Marc Staal had a bone chip removed from his ankle. Dan Girardi underwent a successful procedure for bursa in his ankle.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

The Rangers announced today that both Dan Girardi and Marc Staal had successful surgery Thursday. Girardi underwent a procedure for a bursa excision on his ankle and Staal had a bone chip removed from his ankle. Both defensemen are expected to have a full recovery and be ready for training camp.

It just confirms how injured they were during the postseason. It’s why I don’t jump to conclusions and make blanket statements. Anyone who followed them closely knew something was wrong. Neither Girardi nor Staal had particularly good series against the Lightning with the latter struggling most of the playoffs. Girardi was a standout against the Capitals. Both top three D saw their minutes managed by coach Alain Vigneault who went with healthier options Keith Yandle and Dan Boyle.

Of course, injuries are part of sport. I’m sure both the Lightning and Blackhawks are playing through pain in their chase for the Stanley Cup. A series Chicago leads 1-0 entering tomorrow’s critical Game 2 for Tampa after blowing Game 1 literally. During last year’s run, the Rangers were luckier. They didn’t have as many players banged up. You have to have some luck to win. It just wasn’t their time.

In other news, twenty-year old goalie prospect Mackenzie Skapski is out four to five months due to arthroscopic surgery on right hip to repair a labral tear. Skapski debuted on Feb. 20 making 24 saves in a 3-1 win over the Sabres. The ‘Buffalo Killer’ also won his second start on Mar. 20 stopping all 20 shots for his first NHL shutout in his MSG debut over the Sabres.

A sixth round pick in 2013, Skapski appeared in 28 games in his first pro season for the Wolf Pack going 15-8-3 with a 2.40 goals-against-average and .914 save percentage plus three shutouts. He only got into two playoff games during Hartford’s run to the AHL Conference Finals before Yann Danis replaced him.

The Wolf Pack advanced to the third round with wins over Providence and Hershey before getting swept by Manchester. They were led by vet Chris Bourque in scoring with 17 points. Forward prospect Oscar Lindberg was second with 16 points including 13 assists. The 23-year old center who made his NHL debut could vie for a roster spot in September.