Day: October 27, 2016

Fourth line forward Josh Jooris left last night’s game against the Boston Bruins after the first period and did not return.  The Rangers later confirmed that the 26 year old would be likely heading to Injjry Reserve following diagnosis of a a separated shoulder.

Vigneault adds Buchnevich will play tmrw. Kreider skated this morning, unlikely thru Sunday. Jooris out 3-4 weeks with shoulder injury. #NYR

The chances of Dylan McIlrath sticking with the Rangers took a substantial hit today with news that the Rangers have placed him on waivers with intent to assign him to Hartford.  The immediate risk to his future on Broadway will of course be the possibility of another team claiming him for nothing.

Even with Jooris eligible for IR, Rangers weren't going to keep 8 defensemen…hence, McIlrath on waivers…probably 50/50 on claim.

The Rangers were staring down the barrel of some tough roster decisions to reach the NHL’s 23 man roster and their own stated 22 man salary cap savings roster. Unfortunately for Josh Jooris he suffered a shoulder injury last night and looks to be headed for a extended injury reserve stay, alleviating Ranger management immediate decisions to reach the league maximum 23 man roster, when Pavel Buchnevich and Chris Kreider‘s return. Brandon Pirri‘s name was mentioned along with Jooris as being on the bubble but Pirri probably cemented a permanent roster spot with last night’s 2 goal effort, leaving speculators to wonder why Pirri wasn’t playing with J.T. Miller and Kevin Hayes instead of Michael Grabner, but that’s another story for another day.

On defense with a healthy eight skaters someone will be going at some point in time, as all indications are the Rangers want to only carry 22 players, to as mentioned maximize salary cap savings. Assuming Dylan McIlrath and Adam Clendening are ranked 7 and 8 in no particular order, it’s pretty obvious it’s going to be one of them. For now Nick Holden and his nightly blunders like last nights first Bruin goal appears safe.

During the second period of last night’s 5-2 comeback win, Dan Girardi was looking up, attempting to deflect an airborne puck in center ice.  While Girardi’s attention was thus diverted, Bruins forward David Pastrnak hit the unprepared Blueshirt defender, making contact with his head in the process, and possibly leaving his feet to effect the contact.

Pastrnak was awarded a minor penalty for a hit to the head, while Girardi initially lay prone, but recovered to skate off the ice under his own power.  Following NHL protocol, Girardi was assessed for a possible concussion, a test that he was able to pass allowing for his return to the game.