Photo Credit: USATSI
New York Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh is an important part of the team, usually playing the most ice time of the team per game. However, due to a concussion from the Rangers’ recent game versus the Philadelphia Flyers, leaves the Rangers without another major player.
McDonagh sustained a concussion from a punch to the head during the first period from the Philadelphia Flyers’ Wayne Simmonds. The Rangers’ captain received both a high-sticking and a slashing penalty, but would not be able to return to the game after being punched. Simmonds received a match penalty and a game misconduct, and was subsequently thrown out of the game.
Dylan McIlrath has been confirmed to be in the lineup versus the New Jersey Devils. Coach Alain Vigneault has stated that he will switch up the defensive pairings to suit the change. The Rangers are also still playing without winger Rick Nash who is out due to a bone bruise, and it its uncertain exactly how soon he will return.
Although the Rangers managed to rally and come out with a win by a shoot out against the Flyers, they still have to fill the hole that McDonagh’s absence will bring when they face New Jersey. It is sure to be quite an exciting game as the Devils are such a big rival and the Rangers have to play without two top players. The time that the captain takes on the ice will have to be distributed to the other defensemen as well as his role on the Rangers’ struggling special teams.
These wins are important because the standings are extremely close in the Metropolitan Division. There are four Eastern Conference teams within four points of the Rangers, who have 63 points; this includes New Jersey who is not far behind with 59 points. At this point in the season, injuries can become a big setback. Hopefully the Rangers can manage to play strong enough for Nash and McDonagh to come back healthy and ready to play.
