Lundqvist Injured in Playoff Opener

A freak accident will leave New York Rangers goaltender day-to-day for their important series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Late in the 1st period last night, in the first matchup of the series, Henrik Lundqvist was at the top of his crease to cut down the angle on a shot from the point. His defenseman, Marc Staal, was battling for position in front of the net with Penguins forward Maxim Lapierre. The two were battling when Staal’s stick came up and caught Lundqvist in the face.

Unfortunately for Lundqvist, Staal’s stick went right through an eye hole and caught him right in the eye. The play looked scary as the Rangers netminder went down in a heap.

After receiving treatment from the trainers, Lundqvist stayed in the game. It was clear that he was still shaken up as he let in the next shot he faced.

Lundqvist would close out the remaining time before intermission, which wasn’t long, but did not return to the ice for the 2nd period. He made 10 saves on 11 shots before giving way to Antti Raanta.

The Penguins would go on to easily defeat New York by a final score of 5-2.

The Rangers star goaltender is currently scheduled to be evaluated again later today, and while it’s reported that there is no danger to his eyesight, Lundqvist may still be forced to sit indefinitely.