After playing in Game 3, Marc Staal was a surprising scratch in Game 4.  The only news we had was Ryan McDonagh saying that he felt Staal's decision to take himself out of the line-up for the good of the team was a brave one.

Staal further missed the optional skate yesterday, but did return to the ice today, and to questions from several reporters.  The 26 year old defender would not go into details about why he elected to scratch himself, but said that the practice before Game 4 did not go well, and that he didn't feel he would be able to help the team.

He further went on to say that he's unsure as to whether he'll play again in this series, and as a result Steve Eminger will once again dress tonight.

Marc Staal skating here this morning in DC

— Pat Leonard (@NYDNRangers) May 10, 2013

Staal is bag skating but good sign he's on ice

— Pat Leonard (@NYDNRangers) May 10, 2013

Marc Staal remains on ice with extras. Have to assume he's not playing tonight.

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) May 10, 2013

Staal says he can't play tonight, couldn't play Game 4. Won't get into specifics but says it's a day to day thing.

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) May 10, 2013

Spoke w/ Marc Staal. Interview will air on #NYR Gamenight at 6:30 on @msgnetworks. Suffice to say he is anguished by not being able to play.

— JOHN GIANNONE (@jaygeemsg) May 10, 2013

Marc Staal says there was nothing in Game 3 that made him decide to sit in Game 4. Didn't feel ready to go after AM skate Wednesday

— Pat Leonard (@NYDNRangers) May 10, 2013

Marc Staal says he's not sure if he'll be able to play at all again in this series.

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) May 10, 2013

Staal said he could not play for an injured defenseman if he felt like he did before Game 4

— Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) May 10, 2013

Marc Staal: "You get excited to get in that one (Game 3) and to have to sit and watch the next is certainly not easy."

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) May 10, 2013