Lundqvist a game-time decision tomorrow, Vigneault challenges team

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Derek

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Henrik Lundqvist is a game-time decision for Game 2 after taking a Marc Staal stick to the right eye in the first period of Game 1 which blurred his vision. AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar/Getty Images

The Rangers got good news on Henrik Lundqvist today at practice. After taking an accidental stick from Marc Staal in his right eye, the Swedish King left Game 1 after the first period. By then, coach Alain Vigneault left him in too long. The injury occurred with 48.8 seconds left. The coach sent Lundqvist back out to end the period. Patric Hornqvist scored with 17.7 seconds left setting the tone for a Pens’ 5-2 victory.

“After the hit, it was blurry and hard to focus,” he told reporters after taking full part in practice and being the first goalie off. “That’s why I left the game. That night it improved. I’m lucky nothing bad happened.”

If his vision was blurry, why did Vigneault keep him in? It would’ve made sense to have backup Antti Raanta finish the period. Maybe the play with Connor Sheary setting up Hornqvist doesn’t happen. But then again, he out-hustled a lazy Dan Girardi, who stopped skating assuming it was icing. Still, you wonder if his vision led to the bad rebound which Hornqvist buried with three Rangers standing around.

Fortunately, it looks like Lundqvist should be able to play in Game 2. However, Vigneault said he was a “game-time decision.” Similar to Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, who played possum with the Rangers, who assumed Marc-Andre Fleury for the start of the series. Instead, they got third stringer Jeff Zatkoff, who had a successful playoff debut making 35 saves for his first postseason win. Fleury’s status remains the same with the goalie unclear if he’ll be ready.
As for Lundqvist, he added: “I felt pretty good. Saw a specialist. There’s no damage to the eye, it’s the swelling making it uncomfortable.”
If he can go, it would be a boost for the Rangers’ chances of gaining a split in Pittsburgh. However, Vigneault called out his top two lines. He wants more from them. Aside from Derek Stepan, who scored both their goals, there were too many passengers. Mats Zuccarello will remain with Stepan and Chris Kreider to start Game 2. Why he wasn’t with them from the start didn’t make sense. Rick Nash is reunited with J.T. Miller and Derick Brassard, who needs to be much better.
The third and fourth lines remain the same. Of the bottom six that includes deadline pick up Eric Staal and Kevin Hayes, Jesper Fast (8 hits) and Tanner Glass were the only forwards who gave maximum efforts. That’s not good enough. More is expected from their best players.
Vigneault wants to see it on the ice. The time is now.
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About Derek

Derek is a creative writer who enjoys taking photographs, working on poetry, and covering hockey. A free spirit who loves the outdoors, a diverse selection of music, and writing, he's a former St. John's University alumni with a degree in Sports Management. Derek covers the Rangers for Battle of Hudson and is a contributor to The Hockey Writers. His appreciation of art and nature are his true passions.
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