Ryan Lindgren could return for Rangers against Avalanche
Ryan Lindgren could return from a lower-body injury when the New York Rangers visit the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday.
The defenseman, who’s missed four games, skated in his usual spot next to Adam Fox on New York’s top defensive pairing during the morning skate. Jacob Trouba, who’s also recovering from a lower-body injury, and Brandon Scanlin, who made his NHL debut in the 6-5 overtime win against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, are likely to be scratched. Each skated on a fourth defensive pairing and then remained on the ice after the morning skate concluded.
“We’ve got some game-time decisions tonight,” coach Peter Laviolette said. “But it’s nice to see [Lindgren] and Jacob out on the ice and in full colors. So, that’s a positive for us.”
The Rangers are 3-1-0 without Lindgren in the lineup. He sustained what appeared to be an in injury to his left leg/knee against the New York Islanders on March 17. A notoriously fierce competitor and quick healer, Lindgren would be back in less than two weeks if he plays against the Avalanche.
“It really shouldn’t surprise us with him,” Laviolette said. “He seems to be back on the early side of everything.”
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Ryan Lindgren’s possible return among Rangers’ lineup decisions against Avalanche
The Rangers will remain without defenseman Erik Gustafsson, who sustained an upper-body injury against the Florida Panthers on Saturday and has missed one game. Trouba likely will miss his 11th straight game. The Rangers are 9-2-0 without their captain in lineup.
“Guys have come in and played really well,” Fox said. “Injuries happen throughout the year for a lot of teams, and we’ve been no different this year. I think having guys that are able to come in and just keep that momentum going has been great for us.”
Zac Jones has played 10 consecutive games and Chad Ruhwedel four for the Rangers because of the injuries to the blue line. Scanlin played more than 10 minutes Tuesday in his NHL debut.
Alex Wennberg rejoined the team after missing the Flyers game for the birth of his child. He will be back in the lineup, centering the third line with Kaapo Kakko and Jonny Brodzinski. Though Laviolette didn’t say who’s coming out to open a spot for Wennberg, it’d appear to be Matt Rempe, who stayed on after the skate. Will Cuylle likely will play on the fourth line.
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