Rangers dodge potential lineup chaos, maybe.

Ryan Strome
Ryan Strome scores what would eventually become the game-winning goal in Game 7 against the Carolina Hurricanes. WFSB

The Rangers were without their second-line center Ryan Strome for most of yesterday’s matinee contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Strome appeared to sustain his injury on what seemed to be an inconsequential push from a Tampa defender. The 28-year-old, who will be an unrestricted free agent this off-season, was in immediate discomfort and skated right off the ice and into the locker room. He returned for one shift in the second period, but after returning to the bench, he looked at the training staff and shook his head, signifying his night was over. He logged only 7:22 of ice time before retiring to the locker room with what the team designated as a lower-body injury.

Gerard Gallant said yesterday after the game that we would know more tomorrow. According to Gallant, “He should be fine to go tomorrow. We fully expect him to play.” This update is good news but should be taken with a big grain of salt. This is the same coach who told us back in September that “I don’t know for sure what’s going to happen, but if I was a betting man, I think we will have a Captain on day one.” Well, it’s June, and they still don’t have a captain, so approach anything, and everything Turk says with caution.

If Strome does miss any time, keep an eye on either Kevin Rooney or Sammy Blais. Rooney has been out of the lineup since Tyler Motte returned from injury in game five of the Pittsburgh series. However, Sammy Blais is the most intriguing name because he’s been rehabbing his torn ACL since early November. Gallant joked during the Carolina series about Blais returning, but he has been skating with the team since before the playoffs, so it’s a stretch he could be ready if needed. Regardless of who steps in, expect the lineup to be put into a blender if Strome can’t go.

Luca Perito

Born and raised in New York. I've lived in Arizona, Maryland, Delaware, and California. Love all sports. Twitter @elbigcalzonelp -- Instagram @thebigcalzone

One thought on “Rangers dodge potential lineup chaos, maybe.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MN Wild Training Camp is All About Chemistry

After a boring off-season, the Minnesota Wild returned to the ice with the same core group of players. There is already a sense of who plays well with whom or which players could swap places to try new line combinations. There are two places where chemistry might need some attention though. Matt Boldy/Joel Eriksson Ek/Marcus […]

Read More

Quinton Byfield and Arthur Kaliyev: Breakout Stars to be

Two players to note: Adrian Kempe and Gabriel Vilardi. These are the only two prospects in the LA Kings pipeline that broke out in the last decade. They played to their draft pedigree, and arguably with Kempe, above their draft position. The history of first-round draft picks within the organization getting injured or not playing […]

Read More

Jacob MacDonald Season Preview

Jacob MacDonald is the last man standing after a trade that sent Matt Nieto and Ryan Merkley to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for MacDonald and Martin Kaut. The other three players are either not in the NHL anymore or on a different team. Ryan Merkley plays in the KHL, and Martin Kaut is in […]

Read More