Watch CBS News

Rangers' Lundqvist A Game-Time Decision, Girardi Out

PITTSBURGH (CBSNewYork) -- Henrik Lundqvist, who took a teammate's stick to the eye Wednesday night, was the first Rangers player on the ice for practice Friday.

Coach Alain Vigneault called Lundqvist a game-time decision for Game 2 on Saturday in the Blueshirts' playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Vigneault also said defenseman Dan Girardi will miss the game with an unspecified injury.

With 49 seconds remaining in the first period of Game 1, the Rangers' Marc Staal inadvertently struck Lundqvist in the right eye with his stick. Lundqvist remained in the game after receiving treatment but allowed a goal to Patric Hornqvist 31 seconds later. He did not return after the first period.

Pittsburgh won Game 1, 5-2.

Vigneault said Thursday that Lundqvist's injury didn't appear to be serious. The goalie saw a specialist Thursday in Pittsburgh.

MORE: Hartnett: Lethargic Rangers Better Bring 'A' Game Saturday

Lundqvist said Friday there is no damage to his eye, but that he still has some swelling. "It's a lot better," he said.

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

If he cannot play Saturday, Antti Raanta would likely get the start. Raanta allowed three goals and stopped 16 shots over the final two periods on Wednesday.

On Thursday, the Blueshirts recalled goalie Magnus Hellberg from the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack as a precaution. But Hellberg was on on the ice Friday, SNY reported.

Girardi missed the final two games of the regular season with an upper-body injury, but he played in Game 1. His latest setback is compounded by the fact that fellow defenseman and team captain Ryan McDonagh is still battling a hand injury and also won't play Saturday.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.