Following practice on Wednesday morning, the New York Rangers announced forward Vladislav Namestnikov has entered concussion protocol and will not make the two-game Canada trip.
The New York Rangers received some bad news on the injury front on Wednesday. Vladislav Namestnikov has been placed in the concussion protocol.
#NYR Updates: Namestnikov is in concussion protocol, neither he nor Zuccarello will travel on the upcoming trip.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 28, 2018
Namestnikov was involved in a nasty hit in Saturday’s loss to the Washington Capitals and did not return.
The team plays the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night. They then head for a contest against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday before returning home Sunday for a game against the high scoring Winnipeg Jets Sunday, which is also Vic Hadfield’s Jersey retirement ceremony.
The Rangers flew out of New York undecided if they would recall another forward from the Hartford Wolf Pack. Coach David Quinn wants to discuss things further with his staff before making any decisions regarding who or if the team should bring up to the club.
The team also announced forward Mats Zuccarello, groin strain, did not make the trip.
The Rangers are looking more like an M.A.S.H unit. Pavel Buchnevich, broken thumb, Adam McQuaid, lower body injury, Cody McLeod, fractured hand, along with Zucc and now Namestnikov, are all out of the lineup.
Quinn says 7 defensemen “on the table” for discussion for the Ottawa game, said wants to get Claesson back in. Strome could see PP work. #nyr #rangers #nhl
— Brian Heyman (@bheyman99) November 28, 2018
A possibility, mentioned by Brian Heyman, is that David Quinn could go with seven defensemen in Thursday’s game at Ottawa. The head coach wants to get Fredrik Claesson back into the lineup and this gives him that opportunity for one game at least.
The Rangers practiced with only 11 forwards on Wednesday prior to leaving for their two-game Canada road trip.
Newly acquired Ryan Strome could also see some power play time this week.
The rebuilding Rangers are going to see how strong the youngsters on this team are as they continue to battle the injury bug. The only silver lining is the schedule for the Blueshirts as they have no games scheduled following Sunday’s game against Winnipeg until Dec. 8 when they visit the Florida Panthers.
