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Morning Skate: The Rangers’ playoff fate now rests on Henrik Lundqvist’s eyeball
Never expected to write that headline.
Lace ‘em up. Time for the Morning Skate.
* * *
DETHRONED
Quick: what’s the worst possible injury any playoff team could suffer this year? I’ll give you a second.
You’re absolutely right. And it happened on the first night of the playoffs.
The New York Rangers got a double punch to the gut on Wednesday. They not only lost Game 1 to the Penguins, but they played half of the game without goalie Henrik Lundqvist after his own teammate’s stick slipped through his mask and poked him in the eye. It’s about as freaky as freak injuries come, and it probably cost them the game.
And it could cost them the series. The good news is Lundqvist’s eye reportedly suffered no permanent damage. The bad news is his status for the next few games is still up in the air. Heading into Game 2 down 1-0 in the series to the league’s hottest team without your elite goalie and your best defenseman (Ryan McDonagh, out with a hand injury) is a recipe for a quick playoff exit.
WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT:
- The Penguins couldn’t have survived Game 1 if their backup goalie wasn’t so excellent early.
- As expected, the Lightning and Red Wings played an evenly matched Game 1. Tampa Bay rode a solid third period to a Game 1 win.
- Veterans failed Detroit in a big way.
- David Backes played hero in St. Louis’ overtime win over the Blackhawks in Game 1.
- Despite the loss, Chicago can build on a few positives.
TONIGHT’S PLAYOFF FUN:
- Philadelphia's first-round matchup with the best team in the NHL begins tonight.
- And it appears the Flyers have one key disadvantage for Washington to take advantage of: a lack of depth.
- Speaking of depth, injuries have destroyed whatever depth the Islanders had before their series in Florida begins tonight.
- Aside from that, the Panthers and Islanders might be more evenly matched than you'd think.
- Dallas begins its quest for the Stanley Cup tonight, and fans need to be aware of the five stages of playoff anxiety.
- Minnesota heads into the playoffs without their two best forwards.
- Both San Jose and Los Angeles' defenses could be exploited.
- Who expected Jeff Zatkoff to be a playoff hero?
- Tyler Seguin is the key to winning the Stanley Cup in Dallas.
- Who should win the Norris Trophy?
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