Given the frightening toll concussions have taken in the NHL, the Rangers are playing it safe with top defenseman Marc Staal. The team is holding him out of scrimmages for post-concussion-like symptoms as a precaution. Staal's issues stem from a hit sustained during a game last February. The offender? His own brother, Eric, who plays for the Hurricanes. "He can skate, he's cleared for contact, everything's all set. We just want to hold him back a little bit and try to clear it up and get him ready for the regular season," coach John Tortorella said while briefing reporters on Staal's status Sunday.