The New York Rangers will insert defenseman Matt Hunwick into the lineup in place of Michael Kostka on Thursday night against the Carolina Hurricanes, according to reports from the team’s optional morning skate.

Kostka struggled in the team’s most recent game against the New York Islanders on Tuesday.

Hunwick has appeared in two games this season for the Blueshirts (1-3-0), who have lost three straight and given up 17 goals over that span.

The Hurricanes (0-2-1) will be without Eric Staal, Jordan Staal, Jeff Skinner, Patrick Dwyer and Andrej Sekera due to injury.

Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, coming off back-to-back performances in which he allowed six goals for the first time in his career, will be in net for New York.