Ryan McDonagh, who blocked a shot with his right hand in Columbus on April 4 and has since missed the final three regular-season games and the first two playoff games against the Penguins, has been cleared for contact. McDonagh is a full participant in today’s Rangers’ practice here at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Greenburgh, N.Y., though, during line drills, he skated as an extra pair along with Hartford (AHL) call-up Raphael Diaz. But he is in a regular practice jersey, not a non-contact jersey as he was last week. But McDonagh looks full-speed in his skating and has taken some strong wrist shots as well. Dan Girardi (undisclosed) is not skating. Getting McDonagh back would be a huge boost to the Rangers’ chances, even coming off Saturday’s defensively-sound 4-2 at Pittsburgh in Game 2. Here were the lines and defense pairs: Chris Kreider-Derek Stepan-Mats Zuccarello J.T. Miller-Derick Brassard-Rick Nash Eric Staal-Kevin Hayes-Jesper Fast Tanner Glass-Dominic Moore-Viktor Stalberg Extra forward: Oscar Lindberg Not on ice: Marek Hrivik Marc Staal-Kevin Klein Keith Yandle-Dylan McIlrath Brady Skjei-Dan Boyle Extra d-pair: Ryan McDonagh-Raphael Diaz Not on ice: Dan Girardi Henrik Lundqvist and Antti Raanta are both on ice and Magnus Hellberg looks as if he’s preparing to skate later.
Though McDonagh was not part of the top six defensemen during line drills, he’s been a big part of some of the other breakout and offensive-zone drills. And though Diaz was not part of the top six defensemen during line drills, he’s seeing time on the second power play unit during practice. In other words, seems lineup for Game 3 is very much TBD.
I'd get him back in, but maybe he misses one more game max, assuming no setbacks after todays practice.
1:44PM: While suggesting that McDonagh is doubtful, he added "stranger things have happened." (NYR) 1:25PM: Vigneault says that it's doubtful that McDonagh plays tomorrow but he is happy to have him back on the ice. (Michelle Yu)
If you were cleared to practice and are the captain of the team wouldn't you lobby to get yourself in there for game three?
Alain Vigneault said that Ryan McDonagh will meet with doctors this afternoon and then a decision will be made on if he is going to play. (NYR) Alain Vigneault said that he isn't as doubtful as he was yesterday that McDonagh could play. (Rosen)
He also skated with some of the extras this AM, so who knows what will happen. G also skated this AM.
I will be in the house tonight and it's well documented that they dont lose playoff games on my watch. Also if Mac is still out and I see fucking Diaz out there over McIlrath I will find AV after the game and fight him regardless of the outcome.
Would like to see McD back only if he is playoff healthy. I say playoff healthy knowing full well that few players out there are playing without something bothering them. As long as it doesn't impede his ability to be effective then I want him out there. Highly unlikely Diaz will be playing. He is 9th out of 9 dmen with the team right now. Have fun at the game Prod, wish I was going! However, keep in mind you will be held solely responsible for a Rangers defeat.
Thanks Grey! Won't let you guys down. We'll see a full 60 minute effort tonight. I want to agree with you, but this tweet from Zipay: "AV says if McDonagh doesn't play, has not made mind up on Diaz or McIlrath" does not give me the warm and fuzzies. Hopefully just some gamesmanship but with AV's use of McIlrath you never know.
Enjoy the game Prod and if Diaz in there for Dylan give AV a kick in the nuts for me too. Interesting decision on Mcd. May be able to play but doubt broken bone healed after 2 weeks. I'd be reluctant at least for today only because of the way the pens are using their sticks to slash and hack with the blind officials seeing nothing out there. One more good rap on that wrist and he's done for the playoffs. If he plays most likely Mcd in for dylan and either he or skjei plays on the off wing which goes against AV's own rd on right side ld on left side philosophy. I would keep Dylan in there since he settled down after the first 2 shifts of nerves and gives us a physical presence and keeps Mcd on the left side. As Dump said the right move that AV will never do is put Mcd in and scratch Boyle who has been useless and keeps our best defenders in on their strong sides. Is this the night that Nash wakes up? Yeah I know no f'ing way but eventually even the blind squirrel finds the nut(or I mean net).
I don't feel confident tonight. I don't want Rangers to have a big head going into this game tonight. They don't do well after wins this entire season.
An injured McD is far better than a healthy Diaz!!!!!!! But I'm not going to hold my breath on McD's playing.
