New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) reacts and falls to the ice in pain after being hit by the puck in the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins in game one of the Eastern Conference playoffs at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh on April 13, 2016. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI |
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New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist remains questionable for Saturday's Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and whether he plays will be a game-day decision.
Lundqvist was able to practice Friday after being poked in the eye area by a teammate's stick in Game 1 on Wednesday night.
If he plays, it would be the 112th straight playoff start for Lundqvist, a streak that began in 2006.
Although the signs point to Lundqvist being available for Saturday's game, Rangers coach Alain Vigneault did not declare that Lundqvist would start Game 2.
"Everybody wants to see how he's going to react to the strain of the practice," Vigneault said Friday in Pittsburgh.
Defenseman Marc Staal accidentally poked Lundqvist near the eye with his stick late in the first period of Game 1. Lundqvist stayed in the game but allowed the first goal of the game with 17.6 seconds remaining.
Lundqvist told the team's medical staff during the first intermission that he was having trouble with his vision. He did not return to the game.
Antti Raanta replaced him in goal and allowed three goals in the Rangers' 5-2 loss.
Lundqvist learned during a Thursday visit to a specialist that no serious damage had been done to his eye.
"We're taking it day-by-day here, but the practice was good," the netminder said. "But I'm very pleased with the way it felt."
Vigneault noted the importance of having Lundqvist in the lineup.
"I believe our team plays well in front of both our goaltenders," Vigneault said. "But there is a definite bonus in the fact that Hank has won so many big games for this team and this organization. If he can play tomorrow, it'll have a positive impact, there's no doubt in my mind."
Also, defenseman Dan Girardi did not skate Friday and will not play Saturday. His place in the lineup is expected to be taken by Dylan McIlrath.