New York Rangers News
Chytil has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but will likely return to the lineup vs. New Jersey. Chytil will replace Sammy Blais, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL.
Chytil will miss his second straight game with an upper-body injury. The Rangers have been tight-lipped about how long Chytil will be sidelined but he remains on the active roster, which suggests he could play Sunday vs. the Devils.
Ruhwedel was activated from the COVID-19 protocol list for Thursday's game but he is ineligible to travel to Canada due to the Canadian government’s mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement following his previous positive tests for COVID-19.
Ruhwedel has missed the last three games while in COVID-19 protocol but was on the ice for Wednesday's practice and will be a game-time decision on Thursday. Ruhwedel skated on the third pairing with Marcus Pettersson (also a game-time decision) in the session.
Chytil was hurt in his first shift on Saturday and will not play Monday vs. the Panthers. With Chytil out, Kevin Rooney will likely serve as the Rangers' No.3 centre.
Shesterkin allowed six goals on 37 shots in the Rangers loss in Calgary on Saturday. The Rangers had a tough road trip and Shesterkin allowed a combined nine goals on 73 shots (.877 SV%). On Monday, he'll face a Panthers team that has yet to lose in regulation this season.
Chytil exited Saturday's game in Calgary after his first shift and did not return. Head coach Gerard Gallant did not have an update on Chytil's status post-game, so his availability for Monday's game remains in question. Julien Gauthier, who is currently the only reserve forward on the Rangers' roster, will likely replace Chytil if he can't play.