to the employees ofthe organization in return for the sponsorship benefits.