The New York Rangers secured a harder-than-expected 3-2 victory over the rebuilding San Jose Sharks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. The win, however, was overshadowed by an injury to forward Filip Chytil. The 25-year-old left the game in the second period following an awkward collision with teammate K’Andre Miller during a puck battle in the offensive zone.
The incident occurred as Chytil and Miller chased a loose puck, miscommunicated, and collided with each other as replays showed Miller’s elbow impacting on Chytil’s head. Chytil, who took the brunt of the impact, appeared shaken and required assistance before heading to the locker room.
While Chytil briefly returned to the bench later in the game, he was ultimately ruled out with an upper-body injury. Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette was asked for an update after the win, but he couldn’t provide much information about Chytil’s status. “Day to day,” Laviolette told reporters, per Mollie Walker of the New York Post. “Getting evaluated right now.” The concern is fair and obvious given Chytil’s history of head injuries, including a concussion that sidelined him for most of last season.
This season, Chytil has 4 goals and 5 assists in 14 games for the Rangers and has been a steady presence in the Rangers’ lineup. Even without Chytil on the ice, the Rangers had enough to fend off San Jose’s attempt at a comeback. Mika Zibanejad sparked a three-goal second period, scoring his eighth of the season to tie the game before Jimmy Vesey and Vincent Trocheck added goals to seal the victory. Igor Shesterkin made 25 saves, holding off a late push by the Sharks, who got goals from Timothy Liljegren and Fabian Zetterlund.
The win brings the Rangers to a 10-4-1 record good for 21 points and the third place in the Metropolitan Division behind the Carolina Hurricanes (22) and New Jersey Devils (26).
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