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Vigneault: Lundqvist's Eye Injury Doesn't Look Serious, But Game 2 Status Undecided

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Rangers called up a goalie from the AHL on Thursday, but coach Alain Vigneault said that doesn't necessarily mean Henrik Lundqvist is out for Game 2 of the Rangers' playoff series against Pittsburgh.

With 49 seconds remaining in the first period of Wednesday's game, the Rangers' Marc Staal inadvertently struck Lundqvist in the right eye with his stick. Lundqvist remained in the game after receiving treatment, allowing a goal to Patric Hornqvist 31 seconds later, but he did not return after the first period.

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Vigneault said Thursday that Lundqvist's injury doesn't appear to be serious.

"He's been checked by our doctors, but at this time we don't feel that it's anything too serious," Vigneault said. "There's a little bit of swelling near the (right) eye and we'll have more news tomorrow."

Vigneault said Lundqvist would have to practice Friday before he could determine if he'll be able to play in Game 2 at Pittsburgh on Saturday.

The coach added that the decision to have Lundqvist return to the game was made by the medical staff after talking with the goalie.

"I'm not saying that had anything to do with the goal. But when he came in (to the locker room) he had a tough time seeing," Vigneault said. "It was a medical staff (decision) with the information he was giving them at that time."

Lundqvist has started a franchise-record 111 consecutive playoff games.

The Blueshirts announced earlier they have recalled goalie Magnus Hellberg from the Hartford Wolf Pack.

Hellberg, 25, has played in just two NHL games, one with Nashville in 2013 and one with the Rangers in December, in which he allowed two goals in a period against Washington.

Antti Raanta replaced Lundqvist on Wednesday night, allowing three goals and stopping 16 shots over the final two periods. The Penguins won the series opener, 5-2.

Vigneault also said Thursday that captain Ryan McDonagh, who has been battling a hand injury, will be out for Game 2.

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