Both the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers have dealt with their share of player injuries towards the end of the season, so it will be interesting to see who will be available to the team for game one. Here are some players to watch, and consider putting in your fantasy roster during the series.
Rangers and Penguins Injury Report
Pittsburgh Penguins: The addition of Nick Bonino and Phil Kessel before the season and the acquisition of Carl Hagelin in January has added a much-needed boost to Pittsburgh’s offense. In addition to team mainstays Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who has missed fifteen games due to injury, the Penguins were able to clinch second place in the Metropolitan division. Malkin has not returned to team practice, but was able to skate on his own before practice on Monday. Coach Mike Sullivan listed him as “day-to-day,” so there is a chance that he may return to play this round if the series goes long.
Kris Letang remains the basis of Pittsburgh’s defensive core. His performance this season has been nothing short of Norris-worthy, despite his facing several injuries that sidelined him frequently. Young defenseman Olli Maata, who missed the last nine games of the season with a lower-body injury, returned to full practice Monday, but his status for Wednesday is still unknown. Maata is excited to be able to play, having missed Pittsburgh’s playoff stint last year following shoulder surgery.
Pittsburgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury started practicing with the team again on Monday, and hopes to be able to start in net for Wednesday. He missed the last five games with his second concussion of the season, during which rookie goaltender Matt Murray filled the role well. Murray is “day-to-day” with an upper body injury sustained in the team’s final regular season game in Philadelphia.
New York Rangers: New York captain Ryan McDonagh won’t be available for game one, according to coach Alain Vigneault, but forwards Eric Staal, Viktor Stalberg, and Mats Zuccarello were at team practice on Monday. McDonagh, who was injured during a game against Columbus on April 4, skated before practice in a no-contact jersey, and is officially listed as day-to-day, meaning he may return to play during the series. Dan Girardi, who missed the last two games of the season, was expected to return to team practice on Tuesday, with Vigneault anticipating him being available for game one.
Henrik Lundqvist continues to shine in net for the Rangers. After being named the team’s MVP for the eight time, he is expected to start in game one, despite being ill and having to leave practice on Monday – he was feeling better and attended the entirety of practice on Tuesday. Backup Antti Raanta, who stepped up while Lundqvist dealt with a nagging neck injury, has proven himself to be able to take the helm if needed.
The series begins Wednesday night in Pittsburgh at 8pm EST.
Main Photo.
