The New York Rangers’ captain, Ryan McDonagh, suffered a hand injury in Columbus tonight off a shot from ex-Blueshirt Brandon Dubinsky.

The first period of the New York Rangers tilt against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight was a solid one for the road team.

However, there was one major problem.

Captain Ryan McDonagh blocked a shot with his right hand coming from former Blueshirt Brandon Dubinsky, and immediately left the ice.

He finished the period on the bench, but did not come out for the beginning of the second. The Blueshirts’ Twitter account confirmed that he will not be returning to action tonight:

This is a tremendous blow to the Rangers defense. The captain has kept the blueline together all season, despite a few ups and downs, and has also been critical in contributing offensively.

 

In 72 games played McDonagh has compiled nine goals and 25 assists, with a plus/minus of +25 (which is near the top of the league).

It should be noted that in last year’s Eastern Conference Final against Tampa Bay, McDonagh suffered a broken foot and played the entire series on it. An injury like this is different than a broken foot, however, a hockey player simply cannot grab the stick without his top hand. Or, at the very best, he wouldn’t be able to do it well.

Marc Staal, Dan Girardi and Keith Yandle will be looked at to step up in the absence of the captain.

Any long term injury would almost definitely result in a call up from the AHL.

NYR_728_90_v1

I love watching sports, specifically teams in New York. I'll root for all New York teams, but the New York Rangers and hockey are my number one. I am an avid hockey fan and enjoy expressing my opinion on the Blueshirts, when they are playing good and bad.