It ‘doesn’t look good’ for Rangers defenseman after nasty injury
Rangers coach David Quinn confirmed what everyone in the building saw, that it “doesn’t look good” for defenseman Freddy Claesson after he was driven awkwardly into the boards during the 2-1 win over the Islanders on Saturday afternoon at Barclays Center.
Early in the third period, Islanders forward Matt Martin finished a hit on Claesson that forced him to fall on his right shoulder. Claesson immediately got up, and with his right arm hanging limply, skated to the dressing room and did not return.
It’s hard to think Claesson could be ready for Sunday’s match at Columbus, but Quinn said he’ll know more when he gets on the plane to head to Ohio.
Defenseman Neal Pionk missed the game because, as Quinn said, he’s “a little banged up, a lower-body issue.” It’s not certain if he will be able to play in Columbus.
“I hope so,” Quinn said. “It’s a little bit day-to-day. So, we’ll reassess that [Sunday].”
see also
Former Rangers star Rick Nash forced to retire early
Rick Nash has been forced to retire from the NHL…
Pionk was replaced in the lineup by Tony DeAngelo, who had been scratched for seven of the past 10 games and who had the primary assist on the game-winning goal.
Former Ranger Rick Nash announced his retirement on Friday and he’ll drop a ceremonial puck before the game on Sunday in his adopted hometown of Columbus, where he played nine seasons after the Blue Jackets made him the top-overall pick in 2002.
Nash, 34, played six seasons with the Rangers after a blockbuster trade in the summer of 2012, and he finished his career last season with the Bruins, to which the Rangers traded him just before last year’s deadline. He suffered numerous concussions over his career, and according to a statement released by his agents, “Under the advise of his medical team, the risk of further brain injury is far too great if Rick returns to play.”
Kevin Hayes missed a fifth straight game and Quinn said he likely will be out Sunday as he deals with a nagging upper-body injury.
Winger Chris Kreider was benched for the final 13:20 of the second period after he took an offensive-zone holding penalty. It was a lesson Kreider quickly put to use when Quinn put him back out there to start the third.
“Can’t take offensive-zone penalties,” Quinn said. “That’s been a problem for us. He played a heck of a third period, that’s for sure.”
Quinn did not declare a goaltender for Sunday, although it’s likely Henrik Lundqvist will start after backing up Alex Georgiev on Saturday.