Fansided

Ryan McDonagh injury update: Will not play in Game 2

By Dave Stevenson

Dec 30, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Rangers have confirmed that they will be without captain Ryan McDonagh in Game 2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

A huge reason for the New York Rangers 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 1 of their first round series of the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs was their defensive breakdowns. That was largely due to the absence of the Rangers’ stalwart defender and captain Ryan McDonagh. New York was hoping to get McDonagh back for Game 2, but Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault has confirmed that McDonagh will not play.

McDonagh has been out since April 4 with a fracture in his right hand. New York wanted him back, but since McDonagh’s hand is still not close to being healthy enough to play, the Rangers will have to win a crucial Game 2 without their captain. McDonagh had 34 points in 73 games this season while playing over 22 minutes per night.

He usually plays on their top pairing alongside Dan Girardi. McDonagh covers a lot of Giradi’s flaws. Since the Rangers captain is one of the best puck movers on defense, he is arguably the most important of their blue line. Not having him clearly hurt the Rangers in the first game of the series. Unless New York can fix their defensive issues without McDonagh, the chances of the New York Rangers advancing past the first round do not look good.

Defenseman Keith Yandle took McDonagh’s spot in the lineup, while rookie defenseman Brady Skjei took Yandle’s spot.

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