Derick Brassard celebrates a goal with teammates Benoit Pouliot and Ryan McDonagh. His overtime winner allowed the Rangers to prevail over the Penguins in Game 1 3-2.
AP Photos/Gene J. Puskar

The Rangers are on their way to winning Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Canadiens at Bell Centre. However, it doesn’t come without concern. Center Derick Brassard left the game in the first period with an upper body injury. On his second shift, he took a tough hit from Montreal defenseman Mike Weaver. Brassard soon left with trainer Jim Ramsay to the locker room.

Brassard has been a key performer. In the Rangers’ second round comeback over the Pens, he scored three goals and set up one other in the final three games. For the series, he led them with four goals. Centering a line with Benoit Pouliot and Mats Zuccarello, he’s been a constant for Rangers coach Alain Vigneault. With him unable to return, the injury could be serious. If so, Vigneault might have an interesting decision for Game 2 Monday. I would insert J.T. Miller over Daniel Carcillo because Miller is bigger and more offensive minded.

For one game at least, Vigneault has successfully used Dominic Moore in Brassard’s place. The inspirational Masterton Trophy favorite helped set up the first two goals in the first period. He’s versatile enough to trust. Especially on faceoffs. Moore has been a great addition. Today exemplifies why.