Short-handed Rangers recall defenseman Bell

The injury-depleted New York Rangers have recalled defenseman Brendan Bell from the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League. The Rangers made the move Sunday, one day after playing without leading defensemen Marc Staal (concussion) and Michael Sauer (sprained right shoulder) in a 4-2 loss to the New York Islanders. The Rangers are 0-1-2 in the midst of a season-opening, seven-game road trip that will take them to Western Canada for four games before they return for the home opener on Oct. 27. Bell posted one assist in two games with Connecticut after being sent down by New York on Oct. 9. He was with the Rangers for their two season-opening games in Sweden but didn't play. In 101 career NHL games with Toronto, Phoenix and Ottawa, Bell has seven goals and 21 assists.