The New York Rangers held their morning skate with many of the regulars not participating.
Included in those that did not participate was Barclay Goodrow, who blocked a 90+ mph slapshot from Victor Hedman late in the third period of Game 3. The gritty forward could barely get off the ice and headed down the runway to the locker room.
Fortunately, he did not miss a shift and is expected to play per head coach Gerard Gallant.
Ryan Strome did skate but according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA, he didn’t last long and looked uncomfortable in the process.
“I hope he’s ready. I think he’s ready to go tonight,” Gallant said. “The trainers will tell me after they assess them all.”
Strome was injured during the second period of the Rangers 3-2 loss on Sunday. Tampa forward Ondrej Palat delivered a crosscheck to an unsuspecting Strome throwing him off balance and causing a lower-body injury that forced him out of the contest.
UPDATE: Ryan Strome late scratch for Game 4
Sammy Blais practices in a full contact jersey
Sammy Blais was a full participant in practice today per multiple reports and even put some extra work in afterwards.
Apparently the head coach had no idea.
“The first I’ve heard it. And it’s true! That’s the first I’ve heard it,” Gallant said with a smile. “I had no idea he switched jerseys today.”
When asked by USA Today’s Vince Mercogliano if he felt that Blais was still a long shot for this series, Gallant confirmed he’s unlikely.
“I’d love to see him out there though,” he added.
Blais, 25, was placed on LTIR after a questionable collision with New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban back in November that tore his ACL. The pending RFA collected 4 points (all assists) in 14 games this season.
New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Schedule
| GM 1: Rangers 6-2 | 8PM ET | (ESPN, CBC, SN, TVAS) |
| GM 2: Rangers 3-2 | 8PM ET | (ESPN, CBC, SN, TVAS) |
| GM 3: Lightning 3-2 | 3PM ET | (ESPN, CBC, SN, TVAS) |
| GM 4: Tuesday, 6/7 @TB | 8PM ET | (ESPN, CBC, SN, TVAS) |
| GM 5: Thursday, 6/9 @NYR | 8PM ET | (ESPN, CBC, SN, TVAS) |
| GM 6: Saturday, 6/11 @TB* | 8PM ET | (ESPN, CBC, SN, TVAS) |
| GM 7: Tuesday, 6/14 @NYR* | 8PM ET | (ESPN, CBC, SN, TVAS) |
*If necessary
NHL News and Rumors
- The Colorado Avalanche beat the Edmonton Oilers in OT to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
- Boston Bruins stunningly fire head coach Bruce Cassidy.
- NHL Rumors: Will the Toronto Maple Leafs let goalie Jack Campbell walk?
- Kyle Connor wins Lady Byng, Nazem Kadri has thumb surgery, and more
