Other notes: Ranger said he will know Monday or Tuesday if he will play on Thursday, and Melrose said the team is as confident as it has been about a quick return. If nothing else, Ranger's return will help with puck possession and the transition and lower the average 27:32 of ice time Matt Carle is lugging. ... Center Jeff Halpern (knee) said he is skating an hour a day five days a week and still expects a mid- to late-December return. As for the absurd rumors Halpern has gotten fat and his career is over, I can tell you, that is not even close to being true. ... Merlose joked of the three-game season, "It feels like 30."